Are you thinking of selling your car in North Carolina? Whether you’re in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, or a small mountain town in the west, this guide explains exactly how to navigate the selling process legally, securely, and stress-free.
Sell a Car in North Carolina – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before listing your vehicle or requesting an appraisal, make sure you have the following:
- North Carolina Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name, and all lienholders must be released. Both buyer and seller must complete the title accurately.
- Valid ID: A North Carolina driver’s license or state-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old, either on the title or a separate form.
- Damage Disclosure Statement: Required in North Carolina for vehicles less than five years old.
- Bill of Sale (Optional): This is not required by law but is recommended for documentation purposes.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If you paid off a loan, you’ll need to provide a lien release document.
North Carolina DMV Forms You May Need
The following forms may be required depending on your situation:
- Form MVR-1 – Title Application (used by the buyer)
- Form MVR-180 – Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not completed on the title)
- Form MVR-4 – Notarized Bill of Sale (optional, but helpful for documentation)
- Form MVR-3 – Duplicate Title Application (if the original is lost)
Find these and other forms on the North Carolina DMV website.
Sell Your Car in North Carolina — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
A well-maintained, clean car can bring more value, but not everyone has time to prep for photos or repairs, and that’s okay.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is. There is no cleaning, no repairs, and no worries. Just a fast, no-pressure offer and a smooth process.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before agreeing to an offer, know what your car is worth:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get a fast, no-obligation quote in under 2 minutes.
- Check KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: These are great resources for comparing resale value by condition and mileage.
- Compare Local Listings: See what similar vehicles are selling for in Greensboro, Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Asheville.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
You have multiple ways to sell your car in North Carolina:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Best for Convenience): Get a firm offer, and we handle the paperwork. No meetups, no title confusion, no scams.
- Trade It In at a Dealership: May be convenient if you’re buying another vehicle, but the offer might be lower.
- Private Sale: Requires managing listings, meeting strangers, handling paperwork, and dealing with potential no-shows or fraud.
Selling to Ken Ganley Buying Center is fast, secure, and handled by professionals.
Step 5: Get Paid
Worried about getting scammed? Skip the risky payment apps and bad checks.
With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you’ll receive secure, same-day payment through verified methods. We take care of everything so you can walk away with confidence.
What Affects Car Values in North Carolina? Local Market Insights to Know
From the coast to the mountains, car preferences vary across the state:
- SUVs and AWD vehicles are popular in mountain and rural areas like Boone or Hendersonville.
- Fuel-efficient sedans and hybrids are favored in cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
- Pickup trucks hold strong resale value across the state, especially in suburban and agricultural regions.
- North Carolina’s vehicle registration makeup: about 36.6% cars, 34.7% SUVs/UVs, and 21.8% pickups, underscoring the broad appeal and market importance of trucks and SUVs
These trends can impact how much your car is worth, depending on where you’re selling it.
Ready to Sell Your Car in North Carolina?
We make selling your vehicle fast and painless. No games. No middlemen. Just real offers and professional support from start to finish.
Start your free appraisal online or call us today at 330-427-3656.
Sell your car anywhere in North Carolina — the easy way.
Need help selling your car in North Carolina? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in North Carolina?
Yes, the seller’s signature must be notarized on the title at the time of sale. North Carolina requires that the title assignment be completed and notarized before ownership can be legally transferred. Both the buyer and seller must complete their respective sections on the back of the title using black or blue ink, and the seller’s signature must be witnessed and stamped by a North Carolina notary public. This notarization requirement helps prevent fraud and ensures the authenticity of the transaction. Many DMV license plate agencies have notaries available, or you can visit local banks, legal offices, or UPS stores that offer notary services.
What is the Damage Disclosure Statement (Form MVR-181) and when is it required?
Form MVR-181 is required for all vehicle sales in North Carolina and discloses the vehicle’s damage history. This legal document must be completed by the seller to inform the buyer of any structural or body damage. Questions 1 and 4 on the form apply only to vehicles that are five model years old and newer. The seller must disclose whether the vehicle has been damaged by collision (exceeding 25% of its value), was a salvage vehicle, flood vehicle, recovered theft vehicle, or has been reconstructed. State law requires this disclosure, and failure to provide accurate information may result in civil and/or criminal liability. The buyer must retain this information and provide it when they eventually sell or transfer the vehicle.
What happens to my license plates when I sell my car in North Carolina?
You must remove your license plates and either return them to the DMV or transfer them to another vehicle you own. North Carolina license plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. You can surrender your plates at any NCDMV license plate agency or mail them to: NCDMV Vehicle Registration Section, Renewal Title & Plate Unit, 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3148. Alternatively, you can transfer the plates to another vehicle you own. Since 2020, North Carolina has moved to a seven-year license plate replacement cycle, so newer plates may have different surrender requirements. The buyer will need to obtain new plates when they register the vehicle.
Do I need emissions and safety inspections before selling my car in North Carolina?
Yes, you must provide current North Carolina emissions and safety inspection reports to the buyer. All used vehicles purchased from private sales in North Carolina must be inspected before registration unless the vehicle has received a passing inspection within the previous 12 months. North Carolina law requires private sellers in 22 counties to provide passing emissions inspections. Safety inspections are required for most vehicles, though vehicles 30 years old or older are exempt from annual safety inspections as of 2022. If you live in a county that requires emissions testing, ensure your vehicle has a current passing test. These inspections help ensure the vehicle meets state safety and environmental standards before the new owner can register it.
What odometer disclosure requirements apply when selling my car in North Carolina?
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles under 10 years old, with expanded requirements through 2030. You must complete an odometer disclosure either on the title itself or on a separate Form MVR-180. Due to updated federal requirements, vehicles with model year 2011 or newer require odometer disclosure for transfers occurring from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2030. Starting January 1, 2031, any vehicle less than 20 model years old will require odometer disclosure. The disclosure must include the exact mileage reading at the time of sale, and providing false information may result in fines and/or imprisonment under federal and state law.
Is a bill of sale required when selling my car in North Carolina?
A bill of sale is not legally required but is highly recommended for documentation and protection. While North Carolina doesn’t mandate a bill of sale by law, having one provides important evidence of the transaction and can help resolve disputes that may arise later. Many sellers choose to use Form MVR-4 (Notarized Bill of Sale) for additional legal protection. The bill of sale should include the date of sale, buyer and seller information, vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), odometer reading, purchase price, and signatures from both parties. This document serves as proof that you transferred ownership and can protect you from future liability.
What are North Carolina's vehicle sales tax rates and exemptions?
North Carolina charges a 3% highway use tax on vehicle purchases, which is one of the lowest rates in the country. This tax is paid by the buyer when they register the vehicle at the DMV. However, there are several exemptions available, including transfers between spouses, parent and child, or stepparent and stepchild relationships. Vehicles purchased by disabled veterans, federal government agencies, tax-exempt organizations, and certain other entities may also qualify for exemptions. If transferring between immediate family members, the recipient is exempt from the highway use tax, but proper documentation must be provided to claim these exemptions at the time of registration.
What forms do I need from the North Carolina DMV for selling my car?
The primary forms include MVR-1 (Title Application) for the buyer, MVR-180 (Odometer Disclosure), and MVR-181 (Damage Disclosure Statement). If you’ve lost your title, you’ll need Form MVR-3 (Duplicate Title Application) before you can sell. The buyer will use Form MVR-1 to apply for title transfer and registration. Form MVR-180 is required if the odometer disclosure isn’t completed on the title itself, particularly for vehicles under 10 years old. Form MVR-181 must be completed for all vehicle sales to disclose any damage history. Form MVR-4 (Notarized Bill of Sale) is optional but recommended. All forms must be completed accurately, as alterations or erasures void the documents. These forms are available on the NCDOT DMV website or at any license plate agency.