Does a Seller Remove License Plates in North Carolina
In North Carolina, when a vehicle is sold, the seller is required to remove the license plates before handing over the vehicle to the buyer. The seller should not leave the plates on the vehicle, as the plates remain registered to the seller, not the vehicle.
After removing the plates, the seller has two main options:
1. Transfer the Plates to Another Vehicle
The seller can transfer the license plates to another vehicle that they own. This is a common option if the seller plans to purchase another car.
2. Surrender the Plates
If the seller is not planning to transfer the plates to another vehicle, they are required to surrender them to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The plates can be surrendered at a local NCDMV office or mailed to the following address:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Plate Turn-In
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3148
Failing to remove or surrender the plates can result in penalties or continued liability for the vehicle.
For more information on transferring or surrendering license plates, visit the official North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website
