Official NCDMV: Leased Vehicle Titles

In cases in which a vehicle is being leased in North Carolina, the vehicle's owner and operator share the responsibilities of titling and registering the vehicle.

Leased vehicles are titled in the name of the lessor – the legal owner of the vehicle. The license plate, however, can be issued to the lessor or the lessee – the individual leasing the vehicle – depending on who carries the liability insurance.

To title and register a leased vehicle, the title applicant must:

Submit required documents
Have the vehicle undergo an emissions inspection
Pay relevant vehicle registration and license plate fees

Requirements & Documents

The required documents to obtain a title for a leased vehicle depend on whether:

The vehicle is to be licensed in the lessor's name
The vehicle is to be licensed in the lessee's name
The lessee is moving to North Carolina

Identification is required for all services processed in person.

Vehicle to Be Licensed in Lessor's Name

If a vehicle is to be licensed in the name of the legal owner of the vehicle (the lessor), the documents in the table below are required.

Document	Notes
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin	Assigned to Lessor
Title Application (MVR-1)	All liens must be declared; notarization required
Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180)	Must be completed if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Gross Receipt Declaration (MVR-608)	Required if lessor wants to pay highway-use tax directly to the N.C. Department of Revenue

Vehicle to Be Licensed in Lessee's Name

If a vehicle is to be licensed in the name of the individual leasing the vehicle (the lessee), the documents in the following table are required.

Document	Notes
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin	Assigned to Lessor
Title Application (MVR-1)	All liens must be declared; notarization required
Odometer Disclosure Statement (MVR-180)	Must be completed if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Application for a Registration Plate or Plate Transfer (MVR-330)	For initial registration or transfer of license plate
Gross Receipt Declaration (MVR-608)	Required if lessor wants to pay highway-use tax directly to the N.C. Department of Revenue

Lessee is Moving to North Carolina

If the individual leasing the vehicle (the lessee) is moving to North Carolina, the documents in the following table are required.

Document	Notes
Out-of-State Title	A photocopy is acceptable.
Odometer Reading	Required if vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Title Application (MVR-1)	All liens must be declared; notarization required
Application for a Registration Plate or Plate Transfer (MVR-330)	For initial registration or transfer of license plate
Gross Receipt Declaration (MVR-608)	Required if lessor wants to pay highway-use tax directly to the N.C. Department of Revenue

Emissions Inspection

The vehicle must pass a state emissions inspection by an authorized inspection station before a North Carolina license plate is issued. Emissions inspection is not required for out-of-state or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin title processes.

Fees & Taxes

A Certificate of Title fee and taxes must be paid on the vehicle as well as applicable license plate fees. (View a list of current vehicle fees.)

7/19/2019 6:26 PM

Leased Vehicles