Question 1

Do you buy cars in North Carolina without titles?

Accepted Answer

Here at PutInYourVIN.com, our goal is to make the selling process clear and easy for our customers. The title is a crucial document as it serves as proof of ownership, ensuring a smooth transition from one owner to the next and providing legal backing to any sale.

However, there are some circumstances where we might consider purchasing vehicles without a title. Here’s a more precise breakdown:

Lost Title: If you cannot locate your title, it is advisable to obtain a duplicate from the North Carolina DMV before selling your vehicle. This procedure is simple and guarantees a smooth transaction without any issues.
Older Models: Some very old cars might be sold without a title in North Carolina if they never had one. If you’re dealing with a classic or antique vehicle, contact our team, and we’ll see how we can assist.
Lien on the Vehicle: If there’s a lien on your car because you haven’t fully paid off a loan, you won’t have the title. In these cases, we’d need to work directly with your lienholder to determine the purchase.
For Parts or Scrap: If the car is being sold for parts or scrap, sometimes the title might not be as crucial. However, you’d still need proof of ownership, like a registration or bill of sale.

In summary, while the title is a significant part of selling a vehicle in North Carolina, there might be exceptions based on the situation. If you’re unsure about your car’s status, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team at PutInYourVIN.com. We’re here to help guide you through the process and provide solutions that work for both parties.

Question 2

What if my North Carolina title doesn’t look like ones that are pictured online?

Accepted Answer

If your North Carolina title doesn’t match the ones you see online, consider the following steps:

Check the Date: Look at the issue date on your title. If it’s older, it might be a previous design used by North Carolina. Titles can have a lifespan of many decades, so even if it looks different from a recently issued title, it could still be valid.
Authenticity Features: Most titles will have certain security features to prevent fraud. This could include watermarks, holographic stickers, or special paper. Familiarize yourself with these features; they can help reassure you of the document’s authenticity.
Verify with the North Carolina DMV: If you’re unsure about the validity of your title, it’s always a good idea to contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They can provide clarification on whether your title is a genuine, older version or if there are any discrepancies you should be aware of.
Using PutInYourVIN.com Services: If you’re planning to sell your car to PutInYourVIN.com, reach out to our team with a clear photo or scan of your title. We’ve seen many titles over the years and can often provide guidance. If it’s a valid, older format, we’ll know!
Acquire a Duplicate: If there’s still doubt about your title’s authenticity or if you think it’s damaged, you can always request a duplicate title from the North Carolina DMV. There might be a small fee, but you’ll have peace of mind with a fresh, updated title in hand.

Remember, while the appearance of the title is important, its primary role is to convey ownership. As long as it’s legitimate and doesn’t have any unresolved liens or claims against it, the specific design shouldn’t impede your ability to sell your vehicle in North Carolina.

Question 3

Do I need to turn in my North Carolina license plate when I sell my car?

Accepted Answer

In North Carolina, if you sell your car and don’t transfer the license plate to another vehicle, you must surrender it to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Here’s a breakdown of the process and its importance:

Why is it Necessary?

Avoiding Liability: It is essential to return the license plate when selling your vehicle to avoid being held accountable for any potential incidents that may occur after the sale. If the license plate remains registered under your name, you may still be associated with any future problems, even if you are no longer the owner.
Insurance: If you have a license plate registered in your name in North Carolina, you must have liability insurance. Failure to maintain insurance until the license plate is turned in may lead to penalties.

How to Turn in Your License Plate:

Visit the DMV: If you wish to surrender your license plate, you can do so at any NC DMV license plate agency. It’s advisable to check their operating hours before visiting.
By Mail: If you’re unable to visit a DMV agency, you can mail your license plate to:
NCDMV Vehicle Registration Section Renewal Title & Plate Unit 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-3148
Receipt: When you surrender your license plate at a DMV agency, get a receipt. This receipt is evidence of your compliance with the law, so keep it in your records.

What’s Next?

After submitting your license plate, remember to cancel the insurance for the vehicle that has been sold. But, surrender the license plate before canceling the insurance to prevent any possible fines.

When you buy a new car, you can transfer the license plate from your old car to the new one instead of surrendering it. It’s essential to inform the DMV of any vehicle ownership or status changes to ensure that your records are accurate and current.

At PutInYourVIN.com, we highly recommend that our customers take these steps seriously. This not only protects both the seller and the buyer, but it also guarantees a smooth vehicle selling process in North Carolina.

Question 4

What should I do about my auto insurance after selling my car in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

After selling your car in North Carolina, taking care of your auto insurance is essential. To ensure that you handle this process correctly, here is a step-by-step guide to follow:

1. Do NOT Cancel Right Away:

Although it may be tempting to cut costs, it’s essential not to hastily terminate your auto insurance right after selling your vehicle. As previously stated, North Carolina mandates that you retain insurance on your car as long as you possess a valid license plate. Only cancel your insurance once you’ve transferred or surrendered your license plate to the DMV.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company:

When you sell your vehicle, it would be best to inform your insurance agent or provider. They can guide you on the appropriate steps, such as transferring your insurance to a new car or canceling your policy.

3. Transfer Insurance if Buying Another Vehicle:

If you’ve sold your car and are now getting a new one, you can transfer the insurance policy you had for your old car to your new vehicle. However, you may need to modify your premiums depending on your new car’s make, model, and age.

4. Cancellation and Refunds:

If you’re not replacing the vehicle and wish to cancel the insurance:

Ask about any potential cancellation fees (though many companies won’t charge if you’ve been a long-term customer).
Inquire about any refunds. If you’ve paid your policy in advance, you might be eligible for a prorated refund for the unused portion.

5. Keep Records:

Keeping all documents and correspondence related to any changes or cancellations made to your insurance policy is essential. These can be used as evidence for future disagreements or discrepancies.

6. Consider Non-Owner Insurance:

Getting a non-owner auto insurance policy could be a good idea if you drive a car occasionally but don’t own one anymore (such as borrowing a friend’s vehicle). This type of policy offers liability coverage and may be less expensive than a standard policy.

7. Monitor for Renewal Notices:

After canceling, ensure you do not receive or act on any auto-renewal notices for the vehicle that has been sold. If you receive such a notice, you must contact your insurance company immediately to seek clarification.

8. Review Your Future Needs:

Now is an excellent opportunity to assess your insurance requirements. If you plan to purchase a new vehicle, it’s worth exploring and contrasting insurance quotes. Factors such as safety features, type of vehicle, and even the color can influence insurance premiums.

To sum up, selling your car in North Carolina through PutInYourVIN.com makes selling easier. However, it’s essential to be diligent in managing post-sale responsibilities, especially regarding insurance. This will help you stay compliant with the law, avoid penalties, and maintain the necessary coverage for your driving needs.

Question 5

Is there anything I need to do after selling my car in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Once you have sold your car in North Carolina, you must take some vital steps to ensure that everything is legally and logistically sorted. Here is a thorough checklist of your post-sale duties:

1. Transfer the Title:

Regarding owning a car, the vehicle title is the most critical document. It’s essential to make sure:

The buyer’s information is accurately filled out.
Both you and the buyer sign and date the title.
The buyer knows they’ll need to take the title to the NC DMV to transfer ownership officially.

2. Complete a Bill of Sale:

Although a bill of sale is not a mandatory requirement for private vehicle transactions in North Carolina, it is advisable to have one. This document serves as proof of the transaction and can be beneficial for tax purposes and to safeguard both parties in the event of any disputes.

3. Remove License Plates:

In North Carolina, it is mandatory to remove the license plates from your vehicle when selling it. Here are your options:

Transfer them to another car you own.
Return them to the DMV if you don’t plan to use them. Remember, cancel your insurance only after returning or transferring the plates.

4. Notify the DMV:

While it is the responsibility of the buyer to register the purchased car in their name, it is recommended for sellers to inform the DMV of the sale. This step can be a precautionary measure to shield you from potential liability if the new owner fails to register the vehicle promptly.

5. Cancel or Modify Auto Insurance:

As previously discussed, avoiding canceling your insurance right after selling your car is essential. Instead, waiting until you’ve transferred or returned your license plates is best. Once that’s done, you should inform your insurance provider about the sale and decide whether to cancel your policy or make adjustments if purchasing a new vehicle.

6. Maintain Records:

It is essential to keep copies of all documents related to the sale, such as the bill of sale, any communication with the buyer, and records of the title transfer. These documents can be handy in future discrepancies or for tax purposes.

7. Conduct a Personal Items Check:

Before handing over the car, it is important to double-check all compartments, including the trunk, glove box, and any storage areas for personal belongings. Additionally, remove any garage door openers or other devices that may be linked to your home for security purposes.

8. Cancel Electronic Payments:

It’s important to cancel any automatic payments you may have set up for parking, tolls, or other expenses related to your vehicle. Don’t forget to take care of this task.

9. Release of Liability:

Although North Carolina doesn’t have a specific release of liability form, it’s still possible to protect yourself when selling a vehicle. By informing the DMV of the sale and keeping a copy of the bill of sale, you can effectively release yourself from any liability for accidents or incidents involving the vehicle after the sale.

When it comes to selling your car, it can be an exciting yet daunting task with many responsibilities to consider. However, by following this checklist and ensuring every step is completed, you can have peace of mind knowing everything has been handled correctly. It’s important to remember that with platforms like PutInYourVIN.com, expert guidance on selling your vehicle in North Carolina is just a few clicks away.

North Carolina

we buy all clean title rebuilt title salvage title flood damaged fire damaged hail damaged storm damaged wrecked cars.

We Buy Cars in North Carolina

Free Pickup Included in North Carolina

North Carolina FAQs