North Carolina NC Registration and Titling

[JeffP]

I've just completed my Registration / Titling in NC wanted to relay the process - at least for me, in 2022.

I started at my local Plate Agency and took my MCO, FFR Invoice (Showing Sales Tax paid, I picked mine up in MA), and Forte Invoice for Powertrain.

My plate agency took the paperwork, made copies for me and kept it. Issued a NC Plate and submitted the title application. (I ordered specialty plates that would ship later) Had to show I had current Auto insurance policy but didn't have to actually have this car listed.

Car is titled as a 1965 Replica, Make Factory Five, Type Roadster.

The agency told me that the theft bureau would likely hold my title until an inspection was completed by them. I pre-empted this and scheduled a theft inspection the following week (they come to our local title agency once a month). She told me all I needed was my registration and the FFR name place (with FFR serial) installed on the chassis. I riveted my name plate on the 2x2 below the glove box.

I met the lady today, she verified my FFR Serial (VIN) on my registration matched the name plate, took a picture of it and of the car. Told me title will be sent in 30-60 days.

No safety inspection required as its titled/registered as a 1965.

No wipers, no emissions, they didn't even look at any part of the build beyond making sure the VIN plate was attached.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I've just completed my Registration / Titling in NC wanted to relay the process - at least for me, in 2022.

I started at my local Plate Agency and took my MCO, FFR Invoice (Showing Sales Tax paid, I picked mine up in MA), and Forte Invoice for Powertrain.

My plate agency took the paperwork, made copies for me and kept it. Issued a NC Plate and submitted the title application. (I ordered specialty plates that would ship later) Had to show I had current Auto insurance policy but didn't have to actually have this car listed.

Car is titled as a 1965 Replica, Make Factory Five, Type Roadster.

The agency told me that the theft bureau would likely hold my title until an inspection was completed by them. I pre-empted this and scheduled a theft inspection the following week (they come to our local title agency once a month). She told me all I needed was my registration and the FFR name place (with FFR serial) installed on the chassis. I riveted my name plate on the 2x2 below the glove box.

I met the lady today, she verified my FFR Serial (VIN) on my registration matched the name plate, took a picture of it and of the car. Told me title will be sent in 30-60 days.

No safety inspection required as its titled/registered as a 1965.

No wipers, no emissions, they didn't even look at any part of the build beyond making sure the VIN plate was attached.

Looks like the general process has not changed. Only difference was the theft bureau inspection was first & they created a VIN # and put two stickers on the car, chassis & under dash tube.

You did not mention it but did they register you as an Antique Auto. Has significant annual property tax limits. I pay about $10 a year.

[JeffP]

Looks like the general process has not changed. Only difference was the theft bureau inspection was first & they created a VIN # and put two stickers on the car, chassis & under dash tube.

You did not mention it but did they register you as an Antique Auto. Has significant annual property tax limits. I pay about $10 a year.

They did title as an AA, but I didn't get the actual AA plates. They charged me $133 in property tax, I'm not sure if thats an initial fee or not. It is a county tax though so maybe that varies.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

They did title as an AA, but I didn't get the actual AA plates. They charged me $133 in property tax, I'm not sure if thats an initial fee or not. It is a county tax though so maybe that varies.

Tax is by county is variable, the local DMV (Wake), state headquarters in my case, set the value to be taxed seems like a pretty loose system. I took the AA plate. There is a provision in the NCDMV code that a replica can be registered as of the year of the original as you have done.

There is also a provision that section that you can run plates of that year as long as long as you keep the AA plate in the car. I chose 1965 because I liked the yellow on black coloring, similar to the original CA Shelby plates.

Back then NC flip flopped the colors each year.

[JeffP]

Tax is by county is variable, the local DMV (Wake), state headquarters in my case, set the value to be taxed seems like a pretty loose system. I took the AA plate. There is a provision in the NCDMV code that a replica can be registered as of the year of the original as you have done.

There is also a provision that section that you can run plates of that year as long as long as you keep the AA plate in the car. I chose 1965 because I liked the yellow on black coloring, similar to the original CA Shelby plates.

Back then NC flip flopped the colors each year.

I plan on getting the period correct plate like you've done once I get my real plates. The AA plates now are only like 4 characters and I didn't want to be limited.

[ggunter]

Yours is a very similar experience that I had in Md. The only thing the State Police at the MVA wanted was to check for stolen parts. They wanted to see my invoice from Blueprint and the COO form FFR. I spent a bunch of time making sure the wipers and lights all worked correctly, and they never looked at any of it. I registered it as a Historic Vehicle, no emissions, no state inspection. Sure made me happy. 45 minutes and I had my tags and I was out of there. I feel bad for the guys in Ca. and some of the other states that drag the registration process on for months.

[JeffP]

There is also a provision that section that you can run plates of that year as long as long as you keep the AA plate in the car. I chose 1965 because I liked the yellow on black coloring, similar to the original CA Shelby plates.


Got my plate!

168297

[Rook]

Too cool, congrats! I'll be doing this soon in Wake County. Do you guys have a source for getting a customized 1965 plate?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Too cool, congrats! I'll be doing this soon in Wake County. Do you guys have a source for getting a customized 1965 plate?

I got mine a long time ago from a place in CA about $60. Can't remember the name. This one also does plates in embossed aluminum with the correct year colors but they are pricy.

https://www.licenseplates.tv

[JeffP]

I got mine a long time ago from a place in CA about $60. Can't remember the name. This one also does plates in embossed aluminum with the correct year colors but they are pricy.

https://www.licenseplates.tv

This is where I got mine

[Rook]

Thanks, guys! Now I just need to decide on what to put on the plate... And finish the car!

[andyw]

Rook, did you get yours Titled yet. We're also in Wake and getting close to that point.

If you have any additional tips let me know.

I saw on another thread that they used to do home inspections. Do you know if that's the case, or do you have to trailer it to the inspector?

[JeffP]

Our inspector comes out one day a month to our local title office. I drove mine up for inspection since you get the plates right away.

[Rook]

I finally got this done last week!

Nowadays you must first get a visit from an inspector from the License & Theft Bureau. I got in touch on a Monday and he visited my house on that Wednesday at lunch. He looked at the serial number on the car to make sure it matched the MCO, looked at my license, took a couple pictures of the car, then filed his report. By doing this he established the FFR serial number as the VIN for the car. Right after that, I took his report to the License Plate Agency on Buck Jones Road along with the following documents. I payed the fees and taxes (based on my invoice from both FFR and the powertrain) and got a license plate right away. It was all nice and easy!

Car is titled as a 1965 Replica. No emissions or other inspection required. Title should arrive in a few weeks.

I'm running Year of Manufacture plates and crossing my fingers that that's OK based on Statute 20-63 (https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/pdf/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-63.pdf).


Docs I brought to the license office:

-MCO
-Invoice from FFR
-Invoice from Forte on the drivetrain
-Insurance ID card for the roadster
-Title application
-Driver's License

Don't forget some money for the cash-only notary fee ($7 in my case).

[JeffP]

I'm running Year of Manufacture plates and crossing my fingers that that's OK based on Statute 20-63 (https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/pdf/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-63.pdf).


I kept a copy of that with my registration and shoved the new plate under the passenger seat. I've since got a new license plate (ITS!REAL) for those who do programming will get it :). Decided to just keep the new plate - I know its silly - but the new plate is blue and so is my car, so doesn't clash like the black and yellow did.

[jeskam]

They did title as an AA, but I didn't get the actual AA plates. They charged me $133 in property tax, I'm not sure if thats an initial fee or not. It is a county tax though so maybe that varies.

So glad you shared this.. the timing couldn't be better! Do you know if you have any sway over the characters on the yellow on black AA plates? I would like to go that route myself and I have a 4 character plate I've been using since 2001 that I would like to use on the cobra.

[JeffP]

So glad you shared this.. the timing couldn't be better! Do you know if you have any sway over the characters on the yellow on black AA plates? I would like to go that route myself and I have a 4 character plate I've been using since 2001 that I would like to use on the cobra.

The yellow on black plates are custom made by licenseplates.tv, they aren't official state issued plates but you can use them as long as you keep the official ones in the car. I found I couldn't use the special characters on them (!) like you can our state issued ones, but honestly I didn't call them either to see if they can make an exception.

[jeskam]

The yellow on black plates are custom made by licenseplates.tv, they aren't official state issued plates but you can use them as long as you keep the official ones in the car. I found I couldn't use the special characters on them (!) like you can our state issued ones, but honestly I didn't call them either to see if they can make an exception.

I don't think I did a good job of articulating my question! I have a four letter acronym that I've been using for a long time.. have it on my miata right now. I would like to have the antique tags which all seem to have four "places" if you will. I wonder if I could use my four letters instead of numbers I guess is what I'm getting at? Like any other personalized plate?

[JeffP]

I don't think I did a good job of articulating my question! I have a four letter acronym that I've been using for a long time.. have it on my miata right now. I would like to have the antique tags which all seem to have four "places" if you will. I wonder if I could use my four letters instead of numbers I guess is what I'm getting at? Like any other personalized plate?

I think you're out of luck on that one. DMV website says you can't personalize the official Antique Auto plate.