If you’re ready to hit the open road in North Carolina on your motorcycle, the first step is to register your vehicle with the state. This process involves a few key steps, including gathering necessary documents, paying fees, and passing inspections. Whether you’re a new rider or need to transfer your registration from another state, knowing how to register a motorcycle in North Carolina helps ensure that you’ll be riding legally and worry-free. Let’s get started.
Pre-Registration Inspections
Before you register your motorcycle in North Carolina, you might need to undergo one or more inspections. For example, most vehicles in North Carolina, including motorcycles, must undergo an annual safety inspection to ensure that they meet state safety standards. The inspection covers your motorcycle’s brakes, lights, tires, and other critical components. In some counties, you might also need an emissions test to register your vehicle, depending on the age and type of motorcycle.
Steps to Register a Motorcycle in North Carolina
Here’s a summary of the steps to title and register a motorcycle in North Carolina, based on whether you’re a resident or a non-resident:
For North Carolina Residents:
- Title Requirement: Obtain a title, using the manufacturer’s certificate of origin for new motorcycles or the previous owner’s title for used motorcycles.
- Visit the NCDMV: Go to a license plate agency or mail your documents to the DMV.
- Documentation: Provide your North Carolina driver’s license, title, proof of insurance, and completed forms.
- Fees: Pay the required registration fees and property taxes.
For Non-North Carolina Residents:
- Title Transfer: Title your motorcycle in North Carolina using the previous owner’s title or other required documentation.
- Provide Identification: Along with a driver’s license, provide a military ID, student ID, or proof that your motorcycle is based in a North Carolina garage for at least six months per year.
- Insurance: Ensure you have liability insurance from a North Carolina-licensed provider. Your policy must meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
In both cases, you must pay property taxes on your motorcycle and make sure all documents are properly notarized if necessary.
How To Register a Motorcycle Without a Title
If you bought your motorcycle new in North Carolina and are making payments on it, the lender has the title. You can still register your motorcycle using the process described above, but make sure you have the certificate of origin from the manufacturer in place of the title.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Motorcycle?
The standard registration fee for a motorcycle in North Carolina is $25.50. Some counties charge additional fees and taxes, but most do not. If you are renewing your registration and your license plate expires because you waited too long, you’ll also have to pay a late fee of up to $25.
Law Tigers Always Have Your Back
At Law Tigers, we’re riders just like you. This allows us to provide the best legal representation and resources with a biker-friendly perspective. With our team on your side, you can go on adventures anywhere in the country and know that we’ll be there in case something unfortunate does happen.
Sign up for our free rider benefit kit today so you can be part of The Law Tigers Team. That way, you’ll never ride alone.
