License Plate FAQs

North Dakota license plates. We all need them, but we don't all know everything about them. Luckily, DMV.ORG is here. Read on for some of the most commonly asked questions about ND license plates.

Woke this morning and POOF―my car's plates were gone. What now?

Regardless if your license plates are lost or stolen they must to be replaced. You need to visit any North Dakota motor vehicle office and complete an Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Vehicle for a duplicate license.

It only costs $5.

If I just replaced my old car for a new car are there any restrictions I should know about regarding transferring the plates?

You cannot attach the plates to your new car until you register it with the Motor Vehicle Division and receive a registration certificate.

Got carried away while driving my truck off-road and folded my front license plate like a soft taco shell while driving over a fallen cottonwood tree. Do I need to replace it?

License plates must be legible. So yes, you'll need to replace it. To do so just visit any motor vehicle office and complete an Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Vehicle.

The fee is $5 for a duplicate license.

If I transfer my plates to a new car can I get credit on the registration?

Yes. North Dakota's Motor Vehicle Division will give you credit based on the number of unused months left on your license plates. This credit only applies if you transfer the plates.

Besides receiving credit on my license plates can I get credit on other initial registration fees?

All other fees including the Abandoned Vehicle fee, Public Transportation fund, and Motorcycle Education fee are non-refundable.

How does the state's self-issuing temporary registration permit work?

Completing one of these gives you 30 days to register and title your new vehicle. You can grab one, free of charge, from any dealership, motor vehicle office, or police station.

What are the qualifications for antique license plates?

North Dakota refers to these plates as historical plates. To qualify, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old and be used for display or exhibition purposes only. It cannot be used for everyday travel. To confirm this, you'll need to provide proof that you have at least one other vehicle registered in North Dakota.

If I move out of state, do I need to surrender my license plates?

Nope. Recycle them as you see fit once you get registered in your new state.