Tax Refunds for Registered Motor Vehicles

Tax Refunds for Registered Motor Vehicles

Sold Your Vehicle or Moved Out of State? You May Qualify for a Tax Refund.

Learn what steps to take and what documents you need to process your motor vehicle property tax refund.

Eligibility for a Refund

You may qualify if:

• The license plate was surrendered to NCDMV (or reported lost/stolen) before the month of expiration, and
• Vehicle ownership is transferred, OR the vehicle is registered in your new state.

What do I need to submit?
Submit these within 1 year of surrendering your plate:

• NCDMV FS-20 Plate Surrender Form
• Bill of Sale or out-of-state registration

How do I submit my request?
 

By Web Form:

Easily upload the required documents and submit a Refund Request here.
 

By Email:

Email the request and documents to taxhelp@wake.gov.

By mail:
Wake County Tax Administration
P.O. Box 2331
Raleigh, NC 27602-2331

Include your mailing address for the refund check.

Where will my refund be sent?
To the mailing address entered on your request.

Processing Time: Please allow up to 6 weeks for your refund check to arrive by mail after we receive your completed documentation.

Are municipal vehicle fees refundable?
No. Municipal vehicle fee taxes under NCGS 20-97 are not eligible.

Moved Within North Carolina?

If you move from Wake County to another county in North Carolina after paying your combined registration and property tax notice:

• No refund or adjustment is due.
• Your new county will appear on next year’s renewal and property tax notice.
• Important: Make sure the NCDMV has your updated address to avoid delays.

Related Links:

Online Help Center - https://taxhelp.wake.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=37029617111060

NCGS 20-97 - https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-97.html