Car Registration in North Dakota

SUMMARY: How to Register Your Vehicle in North Dakota

Vehicle registration in ND must be done in person at your local DOT office. Bring your title, driver's license, and payment for your registration fee. New residents follow the same processes. Non-residents working in North Dakota are able to obtain a temporary registration.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) requires you to register and title your vehicle in the state, unless you maintain residency elsewhere.

If you're a non-resident working in North Dakota and wish to operate your vehicle in ND, you must apply for temporary registration.

New to North Dakota?

When you move to North Dakota, you will need to transfer your out-of-state title and register your vehicle with the NDDOT.

For instructions on how to obtain your ND title and register your vehicle at a local ND DMV office, refer to the section below titled, "Registering a Vehicle in North Dakota."

NOTE: Full-time non-resident students and military personnel are exempt from registration in North Dakota, but must have current plates from their home states.

Temporary North Dakota Vehicle Registration

Non-residents who work in North Dakota are required to carry temporary registration from the NDDOT along with a current valid registration from their home state.

Temporary vehicle registrations are issued for 6 months or 12 months only.

You can apply for temporary registration in person or online.

To get your temporary registration in person:

  • Go to your local North Dakota DMV office.
  • Submit all vehicle and personal information required, including:
    • Your current out-of-state vehicle registration.
    • Your vehicle title (if required).
    • Proof of identification.
  • Pay all applicable fees.
    • Refer to ND Car Registration Fees below for more information.
Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

To get your temporary registration online, you will need a printer.

  • Visit the NDDOT temporary registrations webpage.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Temporary Registrations."
  • Enter all the required information.
  • Pay your required renewal fee.
  • Print out your temporary vehicle registration permit.

Temporary North Dakota vehicle registrations are non-transferable. No refunds will be given regardless of the length of time you plan to be in North Dakota.

Registering a Vehicle in North Dakota

Make sure you have an active car insurance policy when registering your vehicle.

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To register a vehicle in person at your local ND DOT office, you must submit your:

  • Completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (SFN 2872).
  • Proof of legal name, such as a:
    • Valid driver's license.
    • Non-driver ID card.
    • Document that confirms your true legal identity.
  • Your signed vehicle title and the 5% excise tax.
    • If you do not have the title due to financing, you must provide the:
      • Name and address of the lienholder.
      • Loan account number.
      • Out-of-state vehicle registration.
      • Proof the payment or remittance of the 5% excise tax.
  • Brand new vehicles will need, if applicable:
    • A certificate of origin from the dealer.
    • An odometer disclosure statement signed by the dealer and the buyer.
  • Payment for all applicable title, registration, taxes (including the 5% excise tax), and license plate fees.
    • For specific fee information, see “ND Car Registration Fees" below.

NOTES:

  1. If your vehicle is currently titled in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, or Canada, you will be charged an excise tax based on the current value of the vehicle.
  2. You must carry auto insurance provided by a North Dakota licensed insurance company to legally operate on ND roadways.

ND Military & Non-Resident Vehicle Registration

The North Dakota Department of Transportation requires different registration and titling requirements for military members from North Dakota depending on if they are stationed in or outside of the state.

If you are NOT stationed in North Dakota, you may contact the ND DMV office from your home county for specific requirements and fees to register your vehicle(s).

ND Military Residents Stationed in North Dakota

If you're a North Dakota resident serving in the military and stationed in the state, you may title and register your vehicle(s) using the instructions outlined in the Registering a Vehicle in North Dakota section above.

ND Military Residents Stationed Out of State

If you're serving in the military and stationed outside of North Dakota, you will be required to submit your:

Mail everything to the address on the application form.

If you have any specific questions, please contact the North Dakota DMV office from your home county.

ND Military Residents Returning from Deployment

If you stored your vehicle(s) while away on overseas deployment, you will need to go to your local North Dakota DMV office and submit your:

  • Completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (SFN 2872).
  • Proof of legal name, such as a:
    • Valid driver's license.
    • Non-driver ID card.
    • Document that validates your true legal identity.
  • A note stating:
    • Where you were deployed.
    • The beginning and ending dates of the deployment.
    • The date you returned to North Dakota.
  • Payment for all ND registration fees.
    • See "ND Car Registration Fees" for specific fee information.

NOTE: Fees will be pro-rated from the date of your return to the original anniversary month of your vehicle registration.

Non-Resident Military Stationed in North Dakota

If you're stationed in North Dakota but your home of record is another state, you do NOT have to title and register your vehicle in North Dakota.

You must maintain a current/valid registration and insurance in your home state to legally operate your vehicle in North Dakota.

If you would like to title and register your vehicle, you will need to go to the local DMV office. Follow the instructions outlined in the section above, "New to North Dakota?"

Vehicle Registration Fees

The North Dakota Department of Transportation determines vehicle registration fees based on the age, factory price, annual mileage, and weight of the vehicle.

Visit the NDDOT Passenger Fee Schedule for a complete list of vehicle registration fees.

NOTE: The yearly fee for a personalized special letter plate in North Dakota is $25. Extra fees may apply in addition to the standard registration fee. For more information, contact the ND DMV at (701) 328-2725.

Temporary Registration Fees in North Dakota

The following fees do not include the $10 permit fee:

  • 6 months: $60.
  • 12 months: $120.

Motorcycle Temporary Vehicle Registration Fees

  • 6 months: $30.
  • 12 months: $60.

Forms

SFN 2872
Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Vehicle
Apply for a new, renewal, OR duplicate ND DOT title, registration, or tabs.
SFN 17147
Military Claim for Tax Exemption
Submit this form to the North Dakota DOT to claim an excise tax exemption on a vehicle you own that was transferred into or out of North Dakota. MUST be notarized.
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