Get ready to turn heads on the road - North Dakota’s new blackout license plate is here. With its sleek, modern design and high-contrast aesthetic, this long-awaited plate option gives drivers a bold new way to showcase state pride. It’s a stylish statement for any vehicle and a fresh twist on tradition that’s already generating major buzz across the state.
Blackout Plate Details
The blackout plate features a solid black background with crisp white lettering for maximum visibility and impact. It’s available for most vehicles, including passenger cars, light trucks, and motorcycles. Like other specialty plates, it comes with an additional fee. Approved by the North Dakota legislature and expected to be available August 2025, this plate joins a growing lineup of specialty options that let drivers customize their ride. The blackout design maintains all required plate elements such as registration decals and identification numbers, ensuring it meets legal standards while offering a bold, updated look.
FAQ
What is the blackout plate?
Blackout plates offer a clean, bold design that gives vehicles a modern, stylish appearance. Many drivers prefer the high-contrast black-and-white look because it stands out while remaining simple and sleek.
When will the blackout plates be available?
The blackout plates will be available August 1, 2025.
How do I get a blackout plate?
After August 1, 2025, if you wish to apply for a blackout plate you can apply
- In person at any of our available Motor Vehicle Offices. Office locations are listed at dot.nd.gov/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-locations.
- By mail using form SFN 53612. Send the application and applicable fees to the Bismarck Motor Vehicle office at:
Motor Vehicle Division
NDDOT
608 East Boulevard Ave
Bismarck ND 58505 - 0606
Checks can be made payable to NDDOT. If paying by credit card, form SFN 61787 will also need to be completed. Please DO NOT SEND CASH.
How much does the blackout plate cost?
The standard fee for a blackout license plate is $25 per year in addition to any applicable registration fees.
What types of plates are offered in the Blackout style?
There are 4 different types of plates in the blackout style:
- Passenger vehicles or Trucks not exceeding 20,000 pounds registered gross weight
- Mobility impaired
- Motorcycle
- Mobility impaired motorcycle
Can I personalize a blackout plate?
Yes. There will be an additional $25 annual fee for a personalized blackout plate on top of the standard $25 blackout plate annual fee. The personalized plate number is limited up to 7 characters.
When will I get my new Blackout plates?
Passenger vehicle and motorcycle plates will be available on hand at Bismarck Motor Vehicle and all contracted Motor Vehicle Offices on August 1, 2025.
Mobility impaired, mobility impaired motorcycle, and all special request (personalized) plates will be available to order on August 1, 2025 and will take 8-10 weeks to be delivered.
Can I reserve a plate number?
No. If you want any plate other than what is currently available in sequence at our Motor Vehicle offices, it would be considered a special request plate and a $25 annual fee would apply.
What will the sequencing be for the blackout plates?
The number sequences will be the same as the standard plates for passenger vehicles, mobility impaired, motorcycle, and mobility impaired motorcycle. For example, a passenger vehicle will be three numbers a space followed by three letters such as 123 ABC.
Can I transfer my current plate number to a blackout plate?
You can transfer your current plate number to a blackout plate. However, the plate then becomes a personalized plate, and there will be an additional $25 annual fee on top of the standard $25 blackout plate annual fee.
Will the plate be available to specialty or organization plate holders?
The blackout plate will not be available for specialty or organizational plate types.
Can I have the same wording on a blackout plate and the sunrise plate on two different vehicles?
No.
Can I get a blackout plate before my renewal period?
Yes, but you will pay the $25 blackout plate annual fee at the time of purchase and when you renew you will pay the $25 blackout plate annual fee again. You have the option to renew early if you would like.
How can I order a special request blackout plate?
All special request plates (SRP’s) must be made by the vehicle owner and made in writing by filling out SFN 53612 (form will be updated to accommodate blackout plate orders on Aug. 1st). It is required to provide a detailed meaning of the plate. All SRP plates are subject to review and approval before the issuance of the new blackout SRP plate.
Can I order a blackout plate online?
No, the blackout plates cannot be ordered online. You can however, search to see if a special request plate is available online. Special request plate availability can be searched at https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/plateSearch.htm.
What do I do with my old plate(s) once I receive my blackout plates?
You are encouraged to recycle your old plates at your local recycling facility or you can take them to your nearest motor vehicle office where they will be placed in a recycling bin and disposed of properly.
It is recommended to bend or cut your license plates in half before taking your plates to a recycling facility to ensure that no one else can use the plate on another vehicle.
Have additional questions?
Please email mv@nd.gov or call 1-855-637- 6237.