New Hanover County, NC Vehicle Registration & Inspection (2026)
In New Hanover County (Wilmington), you pay North Carolina's flat 3% Highway Use Tax on a purchase — the same statewide — plus statewide title and plate fees, and you must pass an annual safety inspection to renew. New Hanover County is one of the 19 emissions counties, so an OBD emissions test is currently required to renew (this program is scheduled for elimination — check before renewing).
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in New Hanover County
- Highway Use Tax: 3% of the price (statewide, in place of sales tax)
- Safety inspection: required annually ($13.60, statewide)
- Emissions test: required ($30, currently)
- Vehicle property tax: collected with registration via Tag & Tax Together (rate set by New Hanover County)
Inspections & taxes in New Hanover County
North Carolina bundles your county vehicle property tax with the registration renewal ("Tag & Tax Together"), so your total bill depends on New Hanover County's local rate and your vehicle's value. Before you can renew, the vehicle must pass its annual safety inspection and — for now — an emissions test. See the full rules on our North Carolina inspection page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the car tax in New Hanover County, NC?
North Carolina charges a flat 3% Highway Use Tax on the purchase price statewide — it's the same in New Hanover County as everywhere else. You'll also owe county vehicle property tax, collected with your registration.
Does New Hanover County require an emissions test?
New Hanover County is one of the 19 emissions counties, so an OBD emissions test is currently required to renew (this program is scheduled for elimination — check before renewing).
Do I need a safety inspection to renew in New Hanover County?
Yes — North Carolina requires a passing annual safety inspection statewide before you can renew your registration, and New Hanover County is no exception.