How to renew your North Carolina vehicle tags
You can renew your North Carolina vehicle tags online through the NCDMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your vehicle has no safety or emissions issues. Mail and in-person renewal take longer but work if you prefer not to use the website or if your vehicle needs inspection before renewal.
North Carolina sends renewal notices 30 days before your tags expire. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew online using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number instead.
Your tags expire on the last day of the month shown on your current registration card. Driving with expired tags is illegal in North Carolina and can result in a traffic citation.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the NCDMV website takes about five minutes and costs less than mail or in-person renewal because there is no processing fee.
- You need your renewal notice (which includes your renewal code), VIN, and driver's license number to renew online.
- If your vehicle requires a safety inspection or emissions test, you must complete it before renewing — the inspection station will provide a certificate you'll need during renewal.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your payment, so send it at least three weeks before your tags expire.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you bring all required documents and your vehicle passes any required inspections.
Online renewal through the NCDMV website
Go to ncdmv.dot.gov and select "Renew Registration" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your renewal code (from your renewal notice) or your VIN and driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee.
Online renewal requires payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight. Once payment is processed, you can print your temporary registration when ready. Your permanent tags will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your vehicle failed a required safety or emissions inspection, if you have an outstanding violation or lien on the vehicle, or if your driver's license is suspended or expired. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice that came with your paperwork and mail it with your payment to the address printed on the notice. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. If you've lost your renewal notice, you can request a renewal form by calling the NCDMV at 919-715-7000.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your tags expire. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received, and processing takes two to three weeks after they receive your payment. Your new tags will arrive separately by mail after processing is complete.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you don't have internet access or if your vehicle has a lien or other issue that prevents online renewal. You'll still need to pass any required safety or emissions inspection before mailing your renewal.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid driver's license to any DMV office. If your vehicle requires a safety inspection or emissions test, bring proof that it passed — you must complete the inspection before visiting the DMV. Payment can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
DMV offices do not require appointments for tag renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the NCDMV website before you go. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll receive your new tags the same day if everything is in order.
In-person renewal is useful if you need tags the same day, if you have questions about your renewal, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. It's also the only option if your vehicle has a lien and the lienholder has not released it.
Safety and emissions inspections before renewal
North Carolina requires a safety inspection for all vehicles and an emissions test for vehicles in certain counties. Your renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle needs either inspection. If it does, you must pass the inspection before you can renew your tags.
Safety inspections check your brakes, lights, windshield, steering, and other safety equipment. Emissions tests measure your vehicle's exhaust to may support it meets state standards. Both inspections are performed at licensed inspection stations — gas stations, repair shops, and some tire shops offer them. An inspection costs between $20 and $35 and is valid for one year.
Once you pass, the inspection station will give you a certificate or sticker. If you're renewing online, you'll enter the inspection certificate number during checkout. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring the certificate with you.
What to do if your tags have already expired
If your tags have expired, you can still renew them online, by mail, or in person using the same process. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the renewal is complete. If you're stopped by police while driving with expired tags, you can receive a citation.
Online renewal is your fastest option if your tags have expired — you can renew when ready and print a temporary registration to drive legally while your permanent tags arrive. If you choose mail renewal, your vehicle should not be driven on public roads until the new tags arrive.
If your tags expired more than a year ago, you may need to pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. Contact the NCDMV at 919-715-7000 to confirm the amount owed before renewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tags if my driver's license is expired?
No. Your driver's license must be valid to renew your tags online or in person. If your license is expired, renew it first through the NCDMV website or at a DMV office, then renew your tags. Mail renewal may be possible — contact the NCDMV to ask.
What if I don't have proof of insurance when I renew?
Proof of insurance is required for in-person renewal. For online renewal, the system will verify your insurance automatically if your policy is active. If verification fails, you'll need to bring proof of insurance to a DMV office to complete the renewal.
How much does it cost to renew my tags?
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's type, weight, and age. Fees range from around $30 to over $200 for some commercial or heavy vehicles. The NCDMV website will show your exact fee before you pay during online renewal. Mail and in-person renewal may include a small processing fee.
Can I renew my tags before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew online using your VIN and driver's license number even if you haven't received your renewal notice yet. The system will show your vehicle record and allow you to proceed with renewal.
What if my vehicle has a lien on it?
If a lender holds a lien on your vehicle, you may not be able to renew online. Contact the NCDMV or visit a DMV office to renew in person. Bring proof that the lien is satisfied if you've paid off the loan, or bring documentation from the lienholder if the lien is still active.