How to Title a Private Car Sale in North Carolina

Step by step

1. 1

   Complete the back of the title

   You and the seller fill in the buyer’s name and address, the date of sale, the seller’s signature and printed name, the odometer reading if required, and the damage disclosure. A North Carolina title must be notarized. If liens are shown, get a lien release.

2. 2

   Fill out the forms

   Complete the Title Application (MVR-1), which must be notarized, and the Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181). For a vehicle less than 10 years old, also complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180).

3. 3

   Get North Carolina insurance

   Liability insurance from a North Carolina-licensed provider is required before plates are issued. Out-of-state policies are not accepted.

4. 4

   Apply within 28 days

   Submit the title transfer within 28 days of the sale or delivery date, whichever is later, to avoid a $20 late penalty. Bring your North Carolina driver’s license or ID.

5. 5

   Pay the tax and fees

   The highway use tax is 3% of the vehicle’s market value, which NCDMV sets from its value schedule, less any trade-in allowance the seller gives you. There is no cap on a passenger vehicle bought in a sale.

   The title is $66.75 and registration is $46.25 a year. Electric vehicles add $214.50 and plug-in hybrids $107.25. Wake, Durham, and Orange counties add $17 in registration taxes. County property tax can be paid at registration or deferred for 60 days.