North Carolina DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In North Carolina

No matter how you acquire your vehicle, whether you buy it from a dealership or receive it as a gift from a relative, you’ll need a title transfer before it can be put back on the road.

The following offers an in-depth FAQ that can help answer some your questions about this process.

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) takes care of titling and registration issues throughout the state. If you need to know how to find the right dmv title transfer form or properly filled out a how to fill out transfer of title form, you can give your local office a call for more information.

What Are North Carolina’s Title Transfer Requirements?

So, what do you need to transfer a car title? Turns out the requirements are relatively straightforward. You’ll need the actual vehicle title for most transfers, along with a bill of sale and a lien release if there any liens listed on the title.

You’ll also need to complete and have notarized a title application.

You’ll also need to fill out and turn in a Damage Disclosure Statement as well as an Odometer Disclosure Statement if your vehicle is less than 10 years old.

Don’t forget that you’ll need your driver’s license as well as another ID that can be used as proof of identity. North Carolina also requires proof of liability auto insurance coverage before the title transfer can commence.

Where Can I Complete A Title Transfer?

You’ll need to visit your local NC DMV office in order to complete your title transfer. By using the DMV office locator map, you’ll be able to find an office in your county.

Business hours may vary depending on location, so it’s a good idea to call ahead for the latest opening and closing times.

How Soon Can I Transfer My Title?

The NC DMV offices in Charlotte and Raleigh offer instant title services that allow an official title to be issued and given over the counter on the same day.

You can also order instant titles and other office locations, but it may take the next business day for your instant title to be mailed. Instant titles are not available if you plan on requesting a duplicate title.

How Much Is A Title Transfer In North Carolina?

Right about now, you’re probably wondering asking yourself “how much does it cost to transfer a car title?” The NC DMV charges $52 to issue a title, along with a three-percent Highway Use Tax.

The DMV also charges a $20 late fee if you purchase or receive a vehicle and wait more than 28 days to have the title properly transferred.

You’ll also face additional title transfer fees if you opt for an instant title. The cost of an instant title is $98 plus the original title fee. The NC DMV also charges a $20 fee to remove liens, issue duplicate titles and correct errors or change names on existing titles.

How To Transfer A Gifted Or Donated Vehicle

Knowing how to transfer a car title to a family member can come in handy if you have a child or sibling in need of a vehicle of their own.

If you plan on gifting your vehicle to a close relative or donating your vehicle to charity, you can follow the title transfer process previously mentioned above.

Gifting a vehicle to your spouse, child, stepchild, parents or stepparents also makes you exempt from the Highway Use Tax. You’ll need to fill out and submit a Highway Use Tax Exemption Certification form in order to qualify.

Transferring Car Ownership Without A Title

If you want to know how to transfer ownership of a car without a title, you’re in the right place.

Registered vehicle owners whose original titles were lost most apply for a duplicate title before continuing with the title transfer. Each duplicate title application requires a 15-day waiting period before it can be successfully processed and fulfilled.

How To Transfer A NC Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

If you’re transferring a vehicle title from an owner who recently passed away, you’ll need supporting documents to facilitate the title transfer.

These documents may include:

• A certified death certificate.
• A copy of the probated will.
• Letters of Administration, Testamentary or Executor.
• A signed and notarized Release of Heirs form (MVR-317).

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

It’s a rare situation, but also one that warrants attention. North Carolina gives vehicle owners 28 days to properly transfer their titles, with financial penalties assessed beyond that point.

If you signed over your title to a new owner who fails to have the title properly transferred, you should contact your local NC DMV office for assistance.

NC DMV Hours And Contact Information

For any questions specific to your situation regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of North Carolina, for NC DMV hours or to find the nearest NC DMV location to you, visit the official North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About North Carolina Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of North Carolina.