North Carolina DMV Fees: What You Need to Know

_{September 2, 2025 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Government}

What are the NC DMV fees? Find out the current DMV fees in North Carolina. This guide explains costs for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, titles, and other services to help residents plan ahead.

Table of Contents

What are the NC DMV fees?

As of July 1, 2024, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) implemented a 19% fee increase across approximately 90 license and registration-related services. This adjustment aligns with the state's quadrennial fee review, mandated by law to reflect inflation over the preceding four years.+1+2NCDOT+2

Vehicle Registration Fees

Private Passenger Vehicles: Annual registration fees increased from $38.75 to $46.25. +3WCNC+3https://www.wect.com+3
Commercial Vehicles: Fees also saw an increase, though specific amounts vary based on vehicle classification.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: These vehicles are subject to additional fees, which have been adjusted accordingly.

Driver License & ID Fees

5-Year Driver’s License: Increased from $27.50 to $32.50.
8-Year Driver’s License: Increased from $44 to $52. +1
Learner’s Permit & Provisional License: Increased from $21.50 to $25.50.
Duplicate License or ID: Increased from $14.00 to $16.75.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Application fee increased from $43.25 to $51.50.

Title & Registration Services

Title Application: Increased from $56.00 to $66.75.
Duplicate or Corrected Title: Increased from $21.50 to $25.50.
Transfer Registration: Increased from $21.50 to $25.50.
Replacement Registration Plates: Increased from $21.50 to $25.50.
One-Day Title Service: Increased from $105.75 to $126.00.

Card Processing Fees

Effective July 1, 2024, the NCDMV introduced card processing fees for credit and debit card transactions:+1

In-Person Transactions: 1.22% of the total transaction amount.
Online Transactions: 1.85% of the total transaction amount.
Kiosk Transactions: 2.00% of the total transaction amount.

Records & Reports

Limited Extract Copy of License Record (up to 3 years): Increased from $10.75 to $12.75.
Complete Extract Copy of License Record: Increased from $10.75 to $12.75.
Certified True Copy of Complete License Record: Increased from $15.00 to $18.00.

For a comprehensive breakdown of all fee adjustments, you can refer to the official NCDMV fee schedule:

A Guide to North Carolina DMV Fees

Navigating the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) can be complicated, and understanding the fees associated with various services is a key part of the process. Whether you're a new resident, buying a new car, or just renewing your registration, this guide will help clarify the costs you can expect.

What Are the Current NC DMV Fees?

NCDMV fees are set by state law and are adjusted every four years based on the Consumer Price Index. A significant fee increase took effect on July 1, 2024, impacting about 90 different services related to licenses and registrations.

Here are some of the most common fees, but keep in mind that these are subject to change and may vary based on your specific situation:

Driver's License: A regular Class C driver's license costs $6.50 per year, so a standard 8-year license is $52.
Vehicle Registration: The annual registration fee for a private passenger vehicle is $46.25.
Vehicle Title: A new vehicle title costs $56.
Electric Vehicle Fee: An additional annual fee of $140.25 is collected for electric vehicles.
Plate Transfer: Transferring a license plate from a vehicle you no longer own to a new one costs $20.

For a comprehensive list of all fees, it's best to check the official NCDOT website, as fees can vary based on the specific service and vehicle type.

How Are NC DMV Fees Calculated?

The total amount you pay for a DMV service is often a combination of several different fees and taxes. Here’s a breakdown of the typical calculations:

Vehicle Registration: Your registration fee is often combined with other charges, including local vehicle property taxes as part of the "Tag and Tax Together" program. You may also be charged for an emissions or safety inspection.
Vehicle Purchase: When you buy a vehicle, you will pay a Highway Use Tax (HUT), which is 3% of the vehicle's value. The maximum HUT for a private sale is capped at $250.
Driver's License: Your license fee is calculated based on a per-year rate, multiplied by the number of years the license is valid.

Are There Additional Charges for DMV Services?

Yes, there are additional charges and fees that you may encounter, especially if you use online services or need to complete a transaction outside of the standard timeline. These include:

Online Transaction Fees: The NCDMV uses an online service called "PayIt." This service charges a $3 fee per transaction, plus a 1.85% credit card processing fee. The state does not collect these fees; they are collected by the vendor to cover the costs of the online service.
In-Person Card Processing Fees: If you pay with a credit or debit card at a DMV office, there is a 1.22% card processing fee.
Kiosk Fees: Using a self-service kiosk will incur a $4.95 transaction fee and a 2% card processing fee.
Late Fees: If you don't renew your vehicle registration by the expiration date, you could face a late fee of up to $25.

How to Pay NC DMV Fees Online?

Paying your DMV fees online is a convenient way to handle many transactions. The official online portal is powered by PayIt, and you can access it through the NCDOT website.

To renew your vehicle registration online, you'll need the following information from your renewal notice or registration card:

Your vehicle's license plate number.
The last five digits of your vehicle's title number.

The site accepts major credit and debit cards, but remember that the transaction and processing fees mentioned above will apply.

Are NC DMV Fees Different for New vs. Renewal Services?

For many services, the fee is the same whether you are a new applicant or renewing an existing service. For example, the annual registration fee for a passenger vehicle is the same for a brand-new registration as it is for a renewal.

However, fees for new titles and licenses are typically a one-time charge, while registration fees are due annually. In some cases, a new driver might pay a different fee for a learner's permit or provisional license compared to the fee for a regular driver's license.

Always check the official NCDMV website or your specific renewal notice to confirm the exact fees for your transaction.