How to own a vehicle in
North Carolina
as a non-US resident
North Carolina
Presence requirements
The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:
Address
North Carolina address required to own a vehicle in North Carolina.
Proof of Residency at Address
None required.
Identity
A valid North Carolina driver license or ID is required. New North Carolina residents may present their valid out-of-state (US) driver license and their North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate.
Cost of owning a vehicle
When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
- Sales tax
- Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
Sales tax (state + local average)
4.3% of the vehicle's value
Registration fees
$96
Inspection Requirements
In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Emissions inspection required in 48 of 100 counties. No sticker or decal: inspection outcomes are stored in electronic database. Vehicles less 3 years old or less with 70,000 miles or less are exempt. Safety inspection required for cars 35 years or less in age
Want an easier way?
Let visitor.us register your vehicle in Montana, which has:
• No US driver's license requirement
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)
Let's Get You on the Road
We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.