Selling or junking a car in North Carolina

How do I sign over a car title in North Carolina?

The seller and the buyer both complete the back of the original title. The seller enters the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, the seller's signature and hand-printed name, the odometer reading (if required) and the damage disclosure. A North Carolina title must be notarized. Odometer disclosure is required for model year 2011 and newer vehicles until they are 20 years old; model year 2010 and older are exempt (G.S. 20-347).

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in North Carolina?

In general you need a title transfer to sell. Under G.S. 20-62.1, a licensed secondary metals recycler or salvage yard may buy a vehicle without a title if it is 12 model years old or older. The buyer must record the VIN, price and the seller's ID. It must get a signed seller statement that the seller has the right to sell, the vehicle is at least 12 model years old and has no lien, plus a statement that the vehicle will be scrapped or dismantled for parts. It must check with DMV that the vehicle isn't stolen and report to NMVTIS. If the seller has no acceptable photo ID, the sale can't be completed. Vehicles newer than 12 model years need the title.

How do I get a duplicate title in North Carolina?

Use Form MVR-4, Application for Duplicate Title. It must be notarized and filled in exactly as the original. The fee is $25.50, and there is a mandatory 15-day waiting period. Mail it to NCDMV, 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3148, or apply through a license plate agency. If the title shows a lien, include a lien release.

Do I need to file a release of liability in North Carolina?

There is no general notice-of-sale form. If a sold vehicle still shows on your registration record, file a notarized Affidavit for Removal of Registered Vehicle from Vehicle Registration Files (MVR-46F) by mail or at a license plate agency. The main protection is turning in the plate.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in North Carolina?

Plates stay with the seller. If you sell a vehicle without transferring the plate, or it is totaled, you must surrender the plate immediately at a license plate agency or by mail to NCDMV. Turn in the plate before cancelling your liability insurance to avoid fines. For a lost or stolen plate, use MVR-18A.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in North Carolina?

Under G.S. 20-61, an owner who dismantles or wrecks a vehicle must send the title, registration card and plates to DMV, unless the plates move to another vehicle the owner has. DMV then cancels the title. The G.S. 20-62.1 no-title exception for recyclers and salvage yards is the exception to this rule. A junked vehicle (one that can't be driven and is worth only parts or scrap) can't be titled or registered. When an insurer pays a claim on a salvaged vehicle (damage over 75% of fair market value), DMV must be notified within 10 days.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in North Carolina?

Contact local law enforcement to check whether the vehicle is stolen. After seven days the property owner may have a tow company remove it. If it stays unclaimed on the property for 30 days, it is considered abandoned and the property owner may begin the process to sell it. Surety bonds aren't accepted for abandoned vehicles.

Official sources

1. NCDMV - Vehicle Titles
2. NCDMV - Vehicle Title Special Cases
3. NCDMV - License Plates
4. NCDMV Form MVR-4 Application for Duplicate Title
5. NCDMV Form MVR-46F Affidavit for Removal of Registered Vehicle
6. N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-62.1 Purchase of vehicles for scrap or parts only
7. N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-61 Owner dismantling or wrecking vehicle
8. N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-347 Odometer disclosure

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), NC Department of Transportation before you sell.