Did you know that some state DMVs have different agencies and sub-divisions within them to help expedite more specific services? The one notable example that we have here today is the North Carolina DMV, with their Tag & Title Agency. As their name would suggest, the North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency offers specialized attention that focuses primarily on services relating to vehicle title and registration, if that’s the kind of service that you’re looking for.
Having a specific agency just for titling and registering vehicles does make it more convenient for folks who need to access those critical and time-sensitive services much more quickly, and without needing to visit the bigger, primary DMV office. Aside from that, it ought to help reduce congestion at the larger, main DMV locations, getting you in and out way quicker. To learn more, here’s what you need to know about the North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency.
1) What Services Do The North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency Offer?
If you’re interested in dropping by the North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency, here are some of the primary services that they offer:
- Vehicle Registration & Renewals – The one thing this kind of DMV agency specializes in is for you to either register a new vehicle or renew your existing vehicle’s registration much more conveniently. Just remember to bring all the necessary documentation, though:
- Renewals – You’ll need proof of insurance for the relevant vehicle, your renewal notice from the DMV, and a valid ID.
- New Registrations – Here, you’ll be asked to provide the DMV with your title, and the bill of sale, and you might also be asked to put your car through emissions testing.
- Title Transfers – It’s right in the name, but the North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency is the place to go if you need title transfer services. This ensures that the ownership of a vehicle is transferred properly from one owner to another, regardless of whether you’re buying a new vehicle or a used one. Of course, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation; some valid ID for both the seller and buyer, DMV-specific forms, the seller’s signature, and more.
- Temporary Tags – Also in the name, the Tag & Title Agency could issue you a temporary tag. This is handy, as temporary tags allow you to legally drive newly purchased vehicles, all the while you’re waiting for your full registration. If you provide the DMV with proof of insurance, the purchase documentation for the vehicle, and a small fee, you could opt to get the 10-day permit, too.
2) Other Services Provided By The North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency
Aside from the ones that I mentioned earlier, here are some of the other services that the North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency offers:
- License Plate Renewal & Replacement – Additionally, the Tag & Title Agency might also help you out with renewing or replacing your vehicle’s license plates. This would be useful if your license plates are lost or have been damaged. Just remember to bring along all the necessary paperwork, including your vehicle’s current registration card, some valid ID, and your proof of insurance.
- Specialized License Plates – On that note, many North Carolina agencies – including the DMV and their Tag & Title Agency – offer specialized license plates. Some examples include plates made for veterans, to note disabled drivers, and more, so long as you meet all the necessary criteria. If you want to apply for specialized plates, some will require specific documents, like proof of your military service or disability, among others, where applicable.
- Notary Services – Similarly, the Tag & Title Agency additionally offers on-site notary services. You’ll need this for some vehicle-related documentation, such as the title transfer process, as the latter requires notarized signatures from both the buyer and seller. This is specific to the laws in North Carolina, but there are plenty of other reasons why you’d need a notary service, which you can now do at the DMV.
3) Average Fees For Specific Services At The North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency
Different services that you can get either at the North Carolina DMV or the more specialized Tag & Title Agency will have varying fees that you need to pay. The amount differs between location, the type of services, and other specific criteria, so there’s no one-size-fits-all pricing that applies across the board. If you’re heading to the DMV, I’d highly recommend calling the DMV or checking their updated fee schedule to get a better idea of the fees.
With that in mind, here’s what I’ve been able to put together, to help give you a slight clue as to how much the average fees are for different services:
A) Vehicle Registration:
Passenger Vehicles:
- Annual Registration Fee: $46.25
Trucks:
- Under 4,000 lbs.: $46.25
- 4,001 to 5,000 lbs.: $56.75
- 5,001 to 6,000 lbs.: $67.25
Motorcycles:
- Annual Registration Fee: $25.50
Electric Vehicles:
- Additional Annual Fee: $140
Hybrid Vehicles:
- Additional Annual Fee: $70
Note: It’s worth bearing in mind that county-specific taxes may still apply. This might include regional transit authority taxes or county vehicle registration taxes.
B) Title Transfers:
Standard Title Fee:
- $56.00
Expedited Title Service:
- Additional Fee: $105.75
C) License Plate Fees:
Standard Plate:
- Included in the registration fee
Specialty Plates:
- Additional Fees Vary: You’ll find that this is typically between $10 to $30 annually, depending on the license plate’s design and purpose.
D) Temporary Tags:
10-Day Temporary Tag:
- Fee: $10.00
E) Duplicate Titles and Registrations:
Duplicate Title:
- Fee: $21.50
Duplicate Registration Card:
- Fee: $21.50
F) Emissions & Safety Inspections:
Safety Inspection:
- Fee: $13.60
Emissions Inspection (Only Where Applicable):
- Fee: $30.00
G) Notary Services:
Notary Fee:
- Up to $5.00 per signature
H) Late Fees:
Registration Renewal Late Fee:
- Up to $25.00, though you’ll find that this depends on the duration of the delay.
I) Highway Use Tax:
Standard Rate:
- 3% of your vehicle’s purchase price, with a maximum of $250 for new residents registering an out-of-state vehicle. You’ll find that this tax is usually applicable upon titling a vehicle in North Carolina.
Also, I’d be remiss to not mention that you should bear in mind that some services at the North Carolina DMV Tag & Title Agency are available on a walk-in basis. However, others will require that you make an appointment ahead of time. Scheduling an appointment would also help save you some time and avoid getting stuck in long queues. This is especially true for busier locations or services that require a lot of documentation and due processes.
You can now schedule appointments with the North Carolina DMV, either through their online appointment booking system or using phone-based scheduling. This should make it easier for you to secure a vacant time slot way in advance. Otherwise, if you’re visiting the DMV office in person, I’d highly suggest visiting during mid-week, in the early morning hours, and before the end of the month. These should help you avoid peak crowd times waiting in line.