SUBCHAPTER 3C VEHICLE REGISTRATION SECTION
SECTION .0100 GENERAL INFORMATION
19A NCAC 03C .0101PURPOSE
This Subchapter establishes the rules for vehicle registration, financial responsibility, license plate issuance and fees and motor vehicles operated for hire.
History Note:Authority G.S. 204.01 through 204.12; 2037.6; 2039; 2042; 2044 through 2053; 2054 through 2058; 2058.4 through 2058.10; 2063.1; 2064 through 2079.3; 2080 through 2081; 2081.2 through 2081.7; 2083 through 2088; 2088.1; 2094; 2095; 20109.1; 20114; 20116; 20118; 20279; 20286; 20294; 20309 through 20319; 20347; 14401.4; 105164.3(16); 105164.4(1); 105164; 105314;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993; February 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0102FORMS
The forms used by Vehicle Registration to administer the functions described in Rule .0101 of this Subchapter are available from the Vehicle Registration Section of the Division of Motor Vehicles, 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27697.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2041;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1991; February 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0103EXEMPT FROM TITLE FEES BUT SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION
19A NCAC 03C .0104APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
19A NCAC 03C .0105REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF NEW VEHICLE
19A NCAC 03C .0106DEALER REGISTRATION OF NEW VEHICLE
19A NCAC 03C .0107REGISTRATION: OUTOFSTATE REGISTERED VEHICLE
19A NCAC 03C .0108BONDS FILED WHEN PROPER PROOF OF OWNERSHIP NOT AVAILABLE
19A NCAC 03C .0109CUSTOM BUILT MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS
19A NCAC 03C .0110MOTOR HOMES: HOUSE CARS AND CAMPING VEHICLE
19A NCAC 03C .0111IDENTIFICATION OF OWNER OR APPLICANT
19A NCAC 03C .0112IDENTIFYING ADDRESS AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS
19A NCAC 03C .0113DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE
19A NCAC 03C .0114LIENS (SECURITY INTERESTS AND AGREEMENTS)
19A NCAC 03C .0115SOURCE OF PURCHASE
19A NCAC 03C .0116CLASS OF LICENSE
19A NCAC 03C .0117WEIGHTS: BUSES
19A NCAC 03C .0118EMPTY WEIGHT AND MAXIMUM LOAD (GROSS WEIGHT)
19A NCAC 03C .0119DATE FIRST OPERATED
19A NCAC 03C .0120TITLE ONLY
19A NCAC 03C .0121SIGNATURE
19A NCAC 03C .0122POWERS OF ATTORNEY: GUARDIANS
19A NCAC 03C .0123ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
19A NCAC 03C .0124NOTARY DUTIES: REQUIREMENTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FEES
19A NCAC 03C .0125REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND CERTIFIED RECORD FEES
19A NCAC 03C .0126VEHICLES LEASED
19A NCAC 03C .0127MINORS MAY OWN VEHICLES
19A NCAC 03C .0128REGISTRATION REFERENCE RECORDS MAINTAINED BY DIVISION
19A NCAC 03C .0129ASSIGNMENT OF TITLE BY THE REGISTERED OWNER
19A NCAC 03C .0130ASSIGNMENT OF TITLE BY OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED OWNER
19A NCAC 03C .0131REASSIGNMENT OF TITLE BY DEALER AND INSURANCE COMPANY
19A NCAC 03C .0132REFUSAL STAMP
19A NCAC 03C .0133APPLICATION FOR DUPLICATE TITLE: FORM MVR4
19A NCAC 03C .0134SUBSTITUTE OR CORRECTION OF TITLE: FORM MVR5
19A NCAC 03C .0135SALVAGED VEHICLES
19A NCAC 03C .0136PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO MAKE TRANSFER WITHIN TWENTY DAYS
19A NCAC 03C .0137BLANK OR OPEN ASSIGNMENTS PROHIBITED
19A NCAC 03C .0138GLIDER KIT
19A NCAC 03C .0139AUTHORITY TO GRANT OR REFUSE APPLICATIONS
19A NCAC 03C .0140DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE RENEWAL STICKERS
19A NCAC 03C .0141REGISTRATION UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION PLAN
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 204.01; 204.1; 2019; 2039; 2041; 2042; 2044; 2050; 2052; 2052.1; 2053; 2054; 2056 through 2058; 2058.4; 2058.10; 2066 through 2070; 2072; 2074 through 2077; 2079; 2085; 2086.1; 2087 through 2088; 20109; 20109.1; 20116; 20118; 20279; 20279.24; 14401.4; 105314;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Repealed Eff. February 1, 1982.
SECTION .0200 REGISTRATION
19A NCAC 03C .0201FUNCTION
This section establishes the rules for vehicle registration in North Carolina. The areas covered are:
(1)manufacturer's certificate of origin;
(2)registration of outofstate vehicles;
(3)custom built vehicles;
(4)motor homes;
(5)purchase information required for registration;
(6)buses for hire;
(7)date vehicle first operated in North Carolina;
(8)application for title only;
(9)power of attorney;
(10)acknowledgements;
(11)certified record fees;
(12)registration of leased vehicle;
(13)duplicate titles;
(14)salvaged vehicles; and
(15)penalty for failure to transfer registration.
History Note:Authority G.S. 204.01 through 204.12; 204.4; 2037.6; 2039; 2042; 2044; 2050 through 2053; 2057 through 2058; 2058.4; 2064 through 2070; 2072; 2074; 2075; 2077; 2079; 2079.1 through 2079.3; 2080 through 2081; 2081.2 through 2081.7; 2083 through 2088; 2088.1; 2094; 2095; 20109.1; 20114; 20116; 20118;; 20279; 20286; 20294; 20309 through 20319; 20347; 14401.4;105164.4(1); 105164; 105314;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993; March 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0202TITLING AND REGISTRATION OF BRANDED VEHICLES
Upon application for title and registration of a motor vehicle as defined in G.S. 204.01(33), the following rules apply:
(1)Flood vehicles will be branded "Water/Flood Damage Vehicle" on the title and "WATRFLD" on the registration card.
(2)NonU.S.A. vehicles may be registered with the brand "NonU.S.A." printed on the card, but will not be titled unless and until documentary proof is received from the applicant showing that the vehicle has been modified to meet United States safety and emission control standards. The title will then reflect the brand "NonU.S.A. vehicle".
(3)Reconstructed vehicles will be branded "RECONST" on the registration card and "Reconstructed vehicle" on the title. The application for title must be accompanied by the Inspector's report showing the vehicle was inspected prior to being rebuilt and was reinspected when completed, and the rebuilder's affidavit detailing the repairs made including proof of ownership of the parts used. Salvage vehicles not inspected prior to being rebuilt will be branded "Reconstructed vehicle."
(4)Salvage vehicles will be branded "SALVAGE" on the registration card and "Salvage vehicle" on the title. The application for title must be accompanied by the Inspector's report to show the vehicle is operable and requires no repairs.
(5)Salvage rebuilt vehicles will be branded "SALRBLT" on the registration card and "Salvage Rebuilt vehicle" on the title. The application for title must be accompanied by the Inspector's report showing the vehicle was inspected prior to being rebuilt and reinspected when completed, and the rebuilder's affidavit detailing the repairs made including proof of ownership of the parts. Failure to have the vehicle inspected prior to repair will result in the vehicle being branded a reconstructed vehicle.
(6)Junk vehicles are marked "Junked" on the registration records only. The title must be submitted indicating the vehicle is incapable of operation or use upon the highways and has no resale value except as a source of parts or scraps.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 20-4.01(33); 2039; 2071.3; 20109.1;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993; November 1, 1991; January 1, 1988.
19A NCAC 03C .0203FORM FS1: PREPARATION
19A NCAC 03C .0204TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF FS1 NOTICE
19A NCAC 03C .0205INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALER AND MANUFACTURER PLATES
19A NCAC 03C .0206INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR 30DAY PERMITS
19A NCAC 03C .0207ONEWAY TRIP PERMITS WITHOUT A LICENSE
19A NCAC 03C .0208EMERGENCY TRANSFER OF LICENSE PROVISION
19A NCAC 03C .0209VEHICLES OPERATED WITH 20DAY TEMPORARY MARKER
19A NCAC 03C .0210TRANSPORTER PLATES
19A NCAC 03C .0211TENDAY TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PERMIT
19A NCAC 03C .0212INSURANCE LAPSE HEARINGS
19A NCAC 03C .0213TERMINATION OF LIABILITY INSURANCE: FORM FS4
19A NCAC 03C .0214FORM FS4: PREPARATION
19A NCAC 03C .0215TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF FS4 NOTICE
19A NCAC 03C .0216SURRENDER OF PLATES IN ADVANCE OF INSURANCE TERMINATION
19A NCAC 03C .0217AFFIDAVIT OF FACTS: INABILITY TO SURRENDER PLATES
19A NCAC 03C .0218FORM FS19
19A NCAC 03C .0219FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT
History Note:Authority G.S. 2039; 20279; 20309 through 20319;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Repealed Eff. February 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0220MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
(a) The term "Manufacturer's Certificate" is defined by G.S. 204.01(20). The certificate must contain the following information:
(1)transfer date;
(2)to whom it is issued;
(3)the vehicle description;
(4)manufacturer's name and address (may be preprinted); and
(5)countersignature of agent (rubber stamped or written).
(b) Assignment of Manufacturer's Certificate.
(1)If purchaser is not a licensed dealer, certificate of title must be obtained prior to further transfer.
(2)When assignment is made by manufacturer to a dealer, dealer must make re-assignment on reverse of Manufacturer's Certificate.
(3)Assignment must agree with name on dealer's license.
(4)Lien information must be recorded in assignment.
(5)Assignments must be notarized.
(6)Alterations of improper assignment will void Manufacturer's Certificate and will require the return of the certificate to the manufacturer for correction.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 204.01; 2039; 2052; 2052.1; 2054; 2085; 20309;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0221REGISTRATION: OUTOFSTATE REGISTERED VEHICLES
When application is made to register a vehicle currently registered in another state, district, or territory, the following is required:
(1)documentary proof of ownership acceptable to the commissioner;
(2)certification of liability insurance; and
(3)payment of fees and highway use tax.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2052; 2085; 20309; 105-187.6(c);
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0222REGISTRATION: CUSTOM BUILT MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS
Registration of a custom built motor vehicle or trailer requires the following:
(1)bills of sale for the principal parts;
(2)cancellation of the title if the number on the motor or frame is registered in North Carolina;
(3)form MVR1 indicating custom built and the date;
(4)a notarized statement that the vehicle was built from parts described by the bills of sale; and
(5)inspection by a motor vehicles inspector.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 204.01; 2039; 2053;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993; August 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0223REGISTRATION: MOTOR HOMES: ETC.
(a) When a manufacturer sells a chassis to a motor home manufacturer, a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin assigned by the manufacturer of the chassis to the manufacturer of the motor home is required. The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin must show the serial number of the chassis.
(b) If an application for registration of a customized van is presented with a Manufacturer's Certificate or Origin describing the van and another certificate describing the conversion kit, then an owner's statement explaining changes is required in order to determine the trade name, body style and license classification of the van.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 204.01; 2039; 2052; 2052.1; 2053;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. January 1, 1994.
19A NCAC 03C .0224PURCHASE INFORMATION
The following purchase information is required for the title application:
(1)The name and address of the person or firm from whom the vehicle was acquired;
(2)The date of purchase and whether the vehicle is new or used;
(3)Dealer's certificate number;
(4)Whether the vehicle was acquired for use in North Carolina;
(5)Purchase price, verified by bill of sale on new vehicle;
(6)State of last registration;
(7)Odometer reading and federal odometer statement; and
(8)Ad valorem tax certification.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2052;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1991.
19A NCAC 03C .0225CLASS OF LICENSE PLATE
The application for a Certificate of Title is also used as an application for, or a transfer of, a license plate. If a plate is to be procured, then the desired classification must be indicated.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2052;
Eff. March 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0226REGISTRATION: BUSES TO BE OPERATED FOR HIRE
The registration for bus to be operated for hire shall include the empty weight of the bus calculated to the nearest 100 pounds.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2087;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0227DATE FIRST OPERATED
The date a vehicle is placed into operation in North Carolina must be indicated upon registration. The applicant becomes subject to the North Carolina license fee that day unless he is a new resident operating under reciprocity.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 204.01; 2039; 2052;
Eff. March 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0228TITLE ONLY
To obtain a Certificate of Title without a license registration plate, the applicant must prove that a license fee or transfer is not due. (Registered dealers are exempt from this Rule.)
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2050; 2079;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0229SIGNATURE
The signature on any application for registration must be in ink and conform to the following:
(1)The owner's full name including "junior" if applicable.
(2)If the vehicle is jointly owned, each owner must sign.
(3)If the owner is unable to write, or print, he must make his mark a disinterested party must write the owner's name and then sign his name as a witness to the owner's mark.
(4)When the owner is a partnership or a corporation, the signature must show the name of the firm and be signed by an officer or partner.
(5)A printed or typed version of the signature agreeing with the signature shall appear on each application.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2052; 2057;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0230POWERS OF ATTORNEY: GUARDIANS
Any person holding a duly executed power of attorney or who is a legally appointed guardian may act for the owner in applying for the registration of a vehicle.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2077;
Eff. March 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0231ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2042; 2052;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0232REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND CERTIFIED RECORDS FEES
Verification of information from Division of Motor Vehicles records as to license numbers, ownership, or liability insurance requires a written request and fee of one dollar ($1.00) per record. Certified copies of these records are provided for a fee of five dollars ($5.00) per document.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2042;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1991; December 1, 1984.
19A NCAC 03C .0233LEASED VEHICLES
Vehicles being leased under a private lease shall be titled and licensed in the name of the lessor. A copy of the lease agreement must be filed with the Division.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 204.01; 2039; 2050;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0234MINORS MAY OWN VEHICLE
The statutes governing minors, and their liability or nonliability for contracts, have no direct application to the rules of the certificate of title law.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0235APPLICATION FOR DUPLICATE TITLE
(a) A duplicate certificate of title can be obtained if the original is lost, as provided for in G.S. 2068.
(b) If a title is not received from the Division of Motor Vehicles, a duplicate must be applied for. A lienholder applying for a duplicate title must have the owner sign the application.
(c) When a title is lost after the release of a lien, then the lienholder's affidavit that the lien has been satisfied must accompany the owner's application for a duplicate.
(d) A duplicate certificate of title takes precedence over the original unless a false statement made in the application invalidates the duplicate.
(e) If the original title is lost after being endorsed, the purchaser must submit notarized affidavits tracing the chain of ownership from the registered owner to the present owner and any lien cancellations involved along with his application for a duplicate. The application is aged 15 days before a title is issued.
(f) If the original title is lost and the vehicle sold or traded, the owner may make application for a duplicate title and assign to the purchaser on the application. Application is aged 15 days.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2068;
Eff. March 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0236PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO MAKE TRANSFER WITHIN 28 DAYS
The following are exempted from the requirement to make application for title within 28 days of acquiring a vehicle (G.S. 2073):
(1)licensed dealers;
(2)transfer upon inheritance;
(3)transfer by operation of law where confirmation of the sale is required;
(4)transfer by the court (such as bankruptcy and confiscation);
(5)dealers or repossessors when applying for title in their name;
(6)out of state dealers reassigning North Carolina titles to North Carolina purchasers.
History Note:Authority G.S. 201; 2039; 2073; 20-77;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993; November 1, 1991.
19A NCAC 03C .0237DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE RENEWAL STICKER
(a) Semipermanent plates issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles shall be renewed by attaching an annual validation sticker.
(b) These plates shall expire on the last day of the month indicated by the validation sticker. There is a 15day grace period following the expiration date of the sticker. The plate cannot be transferred to another vehicle during the grace period.
(c) Both month and year stickers shall be displayed on the plate in the correct position, upper right hand corner for year sticker and upper left hand corner for month sticker.
(d) Only one month and one year sticker shall be displayed.
(e) A person shall not willfully attach a validation sticker to any license plate other than the plate for which the sticker was issued.
History Note:Authority G.S. 2039; 2066;
Eff. March 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993.
19A NCAC 03C .0238REGISTRATION RENEWAL BY MAIL
History Note:Legislative Objection Lodged Eff. April 20, 1982;
Authority G.S. 2039; 2050(b)(5); 2063; 2065; 2066;
Eff. July 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. July 2, 1982.
SECTION .0300 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
19A NCAC 03C .0301ASSISTANCE TO VEHICLE OWNERS
(a) The Division of Motor Vehicles will furnish to vehicle owners appropriate forms to facilitate compliance with Article 13, Chapter 20 of North Carolina General Statutes.
(b) Vehicle owners may furnish required proof of financial responsibility on any reasonable document which identifies the vehicle and its owner and is sufficient for Division of Motor Vehicles verification.
History Note:Authority G.S. 2039; 20279.18; 20279.19; 20279.20; 20279.2; 20279.24; 20279.25; 20309; 20311; 20313; 20313.1; 20315;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Amended Eff. December 1, 1993; February 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0302LIABILITY INSURANCE CERTIFICATION
(a) If the financial responsibility for a vehicle is a liability insurance policy, the owner of the vehicle must certify to the existence of the policy and furnish sufficient information on forms provided by the Division of Motor Vehicles to enable verification of the policy's existence.
(b) Certification shall be made at original registration and at such times as a motor vehicle registration transaction is made between the owner and the Division of Motor Vehicles.
History Note:Authority G.S. 2039; 20279.2; 20279.19; 20279.22; 20309;
Eff. July 1, 1978;
Amended Eff. February 1, 1982.
19A NCAC 03C .0303TERMINATION NOTICES
(a) North Carolina Notice of Termination Form FS4 shall be used to notify the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles of termination of motor vehicle liability insurance. The form shall be supplied by the insurer and must include the name and address of the insured owner; year, make, and identification number of the vehicle for which the notification is made; termination date of policy; inception date of policy; date of preparation of the FS4. Notices of termination of policies covering multiple listed vehicles require a Form FS4. A schedule of vehicles on same policy may be attached to an FS4.
(b) Insurers shall notify the Commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles immediately upon the effective date of termination, cancellation, or deletion of a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. Notification to the Commissioner is not necessary if a vehicle is deleted from a policy and replaced with another vehicle or is insured under a fleet policy by the same insurer. A fleet policy is defined as a policy with five or more vehicles which are not listed individually by year, make, model or identification number.
(1)The notification of cancellation, termination, or deletion of a vehicle from a policy shall be on a form approved by the Commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The form shall be designated as a FS4 and shall reflect the following:
(A)name and address of insured;
(B)name of insurance company and code number;
(C)year, make and identification number of vehicle; multiple vehicles on same policy may be attached to one FS4;
(D)termination date;
(E)inception date;
(F)date prepared;
(G)signature or a facsimile signature, which may be preprinted or stamped, of authorized representative of insurance company;
(H)color: red;
(I)size: 7" width x 4 1/4" height; and
(J)must be typed or computer generated.
(2)Insurers shall notify the Commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles in the following instances:
(A)If a termination of liability insurance (FS4) was issued to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and the insured was reinstated or renewed, the insurer must inform the Division with an FS1 certificate of insurance, provided such reinstatement or renewal has occurred without any lapse in coverage. An agent representing an insurance company may issue the notification if authorized to do so by the company.