Register & Title a Motorcycle in North Carolina

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.

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.

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:

• Complete an Application for Duplicate Title

Option 2: Bikes from out of state

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

• Have the previous owner request a duplicate title in that state.
• Find motorcycle registration and title details for all states here.

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.

• Follow the registration requirements in Vermont.
• Transfer your registration to your own state.

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.

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