
In North Carolina, a person must register their car every year with the DMV. They will need a title or certificate of ownership from the previous owner. Because when it comes to car registration, most people have a hard time remembering the requirements. It can become an issue for those who buy cars from friends or family members since they don’t know if the purchase is legal or not.
When you are not sure of your rights when registering a car without a title in North Carolina, this article will guide you. We provide an easy and fast way to write a vehicle without a title in North Carolina. You don’t require dealing with any concerns with your registration after reading this.
How to Register a Car without Title in NC

A record showing license is its title. If the title is lost or damaged, it can replace with a duplicate title. The same title is available from the state DMV office of your state. Steps to register a car without title in North Carolina:
- Visit the North Carolina DMV website to know the necessary documents required for registration.
- Apply for license plates and registration at the DMV office.
- File the same title in NC with the appropriate documents.
- The laws of North Carolina permit a private party to register a vehicle to obtain the title. However, this process of writing a car without a title is very similar to registering it with an owner’s title.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a valid title documented in North Carolina, you should watch for this detail.
- First, contact your local DMV office to find out where they locate. You can also find their hours on their website by searching for “DMV.”
- Second, visit your local DMV office and ask them how to register a car without title in North Carolina. They will notify you of what documents are needed and what fees are associated with getting one.
- Third, bring your car registration.
- Fourth, bring an odometer reading from the seller if possible.
- Fifth, bring proof of ownership from the seller.
But if you are unsure about what could happen if you register a car without a title in NC, here are some things that may occur:
- The DMV will issue a letter stating that your vehicle needs to be registered before it can be titled or sold
- The DMV will issue a letter stating that your vehicle needs to be titled before it can be registered or sold
- Registration fees will not refund
- You cannot legally drive your car until it has titled
Moreover, if you are a member of the military, then you can avoid registration problems that those not affiliated with the military will face. Active-duty soldiers will be allowed to register their cars and get one license plate instead of two as long as they take a copy of their orders back home with them.
If someone is not a member of the military state is working towards having this option extended as an opportunity to other members of law enforcement as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to register a car without a title in NC?
Under specific circumstances, we may not register a vehicle without a title in North Carolina. Usually talking, it’s generally not feasible to record a car without having a title. Some people get a duplicate title, but this is a dead-end since the vehicle cannot sell without a title.
If you still desire to go ahead and try to register without a title, you need to get a court order from the DMV to tell them to write the car without a title.
What do you need to register a Vehicle without a Title in NC?
Registering a vehicle without a title in North Carolina can be a frustrating experience. It often takes much longer than the average person would expect. You need to provide a title, proof of ownership, and registration information. The process is also not very transparent, and there’s no clear way to find out what documents you need to provide or how long it will take.
You have to work with an attorney or use an online service specializing in this registration type to speed up the process. It is especially true if you’re registering your vehicle for business purposes or trying to register your car on behalf of someone else who doesn’t have a driver’s license.
Is a car title a requirement for registration?
It is a legal document and can be used as proof of ownership to show that the individual who registered their vehicle has rightful possession. Without a title, the car cannot be noted in any state and will not travel on public roads. A car title is required before a vehicle can register in any condition.
What are the necessary steps to registering a car without a title?
The most common way to register a car without a title is by using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and odometer reading. You will obligate to visit your local DMV office with your VIN, proof of insurance, and payment for the registration fee. The DMV will then search their records to see if the car was stolen or abandoned. If not, they will issue you a registration certificate that you can use to drive legally.
Final Verdict
In short, it is possible to register a car in North Carolina without a title, but it’s not easy. You must be ready for the process and know what you’re doing because if you are registering a vehicle that does not previously register in North Carolina, you must provide proof of purchase and registration from the previous owner.
Registering a vehicle without a title in North Carolina requires an individual to start by completing an application with the NCDMV and submitting it with all appropriate attachments. It is best to consult with a qualified attorney before attempting to do so. Register that car without a title today.

I am an Automotive specialist. I graduated from Michigan with Bachelor in Automotive Engineering and Management. Also, I hold degrees in Electrical and Automation Engineering (BEng), Automatic and Industrial Electronic Engineering, and Automotive Technology. I have worked at General Motors Company for over five years as the Marketing Operations Production Coordinator. Now, I own my garage in Miami, Florida. I love cars and love to share everything about them with my readers. I am the founder of the Automotiveex blog, where I share everything about automotive, like car news, car mechanical issues, and anything else that comes up in my blog posts.