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✔ Article reviewed by Ethan Orenstein. Bringing motorcycles back from the dead since 2013. Learn More.

Register & Title a Motorcycle in North Carolina

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This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in North Carolina and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.

Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in North Carolina.

North Carolina Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles

  • Does North Carolina have an equipment/safety inspection?
    • Random safety/equipment inspections required for motorcycles.
  • Does North Carolina require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
    • No VIN inspection required.
  • Does North Carolina require a title for old motorcycles?
    • Yes, all motorcycles are titled in North Carolina.

How to Title and Register a Motorcycle in North Carolina

You’ll need to provide the following:

  • Original signed title
    • Bill of sale and old registration if bought in a state that doesn’t issue titles.
  • Title Application
  • Registration, Title, Sales tax fees.

Notarization Required on the following documents in North Carolina:

  • Original title.
  • Title application.
  • Duplicate title application.

Find more information about North Carolina motorcycle registration and registration renewal.

How to Register a Motorcycle with No Title in North Carolina

If you have purchased a motorcycle with no title, you’ve got the following options:

Option 1: Bikes from North Carolina

Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:

Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in North Carolina.

Option 2: Bikes from out of state

If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires motorcycle titles:

Option 3: Register in a No-Title State

Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.

North Carolina Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Street legal motorcycles in North Carolina must have:

  • Rearview mirrors.
  • Passenger footrest if riding with a passenger.
  • Turn Signals for motorcycles manufactured after 2004.
  • Speedometer required for motorcycles at least 20 years old.
  • Daytime headlight required.

Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.


This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.

More North Carolina Motorcycle Resources

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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