1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Your registration is valid for 12 months, and needs to be renewed before its expiration date. The vehicle's expiration month is determined by when you bought the car, or when it was first used within the state.

Renew ND Registration

You must have a current registration to operate a vehicle within the state. You'll also need to have a valid auto insurance policy that meets the state's requirements. If you need to obtain coverage, or are switching providers, see our Insurance Center to find carriers and shop for the best rates.

Register a Vehicle in ND for the First Time

If you just bought a vehicle or moved to the state, you'll need to conduct an initial vehicle registration. Please read our Car Registration article for instructions on how to do so.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

If your vehicle has not been used for at least 12 months, you're not required to pay a registration fee.

Of course, you can't use the vehicle on the state's roads without a current registration. To reactivate your registration, take you old certificate with you to a motor vehicle office and pay the renewal fee.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Several weeks before your registration expires, you should receive a reminder notice in the mail. While you don't need to have this notice to renew, it contains information such as how much money you owe, and will remind you that there is no smog check to be performed prior to renewal.

If you didn't receive your notice and are curious about why, call (701) 328-2725.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Renewal fees vary depending on when you first registered the vehicle and its weight.

Just as with the renewal fee, the longer you have your vehicle, the less costly its insurance.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

While the state doesn't impose a late fee or penalty on lapsed renewals, it's illegal to drive with an expired registration and there's no grace period.

4) Renew Online, In Person, or By Mail

Renew Online

1. Go to the renewal site.
2. Have your registration or renewal card handy.
3. Enter your title number and license plate number to begin the process, then follow the remaining instructions.
4. Pay the fee with your Visa, Discover, or MasterCard credit or debit card.

Renew In Person

1. Go to a motor vehicle office.
2. Bring your current registration or renewal notice.
3. Pay the renewal fee (add $4 for processing the transaction in person).

Renew by Mail

1. Find the renewal notice.
2. Include your payment for the amount indicated on the notice.
3. Send the notice and your payment to the address listed.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Make sure to properly attach your renewal decals according to the instructions provided.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

Some states base their registration renewal fees on the estimated value of the vehicle. This then acts as a type of personal property tax. Due to this, individuals in those state may claim this fee as a deduction on their federal taxes.

However, since North Dakota doesn't determine its renewal fees in this manner, you can't take this deduction.

For more information on this matter, consult a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

While it feels good to have your registration renewal behind you, there are steps you can take to help ensure your safety when on the road by maintaining your vehicle in the best possible shape.

Having regular oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations conducted is a good place to start. Make sure your tires have the proper tread depth (especially during the harsh winter conditions), and replace your tires when necessary.

Purchasing an after-market warranty may seem expensive at first. But doing so allows you to handle repairs that otherwise might have been too costly. Finding a quality, dependable mechanic is critical in having the repair work done properly, as well as spotting other problems before they become dangerous.

No matter how careful you are, though, in taking care of your car, emergency situations are bound to happen. That's why joining a roadside assistance program is an excellent way to complement all of these other safety precautions.

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