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Tax - Registered Motor Vehicles

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1. Can you change my name/address on my motor vehicle tag & tax renewal?

Tag & Tax combined statements use the name and address on DMV records. To ensure that future notices are mailed to you with the correct name/address, please make sure that when you renew your tag that you provide DMV with the change.

2. When is the last day I can pay my motor vehicle tax bill?

For motor vehicles that are registered under the staggered systems, taxes are due on the 15th day of the month following the month in which the registration renewal sticker expires.

3. I no longer own the car. Why must I pay the tax?

The tax was due when the tag was renewed or purchased. If you sold this vehicle or no longer have possession of the vehicle and you turned the tags into the NC Division of Motor Vehicles, contact our office with a MAV-2 form from DMV to see if a proration can be made.

4. I believe I was billed twice on the same car. What do I need to do?

Please contact our office at 910-989-2201 .

5. When can I appeal my vehicle value?

Licensed vehicle value appeals, and supporting documentation must be postmarked within 30 days of the billing date printed on the tax bill. Mail appeals and supporting documentation to: Onslow County Tax Administration, Attn: Vehicle Appeal, 234 NW Corridor Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28540.

6. What supporting documentation should I submit with my vehicle appeal?

Examples of supporting documentation include: a copy of the bill of sale documenting the purchase price from a local dealer, a written appraisal performed by a dealer clearly stating the appraisal reflects the retail value as of January 1 of the year in which the taxes are due, pictures of the vehicle documenting its condition, documentation of high mileage from an annual inspection, oil change or other invoice, or repair estimates for significantly damaged vehicles.

7. Do you have the number to the License Plate Agency?

The Onslow LPA is located at 201 Wilmington Hwy, Jacksonville, NC 28540. The phone number is 910-347-1000. Hours of operation are Monday -Friday 9:00 to 5:00pm.

8. I have moved out of state. Can I get a refund of the Onslow County taxes paid on my vehicle?

You may be entitled to a prorated refund upon Onslow County receiving your new registration. You are also required to return your tag to NCDMV, 1100 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27697

9. I paid taxes when I purchased and/or registered my vehicle. Why do I also have to pay property taxes?

When you purchase a car in North Carolina and register it for the first time you pay state taxes, a road use fee, registration fee, tag and title fees. Vehicles are also subject to Onslow County and City (if applicable) property taxes. The bill covers a full year beginning from the renewal date to the date the license tags expires.

10. How do I apply for a release or refund on my vehicle?

The owner surrenders the plate on the listed vehicle to Division of Motor Vehicles and obtains a FS-20 form and a bill of sale in order to receive a prorated tax bill for the months the tags were not used.

11. The value on my tax bill is more than I paid for the vehicle. How do I appeal?

Submit a copy of the bill of sale documenting the purchase price from a local dealer within thirty (30) days of the due date on your bill.

12. How are registered motor vehicles valued?

Motor vehicles are valued by year, make and model in accordance with the North Carolina Vehicle Valuation Manual. Values are based on the retail value of the motor vehicle as of January 1 of the year in which the taxes are due. For ad valorem tax purposes, licensed motor vehicles are NOT valued at wholesale, blue book or private party asking price.

13. Should I list my licensed motor vehicle during the regular listing period?

A licensed motor vehicle does not have to be listed for taxation. Registering a newly purchased motor vehicle or renewing a current registration with the NC Division of Motor Vehicles constitutes listing for local property taxes.

14. I paid taxes on a car that was stolen. Do I owe the taxes?

Provide a letter from the insurance company stating they have taken possession of the title, a receipt from the DMV showing the tag has been turned in and/or recognized as lost/stolen. You may be entitled to a possible prorated refund. NOTE: A police report does not qualify as proof.

15. I transferred tags from my old car to a new car. Do I owe the tax bill on the old car?

Yes, taxes follow the transferred tags. You will receive a bill on the new vehicle next year.

16. I turned in a leased vehicle. Why does the leasing company say I owe tax?

If the leasing company sold the vehicle you turned in, our office will need to see a bill of sale from the leasing company and a receipt (FS-20) from the DMV showing the tag has been turned in. Our office may prorate the leasing company’s bill.

17. I turned my tags into DMV. What should I do about the taxes?

If you still own the vehicle the taxes are due in full. If not, the tax office will need proof of ownership transfer of the vehicle along with a FS-20 form from DMV. This could include a copy of the bill of sale or a copy of the front and back of the title transfer showing you sold the vehicle.

18. I sold my vehicle but still have the tags. Do I have to pay taxes?

Yes, turn your tags into Division Motor Vehicle, then request a release or refund.

19. How long do I have to request a refund after the tags are turned into the DMV?

You must present a receipt from DMV to our office within one year of surrendering the plates.

20. I have moved to another county. Do I still owe Onslow vehicle taxes?

At the time of your renewal or purchase of a tag, the address the DMV provided us indicated that your residence was in Onslow County. If you moved after the renewal date to another county the taxes are still due to Onslow County and you will be taxed the following year in the new county.

21. What does "registered vehicle" mean?

Registered vehicle means a vehicle that is registered with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles with tags that have not expired. Registered vehicles include tagged cars, trucks, boat trailers, utility trailers, camping trailers, and motor homes. Registered vehicles with a current (unexpired) tag are a special class of personal property and are excluded from being listed each year.