NC DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide

New residents of North Carolina must register their vehicles and obtain NC driver's licenses within 60 days of establishing residency. Here's everything you need to know.

NC Driver's License

Who Needs a NC License?

• Anyone establishing residency in North Carolina
• Within 60 days of moving to NC
• Military stationed in NC may keep home state license

Required Documents

Proof of Age/Identity (one of):

• Valid US passport
• Certified birth certificate + photo ID
• Valid out-of-state license

Proof of Residency (two of):

• Utility bill
• Lease agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Bank statement
• Pay stub

Social Security Number

• Social Security card, OR
• W-2 form, OR
• Pay stub showing full SSN

Application Process

1. Visit an NC DMV License Office
2. Submit required documents
3. Pass vision test
4. Take written test (if out-of-state)
5. Take road test (if required)
6. Pay fees ($5.50 for 8-year license)
7. Receive temporary license (permanent arrives in 10-14 days)

Note: If transferring from another state, the written test may be waived depending on your current license status.

Fayetteville DMV Locations

Fayetteville Driver License Office

• Address: 727 E. Russell Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
• Phone: 919-715-7000
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Tip: Arrive early - waits can be long

Appointments: Available online at ncdot.gov/dmv (highly recommended)

Vehicle Registration

Timeline

Within 60 days of establishing residency in North Carolina.

Required Documents

• Valid NC driver's license
• Vehicle title (properly assigned to you)
• Proof of insurance (meeting NC minimum requirements)
• Completed title application
• Odometer disclosure (if applicable)

NC Insurance Requirements

Minimum coverage required:

• Bodily injury: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
• Property damage: $25,000 per accident

Registration Process

1. Obtain NC auto insurance
2. Complete title application
3. Visit NC DMV License Plate Agency
4. Submit documents and title
5. Pay highway use tax (3% of vehicle value)
6. Pay title fee ($56) and plate fee ($36)
7. Receive license plate and registration

Costs

• Highway Use Tax: 3% of vehicle value
• Title Fee: $56
• License Plate: $36
• Total: Varies by vehicle value (minimum ~$92 + tax)

Example: $20,000 vehicle = $600 tax + $92 fees = $692 total

Vehicle Inspection

North Carolina requires annual safety inspections.

When Required

• Within 30 days of registering your vehicle in NC
• Annually thereafter (month indicated on registration)

What's Checked

• Brakes
• Lights
• Steering
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Exhaust system

Where to Get Inspected

Any licensed NC inspection station (most repair shops, dealerships).

Cost: $13.60 for safety inspection

Inspection Sticker

The inspection sticker displays the month your vehicle inspection expires and must be displayed on your windshield.

Special Situations

Active Duty Military

• May keep home state registration and license
• Must have current vehicle registration from home state
• Must have valid home state license
• Must carry military ID and orders

Newly Purchased Vehicles

• 28 days to title and register
• Obtain temporary tag from dealer
• Sales tax applies (3%)

Leased Vehicles

• Same registration requirements
• Leasing company typically handles title
• Obtain registration copy for vehicle

Out-of-State Title Liens

If your vehicle has a lien from another state:

• NC will record the lien
• Provide lienholder information
• Original title sent to NC DMV

Military Exemptions

Active duty military stationed in NC may:

• Keep home state driver's license
• Keep home state vehicle registration
• Not pay NC highway use tax
• Must keep current registration from home state

Documents to Carry:

• Valid home state license
• Valid home state registration
• Military ID
• Copy of orders

Common Questions

Q: Do I need to retake a driving test? A: Usually not if transferring from another US state with a valid license.

Q: Can I register my vehicle before getting a NC license? A: No - you must have a valid NC driver's license first.

Q: How long does the title process take? A: You receive plates and registration immediately. The title arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks.

Q: What if I'm military? A: You may maintain your home state license and registration.

Resources

Online Services

• NCDMV: ncdot.gov/dmv
• Online Appointments: ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/appointment-scheduler
• Forms & Information: ncdot.gov/dmv/help

Phone Support

• NCDMV: 919-715-7000
• Fayetteville DMV: 919-715-7000

In-Person Help

• Fayetteville Driver License Office: 727 E. Russell Street

Pro Tip: Make an appointment online to skip the walk-in wait times.

Setting up your NC driver's license and vehicle registration early prevents last-minute stress and keeps you legal on North Carolina roads.