❗️Quick Info: After setting up residence in North Carolina, you have a 60-day window to switch your out-of-state driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Welcome to North Carolina! From the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy shores of the Outer Banks, North Carolina offers an incredible blend of culture, nature, and southern hospitality. As you start your new chapter here, it’s crucial to have all your driving credentials to enjoy what this beautiful state has to offer fully.
Process for Obtaining a License in North Carolina
- Visit a NCDMV Office: You have a 60-day window from establishing residency to switching your out-of-state driver’s license. Schedule an appointment first to expedite the process.
- Documentation: Prepare the following for your visit:
- Out-of-state license or a document verifying identity and date of birth.
- Social Security card or another document proving your Social Security number.
- Two documents verifying your physical address in North Carolina (only one required if not obtaining an NC REAL ID).
- For those not born in the U.S., a document proving legal presence/lawful status.
- Proof of liability insurance coverage from a North Carolina-licensed provider.
- Cost: The standard Class C driver’s license costs $5 annually. This means you’d pay $40 for an 8-year license duration.
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Vehicle Registration in North Carolina
- Timeframe: Upon acquiring your North Carolina driver’s license, you typically have 30 days (or upon employment) to register your out-of-state vehicle.
- Register In-Person: At a local license plate agency, provide:
- The Vehicle title or a registration card if the title is held by a lender.
- A completed MVR-1 Title Application.
- MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure (not required for vehicles over 10 years).
- A North Carolina driver’s license or valid out-of-state license with a North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate.
- Registration Fees and Use Taxes:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $56 |
| Highway-use tax | 3% of vehicle value (not to exceed $250) |
| Standard plate fee | $38.75 |
| Standard plate fee in Randolph County | $39.75 |
| Standard plate fee in Durham, Orange and Wake counties | $53.75 |
Emissions Testing in North Carolina: The state mandates emissions tests for vehicles in the below 19 counties. But you may register your vehicle before completing an emissions test. Before renewing your registration next, an emissions certificate is required.
Counties requiring annual emissions inspections:
| Alamance | Johnston |
| Buncombe | Lincoln |
| Cabarrus | Mecklenburg |
| Cumberland | New Hanover |
| Davidson | Randolph |
| Durham | Rowan |
| Forsyth | Wake |
| Franklin | Union |
| Gaston | |
| Guilford | |
| Iredell |
Conclusion: North Carolina, with its mix of vibrant cities and tranquil countryside, promises a life filled with adventures and experiences. As you embark on this journey, ensure you seamlessly transition your driving and vehicle registration documents. Welcome to North Carolina, and happy driving!
