New to the Area?
Welcome to North Carolina! Here you will find useful information for services that will make your move easier.
NC DMV 
You are required by law to license and inspect all vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency in NC.
Before going to the License Plate Office you must obtain vehicle Insurance from a company licensed in North Carolina. After taking out proper vehicle insurance go to the DMV with your vehicle title, and be prepared to pay a "Use Tax" on the current value of each vehicle, 3% not to exceed $300. You should call first to make sure you have everything ready the first time.
Greensboro, Golden Gate Shopping Center
2248 Golden Gate Shopping Center, 27405
(336) 379-7980
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Greensboro, West Market Street
5551 Guilford Shoppes Station, 27409
(336) 856-1510
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
High Point
1175 East Lexington Avenue, 27262
(336) 882-8327
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Vehicle & License Plate Renewal
667 Peters Creek Parkway
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 725-7060
District V Office
3637 N. Patterson Ave.
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 761-2286
Driver's License Office (North)
3637 N. Patterson Ave. DMV Building
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 761-2259
DMV Vehicle & License Plate Renewal
1127 Silas Creek Parkway Parkway Plaza
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 724-2795
Winston-Salem - Driver's License Office
2001 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 761-2258
Drivers License
You are required by law to obtain a NC license within 30 days of establishing residency in NC. You may have to take a test (written or driving) and expect long lines early in the morning, lunchtime, and at the end of the day. You should call first to make sure you have everything you need. You can also register to vote at the Drivers License office.
Greensboro - East, DMV Building
2527 East Market Street, 27401
(336) 334-5745
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Greensboro - West, DMV Building
2391 Coliseum Blvd., 27403
(336) 334-5438
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
High Point
650 Francis Street, 27263
(336) 884-1003
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Winston-Salem - Driver's License Office (North)
3637 N. Patterson Ave. DMV Building
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 761-2259
Winston-Salem - Driver's License Office
2001 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 761-2258
Register a Car in North Carolina
General Requirements
Registration Renewal
If you've registered the car in this state before, Call for Instructions
First-Time Registration
If you have recently:
- Purchased a car
- Been given a car
- Moved into the state
Then you’ll need to get the car registered.
If you’re new to the state, you must register your car at the end of 30 days or when you accept gainful employment (whichever occurs first).
You must register and title newly-acquired cars right away, or risk a citation.
Get Insurance
The state requires you to have liability insurance in order to register your car.
Prepare the Paperwork
Probably the most important piece of paperwork to have at hand is the title, which the previous owner should have signed over to you. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, make sure you get the title before you leave. If your title is lost, get a replacement.
Before you go to the DMV's Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Office, have these documents ready:
- A Title Application. Do not sign until you get the DMV; it needs to be notarized.
- The odometer statement, if the car is less than 10 years old. Make sure both you and the seller signed it. If you’re transferring your car from out of state, you can simply note the odometer reading on the registration application.
- Title and lien release, if applicable.
- A Bill of Sale, if it’s a new car.
- A Damage Disclosure Statement if you bought the car from a dealer.
Getting a Vehicle History Report for your car is essential if you’re still at the shopping stage. This will tell you the car’s history and whether you’re getting a fair deal.
Calculate the Fee
The DMV bases registration and titling fees on the class of vehicle you are registering. Additionally, there’s a 3% Highway Use Tax every time the title changes hands. If you have a used car, this fee is based on the estimated value, and not what you paid.
Residents of Durham, Orange, and Wake counties must also pay a $5 Regional Transportation Authority Registration Tax.
You may also have to pay for an emissions check, license plate fees, and local fees.
Go to the DMV
Bring all your paperwork to your Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Office. If you haven't done so, they’ll have you fill out a Title Application, and sign it in the presence of their notary.
If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, you must declare all liens on this form.
License Plates
You’ll get a license plate in the office, or you may apply for a specialized plate. There are many available. For instance, if you’re a NASCAR fan, you can get a NASCAR plate. You can even personalize your plates with your nickname or favorite saying just be sure to keep it clean.
Emissions Inspection
After you get your plate, you have 10 days to get an emissions inspection or safety inspection, if applicable. The office will tell you whether it’s required based on your county and car year.