Jan72026
Probate Q&A Series

How do I get copies of a vehicle title, registration, and VIN information if I no longer have the paperwork? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, copies of a vehicle title and registration are usually obtained through the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) by requesting a duplicate title and/or a copy of the registration card. If the request is being made in a probate-related matter, the “legal representative” of the owner (such as a personal representative) can typically request these records, but NCDMV may require proof of authority and will not release personal information except as allowed under privacy laws. When a title is requested as a duplicate, NCDMV generally applies a waiting period before issuing the duplicate title.

Understanding the Problem

In a North Carolina probate matter, a personal representative or other authorized legal representative may need to locate a vehicle’s VIN, title status, and registration details even though the original paperwork is missing. The decision point is whether the request is for (1) replacement documents (a duplicate title and/or a copy of a registration card) or (2) record information (such as VIN and title history) from NCDMV records. The process and what NCDMV can release depend on who the registered owner is in NCDMV’s system and whether the requester has legal authority to act for that owner.

Apply the Law

North Carolina treats the certificate of title and the registration card as separate documents issued by NCDMV. State law allows the “owner or legal representative of the owner” shown in NCDMV records to apply for replacement registration materials and a duplicate title. Separately, NCDMV’s ability to disclose personal information in motor vehicle records is limited by North Carolina law that follows the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), so requests for VIN/title/registration information may require a permitted purpose and documentation.

Key Requirements

  • Proper requester: The request generally must come from the registered owner on record or the owner’s legal representative (for probate matters, commonly a personal representative with Letters).
  • Sufficient identifying information: NCDMV typically needs enough details to match the vehicle in its system (commonly plate number, prior title number if known, owner name/address on record, and/or VIN if available from another source).
  • Privacy-compliant request for record information: If the request seeks motor vehicle record information (not just replacement documents), NCDMV may require a DPPA-permitted purpose and supporting paperwork before releasing personal information from its records.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, the task is to locate VIN numbers, titles, and registration information for a vehicle in an ongoing legal matter. Under North Carolina law, the cleanest path is usually to have the registered owner (or, in a probate context, the owner’s legal representative such as a personal representative) request replacement documents through NCDMV. If the goal is not only replacement documents but also record information, the request should be structured to meet NCDMV’s privacy rules and should include proof of authority for the legal matter.

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: The registered owner on record, or the owner’s legal representative (often a personal representative in a probate matter). Where: N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (often through a local NCDMV license plate agency or by submission to NCDMV, depending on the request type). What: A duplicate title request (commonly done using NCDMV’s duplicate title application process) and/or a request for a copy of the registration card; if acting as a personal representative, include proof of authority (commonly certified Letters). When: As soon as the need is identified; duplicate title requests are subject to a statutory waiting period before issuance.
  2. Confirm lien status early: If NCDMV records show a lien, the lienholder may receive the duplicate title, and a lien release may be required before a “clean” title can be issued or transferred. This is a common reason probate vehicle transfers stall.
  3. Request record information carefully: If the legal matter requires VIN/title/registration information beyond replacement documents, the request may need additional documentation and a permitted purpose under privacy rules. In probate administration, it often helps to submit a clear explanation of the requester’s authority and the reason the information is needed for estate administration.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • Lienholder controls the paper title: If a lien is recorded, the lienholder is often the party entitled to receive the title until the lien is released, which can affect who can obtain and use a duplicate title.
  • Local office variation: Some local offices may be unfamiliar with probate-related vehicle paperwork. When a request is rejected at the counter, it may be necessary to confirm current NCDMV requirements or route the request through NCDMV headquarters procedures.
  • Privacy limits on “VIN lookups”: Even when a vehicle is part of a legal matter, NCDMV may not release personal information from motor vehicle records unless the request fits within the DPPA framework and state disclosure rules. A request framed as “give all information you have” can be denied; a targeted request with proof of authority is more likely to succeed.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, missing vehicle paperwork is usually handled by requesting replacement documents from NCDMV: a duplicate title and/or a copy of the registration card. State law generally allows the registered owner or the owner’s legal representative (including a personal representative in probate) to apply, but NCDMV can limit what record information it releases under privacy rules. The most important timing issue is that a duplicate title request is subject to a statutory waiting period, so the next step is to file the duplicate title/registration request with NCDMV promptly.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If a probate or other legal matter requires VIN numbers, title status, or replacement vehicle documents, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help identify what NCDMV will require and how to document authority to request records. Call us today at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.

Category: Probate Q&A Series

Author: Pierce Law

Pierce Law Group is a North Carolina law firm focused on probate administration, real estate partition matters, and surplus funds claims across North Carolina. We know these situations often come with stress, family dynamics, and time-sensitive decisions—so we prioritize clear communication, steady guidance, and a practical plan from day one. Our goal is to make a complicated process feel manageable, while protecting what matters most to you.