How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota 2026
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicle Division oversees all certificate of title transactions in the state. Under NDCC § 39-05-17, the seller is legally obligated to deliver the endorsed certificate of title to the purchaser within 30 days of the date of purchase. Non-compliance may result in registration suspension or revocation and carries potential class B misdemeanor penalties.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in North Dakota
The following documents must be presented at the time of application. Additional items may be required depending on the vehicle type or transfer circumstances.
| Document | Details | Official Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title | Part 1 (seller assignment) and Part 3 (purchaser certification) must be completed and signed | Title & Registration Forms |
| Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872) | Completed and signed by the buyer; required for all title transactions | SFN 2872 PDF |
| Odometer Disclosure | Completed on the title itself; required for vehicles under 10 years old with a GVWR of 16,000 lbs or less | SFN 2872 PDF |
| Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (SFN 18609) | Required for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and motor homes under 9 model years old | SFN 18609 PDF |
| Lien Release | Required if any lien is recorded on the title; must be satisfied prior to transfer | Provided by lienholder |
| Proof of North Dakota Liability Insurance | Minimum: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury; $25,000 property damage; $30,000 basic no-fault (PIP) | Registration Manual |
| Valid Government-Issued Photo ID | Driver's license or state-issued ID card; legal name must match title application exactly | NDDOT Motor Vehicle |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in North Dakota
Step 1: Verify the Title and Release Any Recorded Liens
Before the transaction is completed, the seller must confirm that the certificate of title is free of outstanding encumbrances. If a lienholder appears on the face of the title, a written lien release must be obtained from that institution and attached to the title before assignment. A title that is lost, damaged, or illegible must be replaced with a duplicate — apply using SFN 2872 — before the transfer proceeds.
Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment
The seller completes Part 1 of the certificate of title, entering the buyer's full legal name and mailing address, the date of sale, the purchase price, and the odometer reading (where required). For vehicles under nine model years old, the seller must also complete the Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (SFN 18609) and provide it to the buyer. If the vehicle is sold through a dealer, Part 2 of the title must be completed by the dealer with their license number.
Step 3: Buyer Completes Part 3 and Form SFN 2872
The purchaser completes Part 3 of the title (Purchaser's Certification) and fills out the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (SFN 2872) in full. This form captures the vehicle description, buyer's legal name and address, insurance information, and any lienholder details. All information must be typed or printed legibly; errors or omissions may delay processing.
Step 4: Confirm Insurance Coverage
North Dakota law requires proof of active liability coverage before a vehicle may be registered. The minimum required limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, $25,000 per accident for property damage, and $30,000 basic no-fault (PIP) coverage. Insurance must be issued by a carrier licensed to operate in North Dakota.
Step 5: Calculate and Pay All Applicable Fees and Taxes
The 5% motor vehicle excise tax is assessed on the full taxable purchase price and is collected by the Motor Vehicle Division at the time of title application. Certain transfers are exempt from this tax, including gifts between spouses, parents and children, siblings, and grandparents and grandchildren, as well as transfers resulting from inheritance, divorce decree (within one year of finalization), or a qualifying family trust.
Use the NDDOT online fee calculator to estimate registration fees by vehicle weight and registration year. The following table reflects all standard fees effective for 2026:
| Fee / Tax | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $5.00 | Due on all title applications |
| Duplicate Certificate of Title | $5.00 | Required if original is lost, stolen, or mutilated |
| Abandoned Vehicle Disposal Fee | $1.50 | Applies to new and out-of-state vehicles on initial ND title application only; excludes motorcycles, snowmobiles, off-highway vehicles, and trailers |
| Lien Release Recording | $5.00 | Per lienholder |
| Salvage-to-Regular Title Conversion | $5.00 | After required inspection by a registered repair business |
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | 5% of taxable purchase price | Exempt for qualifying family gifts, inheritance, divorce decrees, and certain other transactions |
| Passenger Vehicle Registration | $49.00–$274.00 (annual) | Based on vehicle weight and year first registered; see the 2026 Passenger Fee Schedule |
| Electric Vehicle Road Use Fee | $120.00 | Annual; added to registration fee |
| Plug-In Hybrid Road Use Fee | $50.00 | Annual; added to registration fee |
| Electric Motorcycle Road Use Fee | $20.00 | Annual; added to registration fee |
Step 6: Submit the Application at a Motor Vehicle Office
All NDDOT Motor Vehicle locations require an appointment; walk-in customers are accommodated when capacity permits, but are of lower priority. Schedule an appointment through the NDDOT online scheduler or call 1-855-633-6835 (toll-free).
Title-issuing branch offices are located in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Valley City, Ellendale, and other communities statewide. Present the completed title, SFN 2872, proof of insurance, and photo ID; staff will review all documents and collect payment.
Step 7: Receive the New Certificate of Title
Upon approval of the application and full payment of all applicable fees and taxes, the Motor Vehicle Division will mail the new certificate of title to the registered owner. Registration decals and a registration card are issued at the time of submission. Retain all transaction receipts as confirmation of the filing date.
Contact Information
North Dakota Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0780
Phone: (701) 328-2725
Official Website: NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division (https://www.dot.nd.gov/motor-vehicle)
