All vehicles must be registered in North Dakota as stated in the North Dakota Century Code, Title 39, Chapter 39-04 – Motor Vehicle Registration. This chapter outlines the legal requirements and procedures that residents of North Dakota must follow when registering their vehicles.
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), operating under the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), oversees and enforces the statewide vehicle registration process through guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant penalties.
As per the MVD, driving an unregistered vehicle is a violation of the law, which can lead to fines, potential vehicle impoundment, and even criminal charges.
How To Register a Car in North Dakota?
In the state of North Dakota, the registration process for vehicles differs depending on whether the vehicle is used or brand-new, as well as if the vehicle owner is a new resident of North Dakota. To successfully register their vehicles, vehicle owners must follow the specific procedures corresponding to their particular category.
Registering Used Vehicles
To register a used vehicle, the vehicle owner may follow these steps:
Prepare Documentary Proofs
When registering a used vehicle, the vehicle owner must submit all of the following documents:
Proof of Identity
The vehicle owner must present valid proof of their identity, such as their valid driver's license or a North Dakota ID.
Proof of Ownership
The new owner must be assigned the current title to transfer vehicle ownership. If the vehicle carries a North Dakota title, the owner's application for vehicle registration can also serve as the title. However, if the vehicle is from another state and does not possess a title, the owner must submit the vehicle's registration document and a bill of sale.
If a bill of sale, registration document, or vehicle title is unavailable, the vehicle owner may use the Vehicle Statement of Ownership (SFN 2903) as proof of ownership.
Application Form
The vehicle owner must also complete the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (SFN 2872).
Proof of Purchase
The purchase certificate section of the application form SFN 2872 is used to declare the purchase details of the vehicle. This section can serve as sufficient proof of the vehicle registration transaction.
However, a Seller's Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale (SFN 2888) is highly recommended as it provides clear evidence of the transaction between the buyer and the seller. This document can help resolve disputes or issues regarding ownership and the terms of sale. It includes details such as:
- The date of sale
- Purchase price
- Signatures of both parties
- Vehicle information
North Dakota Safety Inspection Certificate
Vehicle owners can send their vehicles for inspection before registration at any NDDOT service station. After a successful inspection, the station will provide them with the Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (SFN 2486).
Odometer Reading
The vehicle's mileage can be documented in the Vehicle Information section of the application form SFN 2872. However, vehicle owners are recommended to secure a separate Reassignment/Odometer Disclosure (SFN 18773) form from the seller. The seller can get this form from any NDDOT MVD local branch.
If there is an error with the vehicle's odometer reading, the owner must complete the Odometer Correction (SFN 60806) form to fix the error. It must be signed by the individual who committed the error. The vehicle owner must attach the original odometer reading document with the error.
Damage Disclosure Statement
If the vehicle to register is less than nine model years old, the seller must provide the new owner (buyer) with the Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (SFN 18609). The new owner will include this document in the documents they submit when registering their vehicle.
Lien Release
If the vehicle currently has a lien, the seller must first make sure that the lien is released before selling the vehicle. Once the lien is cleared, the seller must provide the new owner (buyer) with the Release of Lien by Legal Owner (SFN 2876) form.
The registration application form also includes a section dedicated to dealer and lienholder information. The content of this section must align with that of Form SFN 2876.
Proof of Insurance
Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering their vehicles in North Dakota. Check the "Insurance Requirements" section of this guide for more details.
Initiate the Titling and Registration Process
Vehicle owners can schedule an appointment through the Online Scheduler tool or by calling 1-855-633-6835. If no close appointment time is available online, vehicle owners can go to any NDDOT MVD local branch and inquire about their operation hours and availability. They can also visit any MVD kiosk.
Pay Registration Fee and Excise Tax
The vehicle owner must pay the registration fee when they register their vehicles. They must also pay title fees and an excise tax of 5%. For more information, check this guide's "How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in North Dakota?" section.
Receive the Title and Other Registration Documents
After registration, the vehicle owner can receive their registration documents, license plates, title, and other documents when they register in person. If they register by mail, they will receive their documents at the current address registered in NDDOT. Note that the vehicle owner must first verify with NDDOT if they are eligible to register by mail.
Registering Brand New Vehicles
Aside from the documents typically needed for used vehicles in North Dakota, brand-new vehicles also require a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) before they can be registered. However, if the manufacturer is foreign, the vehicle importer must complete the certificate. The MCO must be submitted with the application form during registration.
Registering Vehicles of New North Dakota Residents
When individuals relocate to North Dakota, new residents must transfer their out-of-state title and register their vehicle with the MVD within 90 days of establishing residency. Full-time, non-resident students and military personnel are exempt from vehicle registration in North Dakota. However, they must have current plates from their home states.
New residents can follow the standard registration process for used or brand-new vehicles in North Dakota.
Suppose the vehicle is not a recent purchase, and the owner must transfer their out-of-state vehicle to North Dakota. In that case, providing an MCO or an odometer disclosure may not be necessary. New residents should clarify these details with their local MVD branch for accuracy.
VIN Inspection Document
If the vehicle is from out-of-state, the new resident may need to prove that the vehicle's VIN matches its title.
Tax Credit
If the new resident has paid sales tax in their home state before moving to North Dakota, they may be eligible for a tax credit. However, if they paid a tax lower than North Dakota's 5% tax in another state, they may have to pay the difference to North Dakota during registration. If the vehicle is registered in a state that imposes no tax, the tax will be assessed at 5%.
New residents can clarify if they can claim vehicle tax credits with any local MVD branch.
Transferring Existing or Obtaining New License Plates
Vehicle owners can transfer their existing license plate from their old vehicle to their new vehicle by requesting it at any MVD local branch. They must also pay the $5 transfer fee.
Note that the vehicle owner can request the transfer of license plates when they register their new vehicle. If the vehicle owner wishes to obtain a new license plate, they can process it during registration. They will receive their new license plate in person if they register in person or by mail (if they are eligible).
For more information, vehicle owners can clarify with any MVD.
How To Obtain Vanity or Personalized License Plates in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, vehicle owners can obtain vanity or personalized vehicle license plates. Before applying, they should check their desired vanity or personalized plate combination availability using the online Special Request Plate Search tool.
Once they confirm availability, owners must complete the Personalized/Special Plate Request (SFN 53612) form, which is then submitted to the North Dakota MVD. Certain letter and number combinations for plates may only be available for specific plate types. Some plate types may also require eligibility approval, with additional documentation needed to verify requirements.
Vehicle owners can wait 8 to 10 weeks before receiving their vanity or personalized license plate. For any questions or clarifications regarding the vanity or personalized plate process, vehicle owners can contact the North Dakota MVD at 701-328-2725.
30-Day Registration
If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, they may be provided a 30-day temporary permit for a fee until they receive their official license plates. If not provided by the dealer, the vehicle owner can apply online through NDDOT's 30-Day Registration online tool.
Insurance Requirements
All North Dakota vehicles must have insurance coverage that meets North Dakota's minimum requirements. The insurance policy must meet the following limits:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Note that if the vehicle does have insurance after registration, it is considered a violation and can incur penalties.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in North Dakota?
The vehicle registration fee in North Dakota is based on the year when the vehicle was first registered and its weight. For example, starting from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024, passenger cars registered in 2019 onwards for the first time will incur the following registration fees:
- 3199 lbs. or less: $73 per year
- 3200 lbs. - 4499 lbs.: $93 per year
- 4500 lbs. - 4999 lbs.: $111 per year
- 5000 lbs. - 5999 lbs.: $142 per year
- 6000 lbs. - 6999 lbs.: $175 per year
- 7000 lbs. - 7999 lbs.: $208 per year
- 8000 lbs. - 8999 lbs.: $241 per year
- 9000 lbs. and above: $274 per year
For more details on the registration fees, check the Passenger Fee Schedule.
In addition to the registration fees, the vehicle owner must pay the 5% excise or sales tax during registration. Additionally, the vehicle owner may pay $5 for the title fee. If applicable, they may also need to pay a $1.5 abandoned motor vehicle disposal fee.
To get a more accurate idea of how much fees are due, vehicle owners can use the Fee Calculation tool of the NDDOT.
Other Fees
The vehicle owner may also need to pay additional fees during registration, including:
- Inspection Fee: Varies by inspection station (required for used vehicles).
- Temporary Registration: $20 for 30 days (if an inspection is pending)
- License Plate or Tag Registration or Transfer: $10
- Replacement Plates or Tags: $20
- Vanity Plates: Will vary depending on the type of license plate
Vehicle owners can check with the MVD for the most accurate and updated fees.
Vehicle owners can pay via money order, check, or credit card. For credit card payments, they must fill out the Credit Card Payment Authorization (SFN 61787) form and submit it to the MVD.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, vehicle registrations must be renewed annually. This renewal keeps vehicles legally registered and compliant with state regulations. Owners are typically required to renew their vehicle registration before their current registration expires, usually on the owner's birthday.
Note that in North Dakota, there is no grace period for renewal. Vehicle owners must renew their vehicle registrations before the expiration date. Renewal notices are typically sent out in advance to remind vehicle owners of the upcoming expiration date and provide instructions.
Vehicle owners must renew their registrations on time to avoid late fees and potential legal issues related to driving an unregistered vehicle. Vehicle registration renewal in North Dakota can be conveniently done through various methods.
Here are the options available:
Renewing Online
Online renewal is available through the Motor Vehicle (MV) Registration Renewal online tool. Note that new, fleet and apportioned vehicles may not be eligible for online renewal. It's only applicable to existing vehicles. It takes 5 to 10 days before renewed registration cards and decals arrive at the vehicle owner's registered address at the NDDOT.
Note that an invoice number is displayed on the confirmation page after completing the online renewal process. This number is also included in the confirmation email or receipt sent to the email address provided during the transaction. The vehicle owner must enter the invoice number when paying the renewal fee.
Renewing In Person
Vehicle owners may receive a renewal notice from MVD. The owner must check the notice for instructions. Check that the information on the renewal notice is accurate. If all information is correct, follow the instructions provided on the notice.
Note that the vehicle owner must bring their renewal notice for in-person renewal. They can also choose to renew in person at MVD kiosks that accommodate vehicle registration renewal.
Renewing by Mail
Typically, vehicle registration renewal is done in person or online. However, vehicle owners may be eligible for renewal by mail. Vehicle owners must verify their eligibility with the MVD.
If eligible, they must prepare a check or money order for the renewal fee, payable to the NDDOT. Mail the completed renewal notice and payment to the address specified. The vehicle owner must confirm with MVD that they are eligible for mail renewal.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, checking a vehicle's current registration status is not as straightforward as in some other states, as there is no public online system available for this purpose. However, residents and interested parties have a couple of options to verify a vehicle's registration status.
The most direct method is to visit any local MVD branch in person. At these offices, staff can access the vehicle registration database and provide current information. Alternatively, individuals can contact MVD Consumer Services by phone at 701-328-2725.
For both methods, the person inquiring must have the car's VIN.
While these methods may require more effort than an online system, they allow individuals to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about a vehicle's registration status in North Dakota.