North Carolina Transfer Notification Support Page

Transfer of Ownership Occurs via a Title Transfer. However, the State Recommends Surrendering License Plates Before Cancelling Liability Insurance.

The State requires continuous liability insurance over a registered vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle owner should cancel their insurance only after they have surrendered the license plates to N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

NOTORIZATION is required of the title for transfer.
*Please wait until the vehicle pick-up has been arranged before completing and/or notarizing the title.*

HOW TO HANDLE THE LICENSE PLATES WHEN YOU DONATE A CAR, TRUCK, SUV OR OTHER STANDARD VEHICLE IN NORTH CAROLINA

Please remove the license plates from the donated vehicle prior to pick up. License plates are required to be surrendered to the State prior to cancelling liability insurance over the vehicle.

North Carolina license plates can be returned at any NCDMV license plate agency or by mailing them to:

NCDMV Vehicle Registration Section
Renewal Title & PLate Unit
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3148
Click HERE to locate your local field office.

Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic North Carolina nonprofit to donate to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do I cancel my insurance? A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity? A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification? A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process? A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information on vehicle transfers, please contact your local Motor Vehicle Division:

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697

Phone: 919.715.7000
NCDMV WEBSITE