What You Need to Do to Transfer a Car Title in North Carolina

To transfer a car title in North Carolina, you fill out Form MVR-14 (process for Certificate of Title), gather proof of ownership and identity, pay a fee, and submit everything to your county's Division of Motor Vehicles office. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it in, or you can do it in person at your local DMV office for faster service. You will need the current title, a bill of sale or proof of purchase, your driver's license, and proof of North Carolina residency.

The exact steps depend on whether you are buying the car from a private seller, inheriting it, or transferring it between family members. Each situation requires slightly different documents, but the core form and fee remain the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Form MVR-14 is the official North Carolina title transfer form, and you can read it from the DMV website or pick it up at your local office.
  • You must have the current title signed by the previous owner, a bill of sale showing the purchase price, and a government-issued ID to prove your identity.
  • The title transfer fee varies by county but typically ranges from $20 to $50, and you pay it when you submit your paperwork.
  • Mailing your documents takes about two weeks; visiting a DMV office in person is faster and lets you resolve problems on the spot.
  • If you are buying from a private seller, get the bill of sale signed and dated by both of you before you go to the DMV.

Gather Your Documents Before You Go

Start by collecting the current title, which the previous owner must sign and date in the space marked "Seller's Signature." If the title is lost or damaged, the previous owner can request a duplicate from their county DMV office before the sale closes. Do not attempt to transfer without the original title unless you have written permission from the DMV to proceed without it.

Next, get a bill of sale. This is a straightforward document that shows who sold the car, who bought it, the sale price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date of sale. Both the buyer and seller must sign and date it. You can use the form provided by the North Carolina DMV, or you can write one yourself as long as it includes all the required information. The bill of sale protects both parties and gives the DMV proof that the transaction was legitimate.

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or military ID. You will also need proof that you live in North Carolina, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are transferring the title to someone else in your household, that person must be present or provide a notarized power of attorney.

Complete Form MVR-14 Correctly

Form MVR-14 is the official process for Certificate of Title. read it from the North Carolina DMV website, or pick up a copy at your local DMV office. Fill it out in black or blue ink—do not use pencil. Print clearly and do not cross out mistakes; if you make an error, start with a fresh form.

The form asks for the vehicle's VIN, the current owner's name and address, the new owner's name and address, the odometer reading, and the purchase price. It also has a section for the previous owner's signature and the date of sale. Make sure the VIN matches exactly what appears on the current title and the vehicle itself. If the numbers do not match, contact the DMV before submitting.

If you are buying the car from a dealer instead of a private seller, the dealer may fill out part of the form for you. Always double-check that the information is correct before you sign.

Where and How to Submit Your Paperwork

You can transfer your title by mail or in person. To mail it, send Form MVR-14, the signed title, the bill of sale, a copy of your ID, and proof of residency to your county's Division of Motor Vehicles office. Include a check or money order for the transfer fee made out to "North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles." Mail it to the address listed on the DMV website for your county. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives it.

To do it in person, visit your local DMV office during business hours with all the same documents and your payment. Bring the original title and bill of sale, not copies. You can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office. In-person service is usually faster—you may walk out with a temporary title the same day, and the permanent title arrives by mail within two weeks.

If you cannot go in person, you can authorize someone else to submit the paperwork on your behalf by signing a power of attorney form. The DMV website has a template you can use.

Title Transfer Fees and Payment

The fee to transfer a title in North Carolina depends on your county. Most counties charge between $20 and $50. Some counties charge a flat rate; others charge based on the vehicle's age or value. Check your county's DMV website or call ahead to confirm the exact amount before you go.

If you are transferring the title to a spouse or when ready family member, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee or exemption. Ask the DMV office when you submit your paperwork, or check the county website to see if your situation qualifies.

Payment methods vary by county. Most offices take cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are mailing your documents, send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the DMV receives your paperwork, they will verify that all the information is correct and that the title is legitimate. If everything checks out, they will issue a new title in your name. If something is missing or incorrect, they will contact you—usually by phone or mail—and ask you to resubmit or provide additional documents. This is why keeping your contact information current is important.

If you submitted in person, you may receive a temporary title document that day. This temporary title is valid for 30 days and lets you drive the car legally while you wait for the permanent title to arrive by mail. The permanent title usually arrives within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact your county DMV office to check the status.

Once you receive the new title, keep it in a safe place. You will need it if you ever sell the car, trade it in, or transfer it again.

Special Situations: Inheritance, Gifts, and Family Transfers

If you are inheriting a car, the process is similar but requires additional documents. You will need the death certificate of the previous owner, a copy of the will or a letter of testamentary from the court, and proof that you are the legal heir. The bill of sale is not required for an inheritance, but you still need Form MVR-14 and proof of your identity and residency.

If someone is giving you a car as a gift, you still need a bill of sale, but the purchase price line can show "$0" or "gift." Both the giver and the receiver must sign it. The title transfer fee still applies.

If you are transferring a title between spouses or to a dependent child, some counties waive or reduce the fee. Bring a marriage certificate or birth certificate as proof of the relationship. Ask the DMV office whether your county offers this exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title is transferred?

No. You should not drive the car until you have submitted the title transfer paperwork and received a temporary title or receipt from the DMV. Driving without a valid title in your name can result in a traffic stop and a fine. If you buy the car on a Friday and the DMV is closed, wait until Monday to drive it.

What if the previous owner will not sign the title?

Contact your county DMV office when ready. If the previous owner refuses to sign, you may not have a legal claim to the vehicle. The DMV can advise you on whether you have other options, such as filing a complaint or obtaining a court order. Do not pay for the car until the title is signed.

How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?

The permanent title usually arrives within two to three weeks of the DMV receiving your paperwork. If you submitted in person, you may get a temporary title the same day. If the title does not arrive within three weeks, call your county DMV office to check the status or request a replacement.

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

No. A vehicle inspection is not required for a title transfer. However, North Carolina does require a safety inspection before you can register the car and get license plates. You can do the inspection before or after the title transfer, but you must have it before you legally drive the car on public roads.

What if I bought the car out of state?

If you bought the car in another state and are now moving to North Carolina, you will need to transfer the out-of-state title to a North Carolina title. Bring the out-of-state title, Form MVR-14, your ID, proof of residency, and the bill of sale to your local DMV office. The process is the same as a standard title transfer, and the fee is the same.