Orders came in and the car is now one more thing on the list. This guide covers what North Carolina requires, how someone you trust can sell the car for you while you are gone, and the plate and insurance steps that are easy to forget.
Start with the title and the loan
Everything depends on who holds the title. If you have the paper title in hand and no loan, the sale is simple. If a lender holds the title, you need a written payoff first. Our payoff request letter asks for the right numbers, and the guide to selling a car with a lien walks through the rest.
If you have to leave before the car sells: a power of attorney
NCDMV has its own form for this: the MVR-63 Power of Attorney. It lets a person you choose sign the certificate of title for you to transfer the vehicle, or apply for a duplicate or new title. A few things to know:
- It has to be notarized. The form includes a notary block for your signature.
- It does not work when a lender holds the title. The form says so, and points to the MVR-63A Secure Power of Attorney for titles held by a lienholder, on paper or electronically.
- It names one vehicle. Fill in the year, make, body style and VIN, and name the person you trust to sign.
- Pick someone dependable. The form uses the word "irrevocably". Talk to your legal assistance office if you are unsure.
Most installations have a legal assistance office that can help service members with powers of attorney and notary services. Call to confirm hours and what they offer. They can also explain protections for service members on car loans and leases.
If you can sell before you go: a short timeline
- Get your payoff figure if there is a loan, and ask how the lien will be released.
- Gather the paperwork: the title, any lien release, a bill of sale, and the disclosure forms that apply. See the NC DMV forms explained.
- Sign the title in front of a notary. North Carolina requires the seller to sign the assignment on the title in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths (G.S. 20-72).
- Take your plate off. The license plate stays with you, not the car.
- Deal with insurance last. NCDMV tells military owners to cancel insurance only after the plate has been turned in. Cancelling while the car is still registered can lead to penalties.
Registration and inspections while you are away
If you are stationed outside North Carolina and need to renew a registration, NCDMV lists a number to call about inspection options: 877-421-0020. Its military services page also covers plates and other options for service members.
Short on time? We buy cars quickly
We are a local car buyer in Greenville and we buy cars across Eastern NC, including the areas around Jacksonville, Havelock and Goldsboro. Tell us about the car, a real buyer calls you back, and we come to your home, work or a parking lot nearby. Get a free offer with no obligation, and tell us your leave date so we can plan around it.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- NCDMV form MVR-63, Power of Attorney
- NCDMV: Services for Military Personnel
- G.S. 20-72, Transfer of title