What you need to do to transfer a car title in North Carolina

In North Carolina, you transfer a car title by submitting paperwork to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process involves filling out a form, providing proof of ownership, and paying a fee. Most transfers happen when you buy or sell a used car, but you may also transfer a title if you inherit a vehicle, receive one as a gift, or move to North Carolina from another state.

The exact steps depend on whether you are buying a car, selling one, or transferring ownership for another reason. North Carolina requires the seller to sign the title document and the buyer to submit it along with other paperwork within a specific timeframe. The DMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in the buyer's name.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit the signed title, a completed process for Certificate of Title form, and proof of ownership to the North Carolina DMV within 20 days of purchase.
  • The seller signs the back of the title document, and the buyer cannot register the vehicle until the title transfer is complete.
  • The transfer fee in North Carolina is $20, plus any applicable registration fees if you are also registering the vehicle.
  • You can submit your paperwork in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third-party agent such as a car dealership or title service.
  • If the title is lost or damaged, you must request a duplicate from the DMV before you can transfer ownership.

Documents the seller must provide

The seller is responsible for signing the title and giving it to the buyer. On the back of the North Carolina title, the seller writes their name, the date, and their signature in the designated spaces. The seller should also provide the buyer with the odometer reading at the time of sale, which goes on the title as well.

If the title is held by a lender (because the car is financed), the seller must contact the lender to request the title or a lien release document. Some lenders send the title directly to the DMV or to the buyer's lender. The seller should clarify this with their lender before the sale closes so there are no delays.

The seller should also give the buyer a bill of sale, even though North Carolina does not require it for the DMV. A bill of sale is a written record of the transaction and protects both parties. It should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures.

Documents the buyer must submit to the DMV

The buyer needs to submit the signed title, a completed process for Certificate of Title (Form MVR-14), and proof of ownership to the DMV. Proof of ownership is usually the signed title itself, but if the title is missing, you will need to request a duplicate from the previous owner or the DMV.

You will also need to provide proof of your North Carolina address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you are financing the vehicle, your lender's name and address must be included on the process. The DMV uses this information to issue a new title in your name and to note any lien if the vehicle is financed.

If you are transferring a title from out of state, you will need the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of a passing vehicle inspection. North Carolina requires all vehicles to pass an inspection before the title can be transferred. You can have the inspection done at any authorized inspection station before you submit your paperwork to the DMV.

How to submit your paperwork

You have three ways to submit a title transfer in North Carolina: in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized agent. The fastest method is in person, because the DMV can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing. You can find your nearest DMV office and hours on the North Carolina DMV website.

If you mail your paperwork, send it to the address listed on the process for Certificate of Title form. Include the signed title, the completed form, proof of address, and a check or money order for the $20 transfer fee. Mail takes longer, and if documents are missing or incomplete, the DMV will return them and you will have to resubmit.

Many car dealerships and title services are authorized to handle transfers on your behalf. They charge a fee for this service, usually between $50 and $150, but they handle all the paperwork and submission. This option is useful if you do not have time to visit the DMV or if you are buying from a dealership that offers this as part of the sale.

Timeline and fees

North Carolina law gives you 20 days from the date of purchase to submit your title transfer paperwork to the DMV. If you miss this important date, you may face a late fee or be unable to register the vehicle. The DMV recommends submitting paperwork as soon as possible after the sale.

The transfer fee is $20. If you are also registering the vehicle for the first time in North Carolina, you will pay registration fees in addition to the transfer fee. Registration fees vary based on the vehicle's weight and age. You can find the registration fee for your vehicle on the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office.

Processing time varies depending on how you submit your paperwork. In-person submissions are usually processed the same day or within a few days. Mail submissions typically take two to four weeks. Once the DMV processes your transfer, they will mail the new title to you at the address you provided on the process.

What to do if the title is lost or damaged

If the seller cannot locate the title or it is damaged beyond use, you will need to request a duplicate from the DMV before the transfer can be completed. The seller can request a duplicate by submitting an process for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MVR-14D) along with proof of ownership and a $20 fee.

The DMV will mail the duplicate title to the seller, who then signs it and gives it to you. This adds time to the transfer process, so it is worth asking the seller about the title before you agree to buy the vehicle. If the seller cannot produce a title and refuses to request a duplicate, you may not be able to complete the purchase.

Transferring a title if you inherit a vehicle or receive one as a gift

If you inherit a car, you will need a copy of the will or a court document showing that you are the legal heir. You submit this along with the original title, a completed process for Certificate of Title, and the $20 transfer fee to the DMV. The process is similar to a regular title transfer, but the DMV may ask for additional documentation to verify your right to the vehicle.

If someone gives you a car as a gift, the donor signs the title over to you just as a seller would. You then submit the signed title, the process form, and the transfer fee to the DMV. Some people list the sale price as $0 on the bill of sale to document that it was a gift, though this is not required by the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

You can drive the car with a bill of sale and proof of insurance while waiting for the new title, but you cannot register it or get license plates until the DMV completes the transfer. Some people drive on temporary tags issued by the dealership during this time. Check with your local DMV office about what documentation you need to drive legally while the transfer is pending.

What if the seller's name on the title does not match their ID?

The DMV will not process the transfer if the name on the title does not match the seller's identification. The seller must contact the DMV to correct the name on the title before the sale can be completed. This can delay the process, so it is worth checking the title against the seller's ID before you agree to buy the vehicle.

Do I need to have the car inspected before I transfer the title?

You need an inspection if you are transferring a title from out of state. If you are buying a used car from someone in North Carolina, the inspection is not required for the title transfer, but you will need one before you can register the vehicle. Plan to have the inspection done at an authorized station before or shortly after you submit your title transfer paperwork.

What happens if I do not transfer the title within 20 days?

If you do not submit your paperwork within 20 days, the DMV may assess a late fee or refuse to process the transfer. You may also be unable to register the vehicle or renew your registration. Contact your local DMV office as soon as possible if you have missed the important date to find out what steps you need to take.

Can someone else submit the title transfer paperwork for me?

Yes, you can authorize someone else to submit the paperwork on your behalf, or you can use an authorized agent like a dealership or title service. If you send someone to the DMV in person, they will need a signed power of attorney from you. Dealerships and title services typically handle this as part of their service.