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When navigating the world of vehicle registration in North Carolina, the MVR-18A form serves as a crucial document designed for certain instances when you'll need to turn in your license plate. This form is essential for vehicle owners who encounter situations where their registration plate is lost, stolen, or taken by law enforcement. To complete the MVR-18A, you’ll need to provide specific details, including the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question. Additionally, both vehicle owners—if applicable—must fill in their full legal names and identification numbers. It is also important to include their residence or business addresses, as well as the vehicle’s plate number. You will find that the form necessitates indicating the reason for submitting it, such as loss or theft, and if law enforcement took the plate, proper proof must be attached. At the end of the form, your signature, printed name, and relationship to the vehicle will affirm the accuracy of the information provided. This verification process not only helps to protect vehicle owners but also facilitates smoother dealings with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

Mvr 18A Example

MVR-18A

(Rev. 2/20)

License Plate Turn in Verification

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles

3148 Mail Service Center

Raleigh NC 27697-3148

VEHICLE SECTION

Year

Make

Body Style

Series Model

VIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

OWNER SECTION

Owner 1 ID# ________________

________________________________________________________________________________

 

Full Legal Name of Owner 1 (First, Middle, Last, Suffix) or Company Name

Owner 2 ID# ________________

________________________________________________________________________________

 

Full Legal Name of Owner 2 (First, Middle, Last, Suffix) or Company Name

Residence Address (Individual) Business Address (Firm)

City and State

Mail Address (If different from above)

Plate # _______________________________

REASON FOR TURN IN

Check applicable block below:

Lost

Stolen

Taken by Law Enforcement

I, the owner(s) or designee of the vehicle described on this application, do hereby certify that the registration plate as identified on this application, along with the year sticker and the month sticker, are being reported lost, stolen or taken by Law Enforcement. (If taken by Law Enforcement, proof must be submitted.)

Signature of owner(s) or designee

________________________________________________

Printed name of owner(s) or designee

________________________________________________

Relationship

________________________________________________

Address

________________________________________________

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Form Purpose The MVR-18A form verifies the turn-in of a license plate in North Carolina.
Governing Body This form is governed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
Form Revision Date The MVR-18A form was last revised in February 2020.
Vehicle Information Required Details about the vehicle, including year, make, model, and VIN, must be provided.
Owner Information Full legal names and identification numbers of up to two owners must be included.
Residency Details The form requires the residence and mailing addresses of the owner(s).
Turn-in Reasons Owners may report a plate as lost, stolen, or taken by law enforcement.
Certification Requirement Owners must certify the loss and sign the form to confirm the information provided.
Proof for Law Enforcement If the plate was taken by law enforcement, proof of this must also be submitted.

Guidelines on Utilizing Mvr 18A

Completing the MVR-18A form is straightforward. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that all necessary information is captured accurately before submission.

  1. Write the year of the vehicle in the designated Year field.
  2. Fill in the Make of the vehicle.
  3. Indicate the Body Style and Series of the vehicle.
  4. Enter the Model of your vehicle.
  5. Provide the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the vehicle.
  6. For Owner 1, write the ID number in the Owner 1 ID# field.
  7. Complete the Full Legal Name of Owner 1 by entering the first, middle, last names, and suffix if applicable.
  8. If applicable, fill in the ID number for Owner 2 in Owner 2 ID#.
  9. Complete the Full Legal Name of Owner 2 using the same naming format as Owner 1.
  10. Provide the Residence Address for individuals or Business Address for firms.
  11. List the City and State of your residence or business.
  12. If the mailing address differs from the residence/business address, enter that in the Mail Address field.
  13. Input the license plate number in the Plate # section.
  14. Choose the appropriate reason for turning in the license plate by checking one of the boxes: Lost, Stolen, Taken by Law Enforcement.
  15. Sign your name in the designated area to affirm that the information is correct.
  16. Print your name below your signature.
  17. Note your relationship to the vehicle in the Relationship section.
  18. Finally, provide your Address in the last section of the form.

After completing each step, review the form for any missing or incorrect information. Make sure all required signatures are affixed. Once verified, the MVR-18A form is ready for submission to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the MVR-18A form used for?

The MVR-18A form is used in North Carolina to verify the turning in of a license plate. This document serves as a formal declaration that a vehicle's registration plate, along with its corresponding year and month stickers, has been reported as lost, stolen, or taken by law enforcement. It provides essential information to the Division of Motor Vehicles for record-keeping and compliance purposes.

Who needs to complete the MVR-18A form?

The MVR-18A form must be completed by the vehicle owner or their authorized designee. If multiple owners are listed, both individuals should provide their information on the form. This process ensures that the DMV has accurate records of who is reporting the plate's status.

What information is required on the MVR-18A form?

The MVR-18A form requires several pieces of information including the vehicle's year, make, model, body style, and VIN. Additionally, the owner's full legal name and address must be provided. If applicable, details about a second owner should also be included. The license plate number and reason for turning in the plate must be indicated as well.

What steps should I take if my license plate was stolen?

If your license plate was stolen, you should first report the theft to your local law enforcement agency. After obtaining any necessary documentation from law enforcement, complete the MVR-18A form, including the required proof of theft. Then, submit the form to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to officially document the situation.

How do I submit the completed MVR-18A form?

The completed MVR-18A form can be mailed to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3148. Ensure that you retain a copy of the submitted form for your records. There may be additional options for submission, including in-person delivery at DMV offices, depending on the specific circumstances.

What happens after I submit the MVR-18A form?

After you submit the MVR-18A form, the DMV will process your information. If the report is accepted, the DMV will update its records to reflect the change in the status of your license plate. This can help prevent any potential legal issues that may arise from unauthorized use of the plate. You may receive confirmation of the form's acceptance, although this varies.

Common mistakes

When filling out the MVR-18A form, individuals often make several common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in processing. One frequent error is providing incomplete information. It's essential to fill out each section of the form fully. For instance, both owners must provide their full legal names, and missing initials or suffixes can result in processing issues.

Another mistake involves the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Applicants sometimes overlook the requirement for an accurate VIN. This number is unique to the vehicle and any discrepancies can create problems when verifying ownership. Ensure the VIN matches exactly with the information on the vehicle title or registration.

Incorrect addresses are yet another common issue. Individuals should provide their current residence or business address. Be aware that using outdated addresses may cause documents to be sent to the wrong location, delaying the process further. If the mailing address differs from the residence, it’s crucial to specify this clearly.

Selecting the appropriate reason for turning in the license plate is also vital. People sometimes fail to check the correct block, which may lead to confusion later on. Whether the plate was lost, stolen, or taken by law enforcement must be clearly indicated for proper processing. If the plate was taken by law enforcement, remember that proof must be attached to the application.

Signature problems are another area where mistakes occur. The form needs a signature from the owner or their designee. Forgetting to sign or having an unsigned application can result in immediate rejection. Each signature should match the printed name provided to avoid questions about the identity of the person submitting the form.

Lastly, many people neglect to include their relationship to the vehicle in the appropriate section. If the application is submitted by a designee rather than the owner, indicating the relationship is essential for clarity. This step helps to validate the authenticity of the claim and facilitates the verification process.

In summary, taking a moment to double-check each section, ensuring accuracy and completeness, can save time and prevent misunderstandings when submitting the MVR-18A form. Simple attention to detail will go a long way in ensuring a smooth process.

Documents used along the form

The MVR-18A form is an essential document used in North Carolina to verify the turn-in of a vehicle license plate. When submitting this form, several other documents may be required to support the application process. Below is a list of common forms and documents that often accompany the MVR-18A.

  • Form MVR-18: This form is typically used for title applications and may be relevant if a new title is being sought following the return of the license plate.
  • Form MVR-4: This form is related to the Request for Replacement License Plate. It is helpful if the vehicle owner is requesting a new plate after reporting the old one as lost or stolen.
  • Law Enforcement Report: If the license plate was taken by law enforcement, a copy of the report is usually required to verify the circumstances surrounding the removal.
  • Form MVR-2: This document is used for vehicle registration cancellations. It may be needed if the owner is discontinuing the registration of a vehicle.
  • Proof of Identity: A driver’s license or state-issued ID is often necessary to confirm the identity of the owner submitting the MVR-18A form.
  • Affidavit of Loss or Theft: This document can support claims that a plate was lost or stolen and may sometimes be required when submitting the MVR-18A.
  • Form MV-1: This form is often involved in applications for a new vehicle title, especially if the vehicle was purchased but the previous plate has been returned.
  • Power of Attorney (if applicable): If someone else submits the MVR-18A on behalf of the vehicle owner, a signed power of attorney document will usually be needed.

Each of these documents serves a distinct purpose in the vehicle registration and plate return process. Ensuring you have all necessary paperwork can help streamline the process and avoid delays. Always check with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles for the most current requirements and forms.

Similar forms

The MVR-18A form serves a specific purpose within the realm of vehicle registration in North Carolina. However, other documents perform similar functions and share characteristics with the MVR-18A. Below are four such documents.

  • MVR-18B - Application for Duplicate Registration Plate: Like the MVR-18A, this form is used when a vehicle's registration plate needs to be replaced. The MVR-18B is specifically for requesting a duplicate registration plate due to reasons such as damage or misplacement, making it essential for ensuring that a vehicle remains properly identified on the road.
  • MVR-4 - Application for Certificate of Title: This document is similar in that both the MVR-18A and MVR-4 confirm ownership of a vehicle. The MVR-4 is specifically utilized to secure a title for a vehicle, establishing legal ownership. It requires personal information and details about the vehicle, just like the MVR-18A.
  • MVR-93 - Notice of Sale: The MVR-93 serves a complementary role to the MVR-18A, as it is used to officially notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles about the sale of a vehicle. This document ensures that the vehicle's registration status is updated, similar to how the MVR-18A validates the return of a registration plate.
  • MVR-53 - Affidavit for Lost or Stolen License Plate: This form closely resembles the MVR-18A as it is specifically designed to address the issue of lost or stolen plates. The MVR-53 allows owners to formally declare the circumstances surrounding the loss, providing a structured way to report to authorities, thus aligning with the purpose of the MVR-18A.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the MVR-18A form, it is important to ensure accuracy and completeness. Follow these guidelines to avoid potential issues:

  • Do provide complete information for both owners in the Owner Section.
  • Do check the reason for turn-in carefully. Select the appropriate option that matches your situation.
  • Do ensure your signatures are clear and legible on the form.
  • Do include any required proof if the plate was taken by law enforcement.
  • Don't forget to double-check the Vehicle Section for accuracy, particularly the VIN.
  • Don't leave any fields blank; incomplete forms may delay processing.
  • Don't submit the form without verifying that all information is correct and up to date.

By following these do's and don'ts, you will help ensure a smoother process when submitting the MVR-18A form.

Misconceptions

The MVR-18A form is essential for reporting the turn-in of a license plate in North Carolina, yet several misconceptions about it exist. Here are nine common misunderstandings:

  • The MVR-18A form is only for lost plates. Many individuals believe this form is solely for reporting lost license plates. In fact, it can also be used for plates that are stolen or taken by law enforcement.
  • Anyone can submit the form. Some think that anyone can fill out and submit the MVR-18A form. However, it must be completed by the registered owner or a designated representative of the vehicle.
  • I don’t need to prove my plate was stolen. A common belief is that when reporting a stolen plate, proof is unnecessary. In reality, if the plate was taken by law enforcement, documentation must accompany the form.
  • Submitting the form cancels my vehicle registration automatically. Many people assume that turning in a plate means their vehicle registration is immediately canceled. This is not the case; vehicle registration status must be addressed separately.
  • The reason for the turn-in isn’t important. Some individuals feel the reason for turning in a plate is irrelevant. However, the form requires the owner to check the applicable reason for context.
  • I can fill out the form anytime. There is a misconception that the timing of submitting this form is flexible. However, it's advisable to complete the form as soon as possible after the incident to avoid complications.
  • The MVR-18A form is only for individuals. Many believe this form is limited to individual vehicle owners. In truth, businesses can also complete the form if the vehicle is registered under a company name.
  • There’s no need to provide a mailing address. Some assume that providing a mailing address on the form is optional. However, this information is crucial to ensure proper communication from the Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • Filling out the form is optional. Many think completing the MVR-18A is merely a suggestion. In reality, it is mandatory for ensuring the legal status of a vehicle and its registration plates after they have been lost, stolen, or taken.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure the correct procedures are followed when dealing with the MVR-18A form, safeguarding both vehicle registration and legal compliance.

Key takeaways

When utilizing the MVR-18A form for license plate turn in verification in North Carolina, it is essential to note the following key takeaways:

  • Correct Information: Ensure that all vehicle and owner information is accurately filled out. This includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), full legal names, and addresses.
  • Reason for Turn In: Clearly mark the reason for turning in the license plate. Options include lost, stolen, or taken by law enforcement. Each has different implications for processing.
  • Signature Requirement: The form must be signed by the vehicle owner(s) or their designee to authenticate the request. Provide a printed name and relationship to the owner.
  • Proof Submission: If the plate was taken by law enforcement, it is necessary to submit proof along with the form. This step is critical for verification purposes.