Vehicle Tag and Tax Together Program: Frequently Asked Questions

The North Carolina Tag and Tax Together program allows residents to pay their vehicle registration fee and vehicle property tax at the same time.

You receive one notice and make one payment each year. The program began in 2013 and applies to most registered vehicles in North Carolina.

Quick Links

• Why was the program created?
• What changed with the new law?
• When did the program start?
• What is different about my renewal notice?
• Does this affect home or mortgage property taxes?
• When is my vehicle property tax due?
• How do I pay my registration and taxes?
• Do I still need a vehicle inspection?
• How do I know how much tax I owe?
• Can I renew my registration without paying taxes?
• Are the taxes for the coming year or previous year?
• What happens if I moved?
• What happens if I pay late?
• Can I pay my vehicle tax at my county tax office?
• Who should I contact with questions?
• How is vehicle tax determined?
• What if I disagree with the value or tax amount?

Why was the program created?

The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 1779 to simplify the way vehicle owners pay registration fees and vehicle property taxes.

Before this law:

• Registration fees were paid to the DMV.
• Vehicle property taxes were paid to the county.

Now both charges are paid together in one payment. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) collects the payment and sends the tax portion to the appropriate county.

What changed with the new law?

Previously, vehicle registration fees and vehicle property taxes were billed and paid separately.

Now:

• You receive one combined notice.
• You make one payment.
• The payment includes both registration and property tax.

When did the Tag and Tax system start?

The program began in mid-2013. It started with vehicle registration renewals that occurred that year. By mid-2014, all North Carolina vehicles were included in the system.

What is different about my renewal notice?

Your renewal notice now includes:

• Vehicle registration renewal fee
• Vehicle property tax amount
• Total amount due

You will also see separate contact information for:

• Registration questions (NCDMV)
• Tax questions (your county tax office)

Does this affect home or mortgage property taxes?

No. The Tag and Tax Together program only applies to vehicle property taxes. It does not affect real estate property taxes or mortgage escrow payments.

When is my vehicle property tax due?

Your vehicle property tax is due at the same time as your vehicle registration renewal. The due date is listed on your renewal notice.

How do I pay my registration and taxes?

You can pay both fees together through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).

Online

Pay online at the DMV website:

Vehicle Registration Renewal

By Mail

Send a check or money order to the address listed on your renewal notice.

In Person

Visit a license plate agency or the DMV Vehicle Registration Office.

Do I still need a vehicle inspection?

Yes. Most vehicles must pass an annual safety or emissions inspection before registration renewal.

• You may have the inspection completed up to 90 days before your renewal date.
• Vehicles that are 35 years old or older do not require an inspection.

How will I know how much vehicle property tax I owe?

Your combined renewal notice includes:

• Vehicle property tax amount
• County tax rate
• Municipal tax rate (if applicable)
• Total amount due

Can I renew my vehicle registration without paying property tax?

No. North Carolina law requires that vehicle property taxes and registration fees be paid together. You cannot renew your registration unless both are paid.

Are the vehicle taxes for the coming year or the previous year?

The taxes listed on your notice apply to the coming year and cover the same period as your vehicle registration.

What happens if I moved since my last renewal?

If you reported your new address to the NCDMV, your renewal notice should arrive at the new address.

If you moved and did not update your address, your tax amount may need to be recalculated.

If this occurs, contact your county tax office before sending payment.

What happens if I do not pay by the due date?

Late payments may result in:

• Interest charges on the property tax
• Additional DMV fees
• Possible citation if the vehicle is driven with expired registration

Can I pay my vehicle property tax at my county tax office?

No. Vehicle property taxes must be paid through the NCDMV as part of the registration renewal process.

Who should I contact with questions?

Your renewal notice includes contact information for your county tax office. The county can answer questions about property tax values, rates, or appeals.

How is vehicle property tax determined?

Your county tax assessor determines your vehicle's value based on its fair market value.

The total tax is based on:

• Vehicle value
• County tax rate
• Municipal tax rate (if applicable)

What if I disagree with the value or tax amount?

If you disagree with the vehicle value, tax amount, or tax location, contact the county tax office where the vehicle is located.

Vehicle owners generally have 30 days to file an appeal after receiving the combined notice.