Maintaining up-to-date Car Tags is essential for all vehicle owners in North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) makes renewing your vehicle registration, commonly known as car tags, convenient through various methods. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about North Carolina car tag renewals, ensuring you stay compliant and on the road legally.
Convenient Car Tag Renewal Options
North Carolina offers multiple pathways to renew your car tags, catering to different preferences and needs. You can choose from online renewal, self-service kiosks, mail, or visiting a license plate agency. The Tag & Tax Together program in North Carolina streamlines this process, combining vehicle registration renewal with vehicle property tax collection. This means you handle both at the same time, simplifying your annual vehicle administration.
Renewing Your Car Tags Online
The NCDMV provides a user-friendly online service for car tag renewals through PayIt. This platform allows you to manage multiple transactions in one visit. To renew online, you’ll need your vehicle’s license plate number and the last five digits of your vehicle title number. Both of these can be found on your renewal notice, previous registration card, or your MyDMV account.
While online renewal offers significant convenience, it’s important to note that PayIt charges a $3 transaction fee plus a 1.85% card processing fee. These fees support the efficient delivery of services without burdening the NCDMV with upfront costs. If you prefer to avoid these fees, alternative renewal methods are available.
Utilizing Self-Service Kiosks for Car Tag Renewal
For those seeking an in-person, yet quick renewal option, self-service kiosks are an excellent choice. NCDMV is piloting kiosks at select Harris Teeter locations, offering a convenient way to renew your car tags while you shop for groceries. These kiosks provide a simple, automated process for renewing your vehicle registration on the spot.
Learn More about Self-Service Kiosks
Important Considerations for North Carolina Car Tag Renewals
Several factors are crucial to ensure a smooth car tag renewal process in North Carolina.
Pre-Renewal Requirements
Before you can renew your car tags, your vehicle typically needs to pass a safety and/or emissions inspection within 90 days of your current tag’s expiration. It’s also mandatory to maintain continuous North Carolina liability insurance on your vehicle for registration renewal.
Learn more about vehicle inspections
Learn more about insurance requirements
Potential Registration Blocks
Certain circumstances might prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. These are known as registration stops or “blocks.” It’s advisable to review the list of potential blocks and address any issues before attempting to renew your car tags.
Review potential registration blocks
Understanding Vehicle Taxes
Questions related to vehicle tax values and appeals should be directed to the tax assessor in the county where your vehicle is registered, not the NCDMV. The NCDMV is responsible for collecting these taxes as part of the Tag & Tax Together program, but valuation and appeals are handled at the county level.
Late Renewal Penalties
While North Carolina grants a 15-day grace period after your car tag expiration date, renewing late incurs a late fee of up to $25. To avoid this extra cost, it’s best to renew your car tags before the expiration date.
What if You Lose Your Renewal Notice?
Don’t worry if you lose or don’t receive your renewal notice. A renewal notice is not mandatory for renewing your car tags. You can still renew online, at a kiosk, by mail, or at a license plate agency. If you wish to request a notice, you can contact NCDMV.
Stay Updated on Car Tag Information
It’s important to stay informed about any changes or updates related to car tags and vehicle registration. For example, currently, there is a suspension on the replacement of license plates older than six years due to an aluminum shortage. This measure ensures sufficient materials for first-time plates.
Conclusion: Renew Your Car Tags Promptly
Renewing your North Carolina car tags is a straightforward process with multiple convenient options available. Whether you choose the ease of online renewal, the speed of a self-service kiosk, or prefer traditional methods, ensure you renew your vehicle registration on time. Staying proactive with your car tag renewals keeps you legally compliant and avoids unnecessary late fees.
