How to Register an X-Ray Machine in North Carolina: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Opening, buying, moving, or changing an X-ray facility in North Carolina can involve several radiation-control steps. This guide puts the ordinary registration sequence, official links, timing, fees, and records in one place.
Heartland Physics can review the project scope and confirm whether its current qualifications and authorization cover any shielding work required for this project. Use the current government sources linked below for registration, plan review, fees, inspections, and filing requirements.
Quick answer
North Carolina requires a facility and each radiation machine to be registered. The rule requires registration within 30 days following initial operation, and registration fees are assessed when the registration is issued and annually on July 1.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Use the official links below for the current application, instructions, or radiation-control program page. State forms and fees can change, so use the current agency version rather than an old saved copy.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, physical location, mailing/billing information, and responsible owner or operator
• Each X-ray machine's manufacturer, model, serial number, tube information, room/location, and intended use
• Radiation Safety Officer or Radiation Protection Officer information when the jurisdiction requests it
• Shielding plan, room drawing, workload/occupancy assumptions, or plan-review documentation when applicable
• Installer or assembler reports, acceptance testing, inspection/calibration records, and applicable professional credentials
• Current registration fee or payment information
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Handle the room and shielding requirements
Determine whether a shielding plan and state review are required before construction or installation. Many medical X-ray installations require shielding-plan review, with specific exemptions and modality rules.
Step 2: Complete the registration application
Complete the North Carolina Business Application and the equipment-specific registration form for the type of radiation machine being installed.
Step 3: Submit the application and fee
Submit applications and updates to the current North Carolina X-ray registration address or email. The program currently accepts registration materials at XrayNORS@dhhs.nc.gov.
Step 4: Complete the post-filing requirements
Keep the registration, shielding plan or exemption documentation, equipment inventory, installer records, and required inspections or performance evaluations with the facility records.
Step 5: Renew and report changes
North Carolina assesses registration fees annually on July 1 and requires facilities to keep registration information current when equipment or facility information changes.
Cost
North Carolina's fee schedule varies by facility category and number of tubes.
For many clinics, physician offices, dental, chiropractic, podiatry, and similar facilities, the published schedule starts at $70 for the facility/first tube plus $12.50 for each additional tube, subject to the rule's limits.
Confirm the current category and fee before payment.
State contact
North Carolina X-Ray Registration: XrayNORS@dhhs.nc.gov; payment questions: RPSPayments@dhhs.nc.gov; 919-814-2250.
Keep these records together
• Submitted registration application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate, permit, license, or equipment decal information
• Shielding design, calculations, room drawings, and state plan-review correspondence when applicable
• Installer/assembler paperwork, acceptance tests, calibration records, and equipment-performance reports
• Inspection reports, operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and other records required for the facility
Important reminder
This is a practical guide to the ordinary radiation-machine registration process, not a substitute for the regulator's current instructions. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile services, industrial radiography, research equipment, and other specialized uses can trigger additional permits, professional qualifications, inspections, or federal requirements.
Official sources
Source note: Use the current government sources linked on this page. Requirements, forms, fees, contacts, and procedures can change.
For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.