Title & Proof of Ownership
North Dakota titles motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, OHVs, snowmobiles, travel/camper trailers, and trailers unless exempt. Boats are title-exempt, but motorboats must be registered through the Game & Fish Department.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, OHVs, snowmobiles, travel/camper trailers, trailers, manufactured homes, mobile homes, and park model trailers exceeding 400 square feet used as a primary residence when titled as a mobile home.
Title Exempt
U.S. government vehicles, vehicles moved solely by human or animal power, car dollies, combine trailers, converter gears, pup trailers, job site trailers, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs or tricycles, electric bicycles, vehicles not required to be registered, and boats.
Small / Recreational Trailer Exemption
Trailers, semitrailers, or farm trailers 1,500 lbs. gross weight or less used to transport recreational vehicles or boats not for hire or commercial use are exempt unless transporting race cars or recreational vehicles used in competitive events.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are titled unless considered real property. One title is issued regardless of the number of units. If treated as real property, submit Affidavit of Use for a Manufactured Home (53658), certified copy of Affidavit of Affixation, and title if applicable. Owner receives a Manufactured Home Conversion Confirmation.
Application for Title
Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (2872) is submitted to the Motor Vehicle Division in Bismarck or any Motor Vehicle Site. Instructions for completing the application are available online. Title-only transactions are permitted with a Statement of Fact (60689).
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $5.00 |
| Abandoned vehicle disposal fee | $1.50 due on initial North Dakota title; manufactured homes, motorcycles, mopeds, snowmobiles, OHVs, low-speed vehicles, travel trailers, and other trailers are exempt |
| Duplicate title | $5.00 using Application for Duplicate Credentials (61982) |
| Duplicate title with lien added/removed | $10.00 |
| Title never received | No fee with Affidavit of Non-Receipt (16782) |
| Corrected title | Title fee applies; use Statement of Error, Correction or Defacement (2964) |
| Salvage title | $5.00 |
| Motor vehicle record request | Use Request for Vehicle Information (51269) |
| Dealer plates | Additional plates: $20.00 for low-speed/new/used motor vehicle dealers; $10.00 for mobile/manufactured home, motor-powered recreational vehicle, and trailer dealers |
| Manufacturer plate | $150.00 per year |
| Transporter plate | $65.00 per year |
Make checks payable to NDDOT. Standard title delivery is approximately 4–6 weeks. Quick title service is not available. Title status may be checked online.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are allowed on several NDDOT forms including 2475, 2479, 2872, 2877, 2878, 2883, 2886, 3004, 10539, 16921, 17105, 18085, 18609, 19156, 51628, 52908, 53330, 53612, 54306, 54340, 54397, 59183, 60399, 60467, 61273, 61274, 61572, and 61982. Other documents require original signatures.
One and the Same
A photocopy of driver license plus a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is required to verify that name variations refer to the same individual.
Motorboats
Boats are not titled by NDDOT. Motorboats are registered through the Game & Fish Department, and theft, recovery, abandonment, or destruction of a motorboat must be reported to Game & Fish within applicable timeframes.
Title Only
Title only is issued. A Statement of Fact (60689) must be completed.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Certificate of Registration with proper assignment of ownership.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1). Military tanks cannot be titled.
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents with bills of sale showing proper ownership chain, Indemnifying Affidavit (60662), accepted CBP entry/release forms, and EPA/DOT letters of compliance. DD 430 is accepted from military personnel. English translation is required for foreign-language documents.
Surrender / NMVTIS
Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Titles are not returned to the issuing state, but North Dakota provides data to and checks NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Insufficient Ownership, Brands, Duplicate, Odometer & VIN
Untitled Vehicle Process
Residents unable to obtain title must complete an NMVTIS vehicle history check. If no record is found, or if the unit is a trailer, travel trailer, OHV, or more than 20 years old, submit Request for Vehicle Information (51269). Depending on results, the packet may include NMVTIS results, VIN plate photo, notarized Seller’s Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale (2888), Vehicle Statement of Ownership (2903), Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (2486), title application, title fees, and current vehicle photos.
Older Vehicles / Mobile Homes
Affidavit of Ownership (62624) may be used for vehicles more than 40 years old when no MSO, bill of sale, or title is submitted. Mobile homes require VIN inspection and may require Application for ND Assigned VIN (60467), Request for Highway Patrol Inspection (60463), Board of Equalization Statement of Mobile Home Full Consideration (3004), or manufactured-home affixation documents.
Title Brands
Brands appear on the right side of title under the odometer section. Out-of-state brands carry forward. North Dakota will not accept titles branded Junk, Unrepairable, Non-Rebuildable, Certificate of Destruction, Dismantled, Parts Only, or similar. North Dakota brands include Salvage Vehicle, Previously Damaged, Previously Salvaged, Duplicate Certificate legend, and odometer brands.
Duplicate / Corrected Title
Duplicate uses Application for Duplicate Credentials (61982). If title was never received, submit Affidavit of Non-Receipt (16782). Corrected title uses notarized Statement of Error, Correction or Defacement (2964); mileage correction uses Odometer Correction (60806).
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required upon transfer. Exemptions include model year 2010 or older vehicles, trailers and other vehicles without odometers, trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR, and low-speed vehicles. Reassignment/Odometer Disclosure (18773) may be used.
VIN Inspection
VIN inspection is required on rebuilt vehicles. Certificate of Vehicle Identification Number Inspection (61999) is completed by a qualified business when required. Application for ND Assigned VIN (60467) may be used to apply for a VIN.
Stolen, Salvage, Rebuilt & Abandoned Units
Stolen Vehicle / Motorboat
Registration of a reported stolen vehicle is suspended and may not be reregistered until MVD is notified of recovery. Law Enforcement Authorization to Retitle a Stolen Vehicle (62266) is required when insurer paid a stolen-vehicle claim and wants to retitle. Game & Fish must be notified of motorboat theft or recovery within 15 days.
Salvage Vehicle
A vehicle damaged in excess of 75% of retail value is salvage, excluding glass and hail damage. Title must be surrendered within 10 days; fee is $5.00. Salvage Certificate of Title will be issued. If insurer cannot obtain title because claim payment did not satisfy all liens, MVD may cancel old title and issue a new certificate to insurer free of liens and claims.
Rebuilt Vehicle
When a salvage vehicle is rebuilt, it must be inspected by a registered motor vehicle repair business. Trailers, travel trailers, OHVs, and snowmobiles are exempt from rebuilt inspection. Bills of sale and/or titles for major parts must accompany title application, Certificate of Vehicle Inspection (2486), and salvage title. Title is branded Previously Salvaged.
Abandoned Vehicle
Commercial towing companies must notify law enforcement within 12 hours of tow. Within 10 days of possession, certified-mail notice must be sent to owner and lienholders, giving 30 days to reclaim. If owner/lienholder cannot be found, notice is published once or posted on the official website for at least 30 days. Unclaimed vehicles are sold at public auction, plates removed, and documents submitted with title application and fees.
Immediate Disposition
An abandoned vehicle more than seven model years old, missing vital component parts, and without a valid license plate is immediately eligible for disposition and is not subject to notification, reclamation, or title provisions.
OHV / Snowmobile / Low-Speed / Motorboat
Within 15 days after destruction or abandonment of an OHV, snowmobile, or low-speed vehicle, written notice must be given to MVD. Game & Fish must be notified for motorboats.
Lien Law
To perfect a lien in North Dakota, submit a title application or title with lien noted. A copy of the lien instrument is not required. A security interest is not valid against later purchasers unless shown on title. The title showing a lien is mailed to the lienholder, and North Dakota does not have an ELT program.
Filing and Perfection
Lien is perfected when the lienholder is listed on the title or the lienholder is in possession of the title. Reference tables identify lien perfection as the date of filing. Lienholder filing is generally responsible, but purchaser is responsible for filing the lien; dealers must show the lien on forms sent to MVD if they know of it.
Second Lien
A second lien may be added by completing Part 3: Purchaser’s Certification and Application (2475) to include all lienholders.
Lien Expiration
Liens do not expire. They remain valid until evidence of satisfaction is submitted.
Assignment of Lien
Lienholder releases their lien on the title and submits the title with title application and fee.
Repairman’s Lien, Storage Lien, Landlord’s Mobile Home Lien & UCC
Repairman’s Lien
Repair facilities must submit Request for Vehicle Information (51269) to verify owner/lienholder. If repair costs exceed $6,000 or 30% of vehicle value, or $15,000 or 30% for agricultural/construction purposes, the lienholder must be sent certified/registered notice with proposed repairs, estimated costs, and value. Storage fees cannot accrue until 15 days after owner is asked to take possession. Foreclosure requires 10-day certified/registered notice of intent to sell.
Storage Lien
Self-service storage facility lien applies only to North Dakota-titled vehicles. Use 51269, notice existing tenant/original owner, obtain lien release if lienholder exists, send notice of default at least 10 days before sale, advertise sale in commercially reasonable manner at least seven days before sale, then submit 51269 results, Indemnifying Affidavit (60662), rental agreement, notices/receipts, Seller’s Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale (2888), sale documentation, lien release if applicable, title application, and fees.
Landlord’s Mobile Home Lien
Notice of lien must be posted on the primary entrance of the mobile home and mailed certified to registered owner and lienholder. Title work may be submitted 30 days after the notice is mailed and posted, with 51269 results, Indemnifying Affidavit (60662), notice, certified mail documents, lien release if applicable, title application, Board of Equalization Statement of Mobile Home Full Consideration (3004), and title fee.
UCC
Liens on non-titled vehicles are processed through the Secretary of State, Central Indexing (UCC), 600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Department 108, Bismarck, ND 58505-0500, 701.328.2900, 800.352.0867, fax 701.328.2992, sosci@nd.gov. Filings and search requests must be made online.
Release of Lien
Lienholder must release the lien within 10 days after demand and in any event within 30 days after satisfaction. If there is a subsequent lien, title must be delivered to the next lienholder, who must deliver title, release, and title fee to MVD within 30 days. If there are no other lienholders, title is delivered to the owner. Release of Lien by Legal Owner (2876) may be used.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. All liens shown on title must be released. Seller must deliver assigned title to purchaser within 15 days, and purchaser must transfer title within 30 days to avoid penalty. Purchaser may operate the vehicle for up to five days without visible evidence of registration.
Dealer and Transfer Documents
If title is not available for transfer, a Seller’s Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale (2888) may be used. If a North Dakota title has no further assignment space, use Assignment and Warranty of Title (2877) or Dealer Re-Assignment and Warranty of Title (2878). If odometer disclosure is required, use Reassignment/Odometer Disclosure (18773).
Damage Disclosure
Damage disclosure on title application or Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (18609) is required for motor vehicles less than nine model years old. Disclosure applies to current model year and the seven preceding years when damage equals or exceeds $10,000 or 25% of pre-damage retail value, excluding normal wear, glass, hail, maintenance, and certain modifications. Trailers, low-speed vehicles, mopeds, OHVs, and snowmobiles are exempt.
Add / Remove Owner
Title must be assigned according to joint-ownership rules, and remaining parties complete the Purchaser’s Certification and Application section of the title. Title fees apply. Removing a joint tenant without monetary consideration may be exempt from excise tax.
Joint Ownership
“Or” allows either owner to sign. “And” requires both owners to sign.
Deceased Owner
If title is JTWROS, survivor submits death certificate copy with title. Estates under $100,000 may use Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (2916). Other estates require personal representative papers or court order. A will is not accepted for title transfer. Inheritance/bequest transfers are exempt from excise tax.
Transfer on Death
North Dakota has no procedure for adding a beneficiary to a title.
Notarization / POA
Notarization of title is not required. General Power of Attorney may be used when odometer certification is not required; otherwise a Secure Power of Attorney is required. Secure POA is effective only if the original title is lost or held by lienholder.
OHV / Snowmobile / Low-Speed / Motorboat
Purchaser of an OHV, snowmobile, or low-speed vehicle must notify MVD of transfer within 15 days. Game & Fish must be notified for motorboats.
Out-of-State Title with No Assignment Space
When applying for title on an out-of-state title with no further assignment space, a secure odometer statement is required with the title to effect transfer.
Repossession
A secured party may take possession without judicial process if it proceeds without breach of peace. North Dakota repossession rules also apply to out-of-state lienholders with North Dakota titles.
Required Affidavit
A notarized Repossession Affidavit (2880) must be completed by the lienholder.
Transfer to New Owner
If the North Dakota title is transferred to a new owner, the repossessor signs as seller.
Title to Repossessor
If title is transferred into the repossessor’s name, the repossessor signs as buyer and completes the odometer information.
Additional Liens
A lien release is required from any additional lienholder identified on the title.
Registration
All vehicles and travel trailers used on highways and all motorboats must be registered. OHVs, including snowmobiles, must be registered unless used exclusively on private land or in organized track racing events. Registration is made through MVD in Bismarck or any Motor Vehicle Site, and registration must be carried in the vehicle.
Application for Registration
Motorboats are registered through the Game & Fish Department, and new or used motorboats may be registered online. Titling is prerequisite to registration unless the unit is exempt. Vehicles stored or not operated on North Dakota roadways do not require registration, but registration must be cancelled before liability insurance is cancelled.
- Exempt from registration: U.S. government vehicles; trailers, semitrailers, or farm trailers 1,500 lbs. or less not used for hire/commercial use; trailers used to transport recreational vehicles or boats not for hire/commercial use; car dollies; combine trailers; job site trailers; farm tractors; and special mobile equipment/road construction machinery not normally operated on highways.
- Nonresident OHVs used more than 30 consecutive days in North Dakota must be registered in North Dakota.
- Nonresident OHVs and snowmobiles must purchase an out-of-state permit.
- Motorboats not licensed in North Dakota must pay a $15.00 ANS fee each calendar year and display an ANS sticker.
IRP
Motor Vehicle Division, Motor Carrier Services, 608 E. Boulevard Avenue, Suite 103, Bismarck, ND 58505-0791. Phone: 701.328.1287. Fax: 701.328.3500. Email: motorcarrier@nd.gov. Central Bismarck and branch offices in Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston may open new accounts, add/remove vehicles, increase weight, add jurisdictions, and issue duplicate credentials. Motor Carrier Section in Bismarck processes renewals.
Nonresidents
A nonresident gainfully employed in North Dakota must purchase temporary registration for at least six months and have current home-state registration. Properly registered nonresident motorboats must register in North Dakota if operated on North Dakota waters more than 90 days.
Renewal
Renewal reminders are sent. Renewal may be completed by mail, in person at a Motor Vehicle Site or kiosk, or online. Motorboats may renew online.
Expiration
Passenger vehicles, motor homes, pickup trucks not exceeding 20,000 lbs., and trucks 10,000 lbs. GVW or less are staggered monthly. Motorcycles expire March 31. Low-speed vehicles expire March 31 of odd-numbered years. Snowmobiles expire September 30 of odd-numbered years. Motorboats expire December 31 in three-year cycles. OHVs expire December 31 of even-numbered years. All other vehicles expire December 31.
Military Registration
Active-duty military stationed out of state may be excise-tax exempt with Military Claim for Tax Exemption (17147). Resident military stationed out of state more than one year may relicense without paying fees/penalties for intervening years if affidavit of nonuse is submitted. Nonresident military and dependents stationed in North Dakota are exempt from North Dakota registration if vehicle is properly registered in home state.
Plates
Two plates are issued; one plate for trailers, motorcycles, house trailers, OHVs, and apportioned trucks/tractors. Plates remain with owner upon sale except snowmobiles, OHVs, prorated trucks/trailers, antiques, collectors, DAVs, POWs, and government vehicles. New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates.
Special Permits and Dealer Plates
75-Day Registration Permit
Allows vehicle operation pending registration. Issued by dealers, MVD, kiosks, or online.
Motorboat / OHV / Snowmobile Permits
10-Day Temporary Registration allows motorboat operation while application is processed. Out-of-State OHV Permit is valid one year and costs $10.00. Out-of-State Snowmobile Permit is valid one year and costs $25.00.
Demonstration and Drive-Out Permits
Demonstration permits: $5.00 for 30-day trailer in-transit permit, $10.00 for 72-hour demo permit, or $50.00 for 20-day demo permit. 30-Day Drive-Out Permit for nonresidents is $5.00 and may be issued by dealers, MVD, or Highway Patrol.
Commercial / Nonresident Permits
72-Hour Trip Permit allows nonresident carriers without reciprocal agreement to travel in North Dakota; fee $20.00. Nonresident temporary registrations include a $10.00 permit fee plus class/weight-based six- or twelve-month fees.
Dealer Plates
Dealer plates may be used for demonstration, delivery, and personal use. Dealer license includes one plate. Additional plates are $20.00 for low-speed and new/used motor vehicle dealers, and $10.00 for mobile/manufactured home, motor-powered recreational vehicle, and trailer dealers.
Manufacturer / Transporter Plates
Manufacturer plate fee is $150.00 per year and manufacturer must be located in North Dakota to use plates for testing. Transporter plates are used for transporting nonregistered vehicles and cost $65.00 per year.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
North Dakota fees vary by title type, initial title disposal fee, vehicle class, age, gross weight, OHV/snowmobile status, permit type, EV/PHEV road-use fee, dealer plate type, and whether the vehicle is permanent, antique, collector, commercial, nonresident, or apportioned.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $5.00 |
| Abandoned vehicle disposal fee | $1.50 on initial ND title unless exempt |
| Duplicate title | $5.00; $10.00 to add/remove lien |
| Antique vehicle permanent registration | $10.00 |
| Collector vehicle permanent registration | $60.00 |
| Low-speed vehicle registration | $20.00 for two years |
| Motorcycle / moped registration | $25.00 |
| Trailer registration | $20.00 |
| Permanent trailer registration | $150.00 |
| Unconventional vehicle registration | $50.00 |
| OHV registration | $20.00 for two years |
| Snowmobile registration | $50.00 for two years |
| Nonresident OHV permit | $10.00 |
| Nonresident snowmobile permit | $25.00 |
| Unsatisfied Judgment fee | $1.00 on all vehicles except trailers and OHVs |
| Road Use Fee | $120.00 EV; $50.00 plug-in hybrid; $20.00 electric motorcycle |
Dealer Fee Reminder
Dealer quotes should include title fee, $1.50 abandoned-vehicle disposal fee if applicable, registration by class/weight/age, $1.00 unsatisfied judgment fee where applicable, EV/PHEV road-use fee where applicable, excise tax, dealer or temporary permit fees, OHV/snowmobile safety fee where applicable, and any motorboat/Game & Fish fees.
Taxes
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
A 5.0% motor vehicle excise tax is assessed on the full purchase price of a motor vehicle purchased or acquired for use in North Dakota. Imported new vehicles are taxed on purchase price; used imported vehicles may be taxed on market value. Credit is allowed for trade-in and for taxes paid to another state that grants reciprocity to North Dakota residents.
Excise Tax Exemptions
New residents are exempt if the vehicle was registered in another state 30 days before moving to North Dakota. Enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes residing within reservation boundaries may claim exemption with Tribal Claim for Tax Exemption (18085). Vehicles exempt from registration, interstate carrier vehicles, used mobile homes, vehicles equipped for the physically disabled, tax-exempt entity sales, and gifts between immediate family members may be exempt. Other exemptions are listed on Purchaser’s Certification and Application (2475).
Aircraft Excise Tax
Aircraft required to be registered in North Dakota are subject to 5.0% excise tax on purchase price; agricultural aircraft are taxed at 3.0%. Credit is allowed for trade-in and for sales/use/excise tax paid in a reciprocal state.
Motorboat Sales / Use Tax
Motor vehicles subject to excise tax are exempt from sales/use tax. Motorboats are taxed at 5.0% on full purchase price at acquisition or entry into North Dakota for storage or use. Credit is allowed for tax paid to another state. Casual sales are exempt.
Mobile / Manufactured Homes
A 3.0% sales tax is imposed on retail sales of mobile and manufactured homes used for residential or business purposes. Used mobile homes are exempt.
Property Tax
Motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers for which title is required, and boats are exempt from personal property tax. Mobile homes are taxed on assessed value unless permanently attached to a foundation and assessed as real property. Mobile home tax permit must be filed within 10 days after acquisition, moving, or entry into North Dakota, and title may not issue until certified statement shows tax paid.
HVUT / Remote Sellers
Trucks with gross weight of 55,000 lbs. or more must file IRS Form 2290 annually and submit it with registration application. Remote sellers with gross sales delivered into North Dakota over $100,000 in the current or previous calendar year must obtain a permit and collect tax.
Official Forms & Resources
Key North Dakota NDDOT, Game & Fish, Highway Patrol, Secretary of State UCC, title, lien, motorboat, OHV, snowmobile, manufactured home, salvage/rebuilt, abandoned, repossession, registration, permit, tax, and dealer resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include assigned title or MCO, 2872, lien information if applicable, damage disclosure for qualifying vehicles, odometer disclosure, excise tax documentation or exemption, title fee, disposal fee if applicable, and any reassignment documents such as 2877, 2878, or 18773.
Motorboat Workflow
Motorboats are registered through Game & Fish, not titled by NDDOT. New and used motorboats may be registered or renewed online. Nonresident motorboats used on North Dakota waters more than 90 days must be registered, and motorboats not licensed in North Dakota must pay the annual ANS fee and display the ANS sticker.
OHV / Snowmobile Workflow
OHVs and snowmobiles are titled and registered unless used exclusively on private land or organized track racing events. Nonresident OHV and snowmobile permits are required for public lands/trails. Dealers must collect and report the $5.00 safety fee on each OHV or snowmobile sale using Dealer Report: OHV and Snowmobile Safety Fee (14529).
Manufactured / Mobile Homes
Manufactured homes are titled unless real property. Mobile homes may require tax permit and Board of Equalization documentation. Park model trailers exceeding 400 square feet used as a primary residence may be titled as mobile homes.
Records
Lien records are archived with the Motor Vehicle Division in Bismarck. North Dakota provides data to and checks NMVTIS before issuing titles. Title status search is available online.
Insurance / Non-Operation
Vehicles stored or not operated on North Dakota roadways do not require registration. Plates may be retained, but registration must be cancelled before liability insurance is cancelled.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, Game & Fish Department, Parks & Recreation Department, Secretary of State, Highway Patrol, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.