How do I go about transferring a title in NC?

Generally… although the specifics can vary by state…

The seller will sign over his registration form to you. He’ll also give you the clear title (which had better be clear, or else one of you has to settle with his lien holder). You take the title and the signed-over registration to the DMV and transfer the title to your name, and register the newly-titled vehicle in yours. (You’ll probably need to have a proof of insurance, too. And if you’re driving away from the seller’s place of sale, then you’d better have insurance prior to the sale.)

The title should also have space on it for him to sign over the ownership to you. Note that if there’s more than one owner on the title, such as “Mr. & Mrs. X”, then both Mr. & Mrs. X need to sign it over. Ditto the registration. (That’s a good reason for sole ownership.)

” 1. Furnish the title properly assigned, and notarized to you. If any liens are shown on the front of the vehicle’s title, you will need a lien release.

2. Complete the Title Application (MVR-1), declaring all liens, signed by all owners in the presence of a notary.

3. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must supply an odometer disclosure statement signed by both the seller and the buyer.

4. A Damage Disclosure Statement (MVR-181) is required.

5. The title will be issued and mailed to the owner or if a lien is declared, to the lienholder.

6. If purchased from a North Carolina resident, the owner has to have the vehicle inspected in North Carolina prior to a license plate being issued. If purchased from an individual that resides out of state, the owner will be issued a plate without having the vehicle inspected in N.C. The plate will not be eligible for renewal one year later unless the vehicle has passed a N.C. inspection.

7. A Declaration of Eligible Risk (MVR-615) is required.”

North Carolina DOT