1. I have just moved to North Dakota. How do I get a North Dakota title and license plates in my name?
• SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the owner.
• Out-of-state title must be submitted with completed application. If vehicle is financed we must have a completed application form, with name and mailing address of lienholder, loan account number, and copy of the out of state registration. Any motor vehicle excise, use, or sales tax paid at the time of purchase will be credited.
• If your vehicle is titled with Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, or any Canadian Province excise tax will be due on the current market value of the vehicle.
• License fees are based on the year and weight of the vehicle.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
• Abandoned Disposal fee is $1.50.
2. I am from out-of-state working in North Dakota. How do I get a permit to work in your state?
Temporary license may be purchased by non-residents for a period of 6 or 12 months and must be displayed on the vehicle rear windows on driver's side visible to law enforcement. Permits are available online or from any Motor Vehicle Division office. Vehicle must also display valid registration and license plate from any jurisdiction and be properly insured.
Register online at Licensing & Registration(www.dot.nd.gov), click on 'Licensing & Registration' under Public, more public', under 'Motor Vehicle Services' click on Motor Vehicle Non-Resident Temporary Registration.
3. I’ve lost or mutilated my North Dakota title. How do I get a replacement?
4. How do I add/remove a lien on a North Dakota title?
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by the registered owner with # 7 tax exemption marked and new lienholder information, if applicable.
• Odometer disclosures are required when changes are made on vehicles that are less than ten (10) years old.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
5. When does a vehicle need a damage disclosure statement?
Any car, pickup, truck, unconventional vehicle, and motorcycle less than 9 years old with a North Dakota title must have SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement completed by the seller when the vehicle is transferred.
Year of Purchase / Year Model
2013 / 2006 & Newer
2014 / 2007 & Newer
2015 / 2008 & Newer
2016 / 2009 & Newer
2017 / 2010 & Newer
2018 / 2011 & Newer
6. Do I have to use my legal name when applying for a title?
Yes. State law requires all applicants to use their legal name when making an application for certificate of title and registration to a motor vehicle. Your legal name can be verified by providing one of the following:
• A valid state-issued driver’s license
• A valid non-driver state-issued identification card
• A valid Military identification card
• A valid foreign country driver’s license
• A valid Foreign passport
• A valid tribal issued driver’s license
• Other documentary evidence that confirms the true legal identity of the owner
7. I am in the military and have just been assigned to North Dakota. How do I title and license my vehicle in North Dakota?
• SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the owner.
• Out-of-state title must be submitted with completed application. If vehicle is financed we must have a completed application form, with name and mailing address of lienholder, loan account number, and copy of the out of state registration.
• If vehicle is a brand new vehicle we will need the Certificate of Origin completed and signed by seller and buyer with the odometer disclosure completed, 5% excise tax will be due on the purchase price.
• If your vehicle is titled with Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, or any Canadian Province excise tax will be due on the current market value of the vehicle. Any motor vehicle excise, use, or sales tax paid at the time of purchase will be credited with proof of taxes paid.
• License fees are based on the year and weight of the vehicle.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
• Abandoned Disposal Fee is $1.50.
8. How do I prove my legal name?
Your legal name can be verified by providing one of the following:
• A valid state-issued driver’s license
• A valid non-driver state-issued identification card
• A valid Military identification card
• A valid foreign country driver’s license
• A valid Foreign passport
• A valid tribal issued driver’s license
• Other documentary evidence that confirms the true legal identity of the owner
9. When is an odometer disclosure required?
An odometer disclosure is required on all passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 16,000 pounds, motor homes, unconventional vehicles, and motorcycles that are less than ten years old.
Year of Purchase: Year Model
2011: 2002 & Newer
2012: 2003 & Newer
2013: 2004 & Newer
2014: 2005 & Newer
2015: 2006 & Newer
2016: 2007 & Newer
10. Why is an odometer disclosure required?
The Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA) is a federal law that requires the seller of a motor vehicle to provide an odometer disclosure to the buyer at the time of sale or transfer of ownership. The buyer must sign in acknowledgment of the mileage disclosure given.
At least one owner shown on the title must make their disclosure on the actual title. The buyer must sign acknowledging that disclosure on the same title. Other buyers must make disclosures on state issued secure forms, which are controlled and contain security features that meet federal requirements. Vehicles with “not readable” odometer readings are still subject to federal odometer requirements.
Under federal law, the Motor Vehicle Division is required to refuse the transfer of ownership unless the odometer disclosure is completed.
11. What vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosures?
• Vehicles 10 years old or older.
• Vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating over 16,000 pounds.
• Snowmobiles.
• All-terrain vehicles.
• Vehicles that are not self-propelled.
• Title transfers when at least one of the registered owners is staying the same, except when the title is submitted from out of state.
• Duplicate title only.
12. What is required on an odometer disclosure?
The odometer reading at the time of transfer, the date of transfer, the year, make, model & vehicle identification number of the vehicle, the buyer’s name and address, the seller’s signature, the buyer’s signature and the current vehicle mileage at the time of sale or transfer of ownership.
A certification as to whether the reading represents the actual mileage, mileage in excess of the odometer’s mechanical limits, or does not represent the actual mileage.
13. What forms can be used for an odometer disclosure?
Titles, Manufacturer Certificates of Origin, and/or a Secure Odometer/Reassignment form SFN 18773 can be used. When using the Secure Odometer/Reassignment form you must include the date of the transfer, vehicle information (vehicle identification number, year, make, and model), the buyer and seller signatures and mileage at the time of transfer.
SECURE POWER OF ATTORNEY
A Secure Power of Attorney is used when an odometer disclosure is required, and
1. The Certificate of Title is physically held by a lien holder,
2. When a Certificate of Title has been lost and a duplicate is being obtained.
The owner of a vehicle discloses the odometer via a secure power of attorney to a buyer/transferee for the purpose of mileage disclosure. Upon receipt of the title, the secure power of attorney must be used to transfer the assignment onto the title. The buyer/transferee is authorized to transfer the odometer information to the title by the secure power of attorney.
14. I am in the military stationed overseas and have just been assigned to North Dakota. How do I title and license my vehicle in North Dakota?
• SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the owner.
• Out-of-state title (if titled) or Certificate of Origin must be submitted with completed application.
• If your vehicle is titled with Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, any Canadian Province, Certificate of Origin, or military registration certificate excise tax will be due on the current market value of the vehicle. Any motor vehicle excise, use, or sales tax paid at the time of purchase will be credited with proof of taxes paid.
• License fees are based on the year and weight of the vehicle.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
• Abandoned Disposal Fee is $1.50.
15. I am a North Dakota resident for all purposes and I am currently stationed out of state. How do I title and license my vehicle in North Dakota?
• SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the owner.
• SFN 17147 Military Claim for Tax Exemption must be completed in full, signed by the qualified individual, and notarized.
• Out-of-state title or Manufactures Certificate of Origin must be submitted with completed application.
• License fees are based on the year and weight of the vehicle.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
• Abandoned Disposal Fee is $1.50.
16. I was deployed and am now returning to North Dakota, my vehicle has been in storage and I would like to take it out of storage. What will I need to do to renew my North Dakota registration for this vehicle?
• SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the owner.
• A note is required from the registered owner stating that they were deployed overseas, the vehicle was in storage, and the date the registered owner has returned to North Dakota.
• License fees will be prorated from the date of return to the anniversary month assigned to that vehicle.
17. What are the fees for a temporary license?
1. Passenger, pickups, vans, and trucks not exceeding 20,000 lbs are furnished a permit upon payment of the following fees: $60 for 6 months or $120 for 12 months, plus a $10 permit fee.
2. Trucks or combinations of trucks and trailers requiring a registered gross weight of 22,000 lbs or greater are furnished a permit upon payment of the following fees, plus a $10 permit fee:
20,001 - 42,000: $220 (6 month fee), $440 (12 month fee).
42,001 - 62,000: $380 (6 month fee), $760 (12 month fee).
62,001 - 82,000: $530 (6 month fee), $1,060 (12 month fee).
82,001 - 105,500: $900 (6 month fee), $1,800 (12 month fee).
3. Motorcycles are furnished a permit upon payment of $30 for 6 months, or $60 for 12 months, plus a $10 permit fee.
4. Out-of-state snowmobiles may be registered online through Parks & Rec for $15. Go to Register Snowmobile.
18. If I have purchased a vehicle and paid the taxes on my new vehicle in another state will I need to pay them again in North Dakota?
If you have recently purchased a vehicle in another state, and taxes were paid to that state, we would require proof of tax paid to exempt you from North Dakota excise tax. If the vehicle was purchased outside of the United States there is no tax reciprocity. Taxes would be due on the purchase price (based on exchange) at a rate of 5%.
19. How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle as a gift from (wife, husband, parent, child, brother, sister)?
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by owner(s) as shown on the front of the title. Legal name and address of new owner (buyer) must be typed or printed legibly. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer’s signature, printed name, and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
20. How do you remove a name from a North Dakota title when it is in two names or if one owner is deceased?
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by owner(s) as shown on the front of the title. Legal name and address how new title is to read as buyer. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer’s signature, printed name, and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
21. I have recently inherited a vehicle, how do I change names on the title?
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by Personal Representative for the deceased as shown on the front of the title. Complete legal name and address how new title is to read as buyer. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer’s signature, printed name, and date.
• We must have a copy of the Personal Representative papers to allow that individual to sign for the deceased.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable. However, PURCHASES from an estate are subject to tax.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
22. My vehicle was awarded to me through a divorce. How can I obtain a title?
• If the North Dakota title is in both names with the “or” conjunction the individual that is awarded the vehicle must complete Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title). If the North Dakota title is in only one name, or in two names with the “and” conjunction and that individual did not sign off the title as seller, a copy of the divorce decree is required to complete this transfer.
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by owner as shown on face of title, legal name and address of individual awarded the vehicle must be typed or printed legibly, odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer’s signature, printed name and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
23. I have recently bought out my lease how do I change the title to my name?
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by owner(s) as shown on the front of the title. Legal name and address of new owner (buyer) must be typed or printed legibly. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer’s signature, printed name, and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption, if lease was started prior to July 1, 2001, and lienholder information, if applicable.
• If lease was started after July 1, 2001, 5% taxes are due on the lease buyout amount. The buyout amount must be shown in this section along with the signature of the buyer.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
24. I am a North Dakota dealer and have a title that is completely full. How can I get a title in my dealership name?
• If you have a full North Dakota title with last transfer to the dealership we will require the Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) completed with tax exemption # 11 or # 12 and signature by agent for dealership.
• If you have a full out-of-state title with the last transfer assigned to the dealership, we will require an SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Motor Vehicle completed in full, signed by an agent for the dealership, and submitted with the title fee of $5.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
25. I am an enrolled tribal member. Do I have to pay taxes when I purchase a vehicle?
• The sale of a motor vehicle to an American Indian is not subject to motor vehicle excise tax when the purchase occurs on the Indian reservation or when the vehicle is DELIVERED to the Indian reservation on which the American Indian is an enrolled member.
• The sale of a motor vehicle at any location within this state to an American Indian who resides within the boundaries of any reservation in this state and who is an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
• There is NO exception in the Motor Vehicle excise tax law for an American Indian leasing a motor vehicle. All motor vehicles leased to an American Indian are subject to motor vehicle excise tax. Leased motor vehicles are owned and titled in the name of the leasing company and not the American Indian.
• SFN 18085 Tribal Claim for Tax Exemption must be completed in full and signed.
26. I am a disabled veteran what will I need to obtain the DAV license plates and tax exemption?
A signed letter from The Department of Veteran Affairs office certifying the applicant is 100 percent service related disabled, or unemployability, or attesting eligibility under Public Law 663 of the 79th Congress.
27. Can I maintain my current insurance policy issued in my previous state of residence?
No. The minimum required insurance must be issued through a North Dakota agent with an insurance company licensed to transact business in the state of North Dakota. Ask your agent to transfer your current insurance to North Dakota when you register a vehicle in North Dakota. This is required to assure that your policy is properly rated due to the different rate system amongst the states
28. How is the expiration date of my vehicle registration determined?
The Motor Vehicle Division uses a system of staggered registration for cars, house cars, and pickups (39-04-14.1 NDCC). The expiration month is based on the date of sale or the date first used on ND Highways.
29. When I sell my vehicle am I required to keep my license plate(s)?
Yes. Vehicle owners must remove the license plate(s) from their vehicle whenever the vehicle is sold or transferred. The vehicle will be considered unlicensed, and subject to a full year license fee when re-titled.
30. Do I need to title and license my trailer?
Yes. ALL trailers, semi-trailers, and farm trailers are required to be titled and licensed except:
• Trailers with a gross weight of 1,500 pounds or less and not for hire or commercial use.
• Trailers used to haul recreational vehicles such as a motorcycle not qualified for registration, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, and personal watercraft. Trailers used to haul recreational vehicles used in competitive events ARE required to be titled and licensed in spite of the weight.
• Single-axle two-wheel car dollies.
• Pup trailers
• Trailers pulled behind motorcycles provided they do not contain sleeping quarters.
• Trailers over the legal width (i.e. combine trailer). Electronic Permits Registration
31. When is an IRS Form 2290 required?
Owners of all trucks with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, must file each year with the Internal Revenue Service an IRS Form 2290. A 2290 stamped by the IRS is required at the time of renewal. The Motor Vehicle Division is not responsible for the collection of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. Contact the Internal Revenue Service for the forms and any further questions. Telephone 1-800-829-1040
32. How old does my vehicle have to be to qualify for Antique or Collector plates?
33. How many license plates do I have to display on my vehicle?
The registered owner must display two (2) license plates. The plates must be displayed horizontally and in an upright position, one in the front and one on the rear of the vehicle, each securely fastened. The bottom of each license plate must be at a height of not less than twelve (12) inches (30.48 centimeter) above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. (39-04-11 NDCC)
34. I purchased a vehicle in North Dakota. How do I get it to my home state to register?
An out-of-state resident who purchases a vehicle in our state can obtain a Drive Out permit from the North Dakota Highway Patrol or any Motor Vehicle Division office. The permit is valid for 30 days from date of issue, must be displayed in the window of the vehicle, and allows the individual to drive the vehicle from our state to their home of record state. The fee is $5.00.
35. What vehicles are required to carry a liability insurance policy?
All vehicles with a current registration tag used on any public street, road, highway or off-highway are required to have a liability insurance policy in effect.
36. I was recently married. How do I change my name on my North Dakota title?
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated with owner(s) name as shown on the front of the title. Complete legal name and address of “buyer(s)” as it is to appear on the new title. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with signature of “buyer(s)” and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by the new “buyer(s)” with the tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable.
• Title transfer fee is $5.
37. I have recently formed a partnership or corporation how do I transfer my titles into that company name?
• Title transfers must be completed within 180 days from the effective date formed or incorporated. Title transfers submitted after the 180 days would be taxable on the fair market value of the vehicle. Vehicles transferred back to previous owner are exempt from tax.
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by owner(s) as shown on the front of the title. Legal name and address of new owner (partnership or corporation) must be typed or printed legibly. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer's signature, printed name, and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable and date formed or incorporated.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
• Title transfer fee $5.
38. I recently registered my vehicle in North Dakota and then moved out of state. Can I get a refund on the unused portion of my registration?
If you have moved out of state there is no refund on the unused portion of registration paid to North Dakota.
39. I moved out of state and just received my renewal. What should I do?
If you have moved out of state and have titled and licensed your vehicle in that state you may disregard and destroy the renewal notice received from our office.
40. How much sales tax do I pay when I buy a vehicle?
The tax laws impose an excise tax at the rate of 5% on all vehicles purchased either in or outside the State of North Dakota. The tax is payable to the Motor Vehicle Division at the time title application for the vehicle is made. The tax is computed on the full purchase price less any trade-allowance. The vehicle traded in must be identified by year, make, and vehicle identification number. Manufacture rebates are not taxable in North Dakota.
41. I have recently dissolved my partnership or corporation. How do I transfer my titles out of that company name?
• Title transfers must be completed within 180 days from the effective date of the dissolution of the partnership or corporation. Title transfers submitted after the 180 days would be taxable on the fair market value of the vehicle.
• Part 1 (Seller’s Assignment & Warranty of Title) must be signed and dated by owner(s) as shown on the front of the title. Legal name and address of new owner (buyer) must be typed or printed legibly. Odometer information required on all motor vehicles less than ten (10) years old, with buyer’s signature, printed name, and date.
• Part 3 (Purchaser’s Certification and Application) must be completed and signed by new owner with tax exemption and lienholder information, if applicable and date of dissolution.
• If vehicle is less than nine (9) years old SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement must be completed by the seller.
• Title transfer fee $5.
42. How do I obtain a North Dakota title for a homemade trailer?
43. Didn't find your question?
44. How do I title a vehicle I own that does not have a title?
1. If you are a North Dakota resident and own a vehicle for which you do not have a title, the motor vehicle division will follow the procedure in N.D. Administrative Rule, Chapter 37-12-04 and the following information is required:
a. notarized bill of sale.
b. A vehicle statement of ownership from the applicant - SFN 2903 Vehicle Statement of Ownership.
c. A VIN inspection of the vehicle by a qualified business registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State and that offers motor vehicle repairs to the public. If the vehicle is going to be registered, a complete inspection of the vehicle must be done by a qualified business. SFN 2486 Certificate of Vehicle Inspection
d. SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title.
e. $5 title fee, excise tax of 5% of the fair market value.
f. Registration fees.
g. $1.50 abandoned disposal fee.
h. a photo of the vehicle.
i. A check of the records of the motor vehicle division, as well as the records of other appropriate states, will be conducted to determine if a certificate of title has previously been issued. When no record of a previous title is found, the division will check the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer to ensure that the vehicle is not listed as a stolen vehicle.
j. If the above information is received and no certificate of title has been previously issued in any state, a ND Certificate of title will be issued.
2. If the vehicle has a title record in ND you must complete a SFN 51269 Request for Vehicle Information with a $3 fee to obtain the last known owner name and address. If the vehicle has a title record in another state, a request for information must be sent to that state. Contact the last titled owner and request they obtain a duplicate title, and if applicable a lien release, and sign the duplicate title over to you. If you are unable to locate the last titled owner we would require a court order awarding you ownership of the vehicle.
a. A $5 title fee, excise tax in the amount of 5% of the fair market value.
b. registration fees will be due.