How do I title & register a vehicle?
In the case of new residents, you must register your motor vehicle at the expiration of the time granted by reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and your prior state of residence (usually 30 days) or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever occurs first.
As a new resident of North Carolina, you will not be able to register your vehicle here until you apply for and receive your new North Carolina driver license or North Carolina ID card. North Carolina now issues driver licenses from a central location and mails them to applicants. After you apply for a driver license, you will receive a 20-day Temporary Driving Certificate to be used for driving purposes only until you receive your driver license. Your new license will be mailed within five to 10 days. You will be able to use your new license to register your vehicle in North Carolina.
Hope this helps! Came right off the official RMV web site!