In North Carolina, own a car It's a necessity. In many cities and rural areas, public transportation is limited, and many people rely on a vehicle to get to work, take their children to school, or attend medical appointments.
For people who do not have a social security number or driver's license, it is not possible register a vehicle nor process the license plates in North Carolina.
Now, for those who reside in and hold a valid driver's license in another state, the answer is yes, but only in specific situations. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) allows this process for certain nonresidents who keep the vehicle in North Carolina for six months or more per year, on a property they legally own, rent, or occupy.
Gissela Luna, representative of Golden ServicesAn agency that offers insurance and notary services in Asheville and Marion told Enlace Latino NC This is a common question among some of their clients.
“We have clients who are investors, who live in other states, but are buying properties here. They spend part of their time in this state, so they need vehicles to get around,” Luna explained.
Who can register a vehicle with a license from another state?
La state law It allows the use of a driver's license or identification card from the state where the owner resides in some cases. The NCDMV provides exceptions for:
- Members of the United States Armed Forces stationed in North Carolina and some of their dependents
- students who reside in another state but are enrolled in an educational institution in North Carolina
- owners who will primarily store their vehicle in North Carolina
In the latter case, “primarily storing” the vehicle means that it will remain in North Carolina for six months or more per year, on a property that its owner legally owns, rents, or occupies.
Therefore, having a license from another state is not enough. The owner must meet one of the exceptions and declare where the car will be kept.
Related: Steps to change your driver's license if you moved to North Carolina
What do you need to do to get the license plates?
Those who meet the requirements must complete form MVR-614. This is a sworn statement in which they report their permanent address outside of North Carolina and the address where they will keep the vehicle within the state.
The document must be signed before a notary public, who verifies the person's identity and certifies their signature. The notary does not determine whether the applicant meets the requirements, nor does they guarantee that the NCDMV will approve the transaction.
Luna said that her agency helps some clients with the policy and the preparation of the notarized document.
“We create a policy, we have the document notarized, and with those documents, they can go to the license plate office,” he said.
In addition to the form, the owner must submit a driver's license or valid identification from the state where you reside, the vehicle title, the application for title and registration, and a valid North Carolina liability insurance policy.
The procedure is carried out in a NCDMV license plate agencyThere they can request other documents, especially if the car has more than one owner, there is an outstanding loan, or the title was issued in another state.
The vehicle must be insured.
Vehicles titled and registered in North Carolina must maintain a liability insurance issued by a company authorized to operate in the state. If the coverage ends and the owner does not have another valid form of financial liability coverage, they must surrender the registration and license plates to the NCDMV.
From July 1, 2025, new or renewed policies must include at least:
- $50,000 for injury or death of a person;
- $100,000 for injuries or death of two or more people;
- $50,000 for property damage.
Luna said that some of the insurance companies she works with accept identification other than a North Carolina driver's license.
As he explained, depending on the company, a person can apply for a policy with a license from another state, a passport, a consular registration, or other identification issued in their country.
This does not mean that all insurers accept the same documents. The required identification, price, and coverage conditions vary by company.
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Having license plates does not mean having permission to drive.
The title, registration, license plates, insurance, and driver's license serve different purposes. These are their functions: the title identifies the owner of the vehicle; the registration and license plates identify the vehicle to the state; and the driver's license authorizes a person to drive.
Therefore, it is important to know that someone can own a vehicle and obtain license plates, but not legally drive it if they do not have a valid license.
*Editor's note: This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
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