Registration FAQs

Do I need to register my snowmobile?

Given how popular snowmobiles are in North Dakota, they do have to be registered with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). You must affix your registration number with reflective material to both sides of the machine, toward the front.

How does North Dakota's prorated registration fee work?

It's based on a 12-month plan that begins January 1 and ends December 31. So if you register in December, for example, you will only pay 1/12th of the year's registration fee.

What if I'm stopped by law enforcement and I'm not carrying my registration certificate?

You will be initially fined $25, but you can have this dropped if you provide proof of your registration to any local or highway patrol police officer within 48 hours of being cited.

Do I need any special forms to register if I buy a new car in Canada?

Besides the usual registration forms you will also need a United States, not Canadian, customs entry document and a New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) from the Canadian manufacturer.

Where can I find credit and fee schedules for different types of vehicles?

NNDOT has these available in PDF format on its Web site.

I lost my title. How do I obtain a duplicate?

Easy. Complete an Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle and pay a $5 duplicate fee. You can either drop off the application in person at any Motor Vehicle office or mail it to:

• North Dakota Department of Transportation

• Motor Vehicle Division

• 608 E. Boulevard Ave.

• Bismarck, ND 58505

Where's my registration?

No worry. If you renewed on time but have not received your registration, the problem is usually clerical. Call the Motor Vehicle Division's main office in Bismarck at (701) 328-2725. Even if the office cannot provide an immediate answer, it will take steps to get you a temporary registration until your permanent certificate is found.

How do I order replacement tabs?

All you must do is submit an Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle with the appropriate duplication fee (either $3 or $5, depending on your situation). When completing the application, be sure to circle the word "Tabs" in Section 1.

How do I order a duplicate registration?

Simply mail a completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle along with a $2 duplicate fee.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

What's the skinny on registering nonoperational vehicles?

You are not required to pay a registration fee, provided your vehicle remains off the road for one full year. North Dakota does not prorate annual registration fees, even if your vehicle is nonoperable for most of the year.

Re-registering is simple. Just visit any motor vehicle office with your vehicle's old registration certificate. No affidavits or notarized proof confirming your vehicle was non-operational are needed.

Where can I find more information?

• Car Registration

• Boat Registration

• RV and Motor Home Registration

• Custom-built Car Registration

• Motorcycle Registration

• Title Transfers