North Dakota
Title Fee
$5.00
Sales Tax Rate
Other Tax Rate
5.0%
Who must title a vehicle in North Dakota?
All motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, OHVs, snowmobiles, travel trailers, and trailers must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Trailers ≤1,500 lbs. gross weight (non-commercial, not for hire), certain farm/recreational trailers, U.S. government vehicles, car dollies, combine/converter/pup/job site trailers, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs/tricycles, e-bikes, non-registered vehicles, and boats.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Motor Vehicle Division.
Application: Certificate of Title & Registration (2872) at MVD in Bismarck or any Motor Vehicle Site.
Fee: $5.00 title fee + $1.50 abandoned vehicle disposal fee (except some vehicle types).
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Certificate of Registration + proper assignment of ownership; a Vehicle Statement of Ownership (2903) if no docs.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, bills of sale, Indemnifying Affidavit (60662), CBP/EPA/DOT compliance, English translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
No special titles (bonded/untitled process: NMVTIS check, VIN photo, bill of sale, Statement of Ownership, inspection, photos, fees).
Brands: Salvage, Previously Damaged, Previously Salvaged, Duplicate, Odometer brands. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required if damage >75% of retail value; surrender title + $5.00 fee within 10 days.
Rebuilt: Inspection by registered repair business; bills of sale/titles for major parts required; title branded "Previously Salvaged."
Junk: Not accepted from other states; cannot title vehicles branded Junk, Unrepairable, Certificate of Destruction, etc.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Application for Duplicate Credentials (61982), $5.00 fee ($10.00 to add/remove lien).
Corrected: Notarized Statement of Error, Correction or Defacement (2964); Odometer Correction (60806); title fee applies.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs., low-speed vehicles).
VIN inspection required for rebuilt vehicles (Certificate of Vehicle Inspection 2486).
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, on many forms (including 2872).
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Excise Tax: 5.0% on full purchase price; credit for trade-in and taxes paid to a reciprocal state.
New residents: Exempt if registered in another state 30 days before moving to ND.
Exemptions: Gifts between immediate family, tax-exempt entities, disabled/POW veterans, Native Americans (tribal exemption), and more.
Aircraft: 5.0% excise tax (3.0% for agricultural aircraft).
Sales/Use Tax: 5.0% on motorboats; 3.0% on manufactured homes (used are exempt).
Other taxes/fees:
Property Tax: Not on titled vehicles; mobile homes taxed as property.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for trucks ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (2872) or title with lien noted; no copy of lien instrument required.
Lien valid only if shown on title.
No expiration; valid until release.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release within 10 days after demand, 30 days after satisfaction; deliver to next lienholder or owner.
Release of Lien by Legal Owner (2876) may be used.
How does repossession work in ND?
Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; notarized Repossession Affidavit (2880) required.
Title must be signed by repossessor as seller if transferred; lien release needed for additional liens.
Out-of-state lienholders follow same process if ND title.
Other notes:
Storage/repairman’s liens: 30 days after certified notice to owner/lienholder, then apply for title; additional affidavits and certified letters required.
Department of Transportation
608 E. Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0780
701.328.2725
Enforcement Agency:
North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division608 E. Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505-0780
701.328.2725 | mv@nd.gov
ND DOT Motor Vehicle
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Highway Patrol HQ, 600 E. Boulevard Ave, Dept 504, Bismarck, ND 58505
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 liability, $25,000/$50,000 UM/UIM, $30,000 PIP.
Proof of insurance must be carried.
No emissions inspection; safety inspection required for rebuilt/modified/antique/homemade vehicles.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for trailers, motorcycles, OHVs, apportioned, etc. Plates remain with owner (except some types).
Title records kept permanently; registration for 3 years.