A self-centering split substrate carrier that supports a semiconductor substrate in a CVD system includes a first section configured to be centrally located in the split substrate carrier having a top surface with a recessed area for receiving a substrate for CVD processing and comprising a plurality of apertures positioned in an outer surface. A second section formed in a ring-shape having an inner surface configured to receive the first section and an outer surface configured to interface with an edge drive rotation mechanism that rotates the substrate carrier. The inner surface comprising a plurality of boss structures, wherein a respective one of the plurality of boss structures on the inner surface of the second section is configured to fit into a respective one of the plurality of apertures positioned in the outer surface of the first section, so as to improve alignment of the first and the second section of the self-centering split substrate carrier.