As a result of the proposed changes to the state budget, beginning October 1, 2026, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) will implement a fully electronic registration system.
The residents They will no longer receive physical license plate stickers or printed registration cards. when registering or renewing the registration of a vehicle.
What changes from October 1, 2026?
If you have a vehicle registered in North Carolina, you will no longer receive a physical license plate sticker or printed registration card when you register or renew your vehicle.
Instead, after that date, users will be able to access their registration by visiting NCDMV.gov/registration. This webpage currently contains information about the new process and a frequently asked questions section.
According to Marty Homan, DMV communications director, customers will still receive a renewal notice by mail 90 days before their registration expires.
Related: What do I need to register a car in North Carolina?
Does this change apply to all vehicles registered in North Carolina?
The NCDMV indicates that the change applies to all vehicles registered in North Carolina.
“For commercial transport customers subject to the International Registration Scheme (IRP), the process will also change to digital delivery of the cab card,” Homan told Enlace Latino NC.
For these users, their email address will be collected upon completing an online or in-person transaction. They will then receive an email with a link to download the cabin card in PDF format. This card can be printed or sent electronically to the vehicle driver.
Do I have to keep renewing my registration every year?
Yes. The change does not eliminate the obligation to renew the registration each year or to pay the corresponding registration fees and taxes.
“They will still need a current vehicle inspection, as well as paying registration fees and vehicle property taxes on time to keep the registration current,” Homan explained.
The registration will remain valid as long as you have paid the fees and taxes on time.vehicle ownership taxes.
“They will be able to continue making these payments and renewals through the same four channels: by mail, in person at a license plate agency (LPA), online, or at a self-service kiosk,” he added.
What about the sticker I already have on my license plate?
The NCDMV recommends removing old stickers starting October 1, 2026.
Do I need a printed registration card?
No. As of October 1, 2026, a physical registration card will no longer be required.
According to NCDMV, police officers will be able to electronically verify the vehicle registration status during traffic stops.
Do I have to hand my phone over to a police officer to verify my registration?
No. Police officers will not need to check your phone to verify the vehicle registration.
The police will be able to check the registration status through their own electronic verification systems.
What happens if I'm stopped after renewing my registration, but it still doesn't appear online?
The NCDMV indicates that the registration information is updated in its system within minutes of completing the renewal.
If the digital registration is not yet available and you are stopped by an authority, you can present proof of renewal. The receipt will include the information needed to identify the vehicle and demonstrate that the renewal was completed.
What happens if I drive in another state?
Digital vehicle registration is accepted in most states. However, if you want a backup, You can download a copy to your device or print it to take with you in your vehicle.
“Those users who prefer a printed copy of the digital registration card can obtain it instantly at any license plate agency or request it online to receive it by mail, paying a fee of $5,” Homan said.
How can I check or get a copy of my vehicle registration?
There are several options for checking your vehicle registration information or obtaining a copy of the registration:
- Online: You can download a free PDF of your registration from the website of NCDMV.gov.
- By email: You can request a copy to be sent by email when you renew online, in a self-service kiosk or in person at a registration agency.
- In person: You can request a printed copy at a registration agency for $5.
- By mail: You can request a printed copy to be sent through the website; it costs $5.
Driver's license in app
On the other hand, in 2027, the NCDMV will have NC Wallet, an application that offers a secure digital version of its driver's license or your state ID that you can carry on your phone.
This application will also allow residents to access their vehicle registration along with their mobile ID.
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