WILMINGTON — As of Thursday, Oct. 1, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will no longer require drivers to have a physical registration card or stickers adhered to their license plates. A digital system automates everything so law enforcement can see if a vehicle’s registration is up to date.
The change went into effect with the passage of the state budget in July; the almost 700-page bill included varied provisions. Regarding the DMV, it noted the agency would still maintain registrations electronically to ensure motorists pay taxes and fees and have their vehicles inspected annually.
According to the budget, eliminating the physical cards and stickers would “reduce administrative costs, streamline vehicle registration processes, and enhance efficiency.” It saves the department around $4.8 million annually.
Drivers will still receive a reminder they’re registration is reaching expiration 90 days before, and vehicle owners can renew online, in person at their local DMV, or at self-service kiosks. Vehicles must be registered by midnight of the expiration month; however, a driver will have a 15-day grace period after, then the vehicle becomes illegal to drive on the highway without being properly registered.
The driver will have access to a PDF of their registration card as well, which they can have mailed to their homes for a fee — or it can be printed at home for free. They’ll also be able to upload the registration into their wallet app with a mobile ID by 2027, when NC DMV plans to launch digital IDs, accessible via phone.
Learn more here.
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