Register a vehicle in North Dakota

Online or in person

Not for a first registration · By appointmentNDDOT's online services cover renewal, duplicate registration cards, temporary registrations and permits, not a first title and registration. Call 1-855-633-6835 or use the online scheduler. Some offices also accept mailed paperwork or have a drop box.

Cost

$5 title fee (passenger vehicle)The registration (license) fee is annual and based on the year first registered and the weight of the vehicle; see the NDDOT fee schedules. A 5% motor vehicle excise tax applies as described below.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Valid state or government-issued photo ID · all that apply
   • Vehicle title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) · all that apply
     Must be properly completed for transfer of ownership. No write-overs, cross-outs, mutilations or white-out.
   • Odometer disclosure (2011 and newer vehicles) · all that apply
     Mileage must be completed by the seller; it is typically included on the title.
   • Damage disclosure, SFN 18609 · all that apply
     Required for vehicles less than nine model years old (current model year plus previous eight). The seller must provide it completed.
   • Bill of sale · all that apply
     Required for purchases from a dealership. Large trucks may require an empty weight ticket.
   • Photo of the VIN plate · all that apply
     The NDDOT says this may be required.
   • Payment · all that apply
     Accepted: cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express.

2. Make an appointment

   Call toll free 1-855-633-6835 or use the online scheduler. If no times are available online, the NDDOT suggests contacting your local branch.

   Online scheduler ↗

3. Check the registration fee

   The NDDOT publishes fee schedules by vehicle type (passenger, pickup, truck and others).

   Fee schedules on dot.nd.gov ↗

4. Pay the excise tax with your title application

   The 5% motor vehicle excise tax is payable to the Motor Vehicle Division at the time the title application is made. It is computed on the full purchase price less any trade-in allowance (the traded vehicle must be identified by year, make and VIN).

5. Need to drive before the paperwork is done?

   North Dakota residents can get a 75-day temporary registration at a kiosk or online, for a customer who will handle the title and registration application directly with the Motor Vehicle Division.

   Online services for motor vehicles ↗

6. Details for unusual cases

   The NDDOT Motor Vehicle Registration Manual covers other vehicle types, out-of-state registrations and more.

   Registration Manual (PDF) ↗