North Dakota License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in North Dakota in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in North Dakota

The cost of obtaining a license plate in North Dakota is influenced by several factors, which include:

Type of Vehicle: Different vehicle types, such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers, have varying registration fees.
Weight of the Vehicle: Heavier vehicles typically incur higher registration fees.
Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different costs associated with them.
Duration of Registration: The length of time for which the registration is valid can affect the total cost.
County of Registration: Some counties may have additional fees or taxes.

Specialty License Plates in North Dakota

North Dakota offers a variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests and affiliations. These plates often come with additional fees:

Initial Issuance Fee: Typically ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the specific plate.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional fee, usually between $10 and $30, is required each year to maintain the specialty plate.
Examples of Specialty Plates:
- Collegiate plates
- Military and veteran plates
- Organizational plates
- Environmental and wildlife plates

Personalized License Plates in North Dakota

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to customize their plate numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining personalized plates are as follows:

Application Fee: A one-time fee of $25 is required when applying for a personalized plate.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $10 is charged each year to renew the personalized plate.
Character Limitations: Personalized plates can have up to seven characters, including letters and numbers.
Approval Process: All personalized plate requests are subject to approval by the North Dakota Department of Transportation to ensure appropriateness.

North Dakota License Plate Renewal Fee

Renewing a license plate in North Dakota involves several fees, which may vary based on the vehicle type and other factors:

Standard Renewal Fee: Typically ranges from $49 to $274, depending on the vehicle's weight and type.
Additional Fees: Specialty and personalized plates incur extra renewal fees as mentioned in their respective sections.
Late Renewal Penalty: A late fee of $10 is applied if the renewal is not completed by the expiration date.

North Dakota License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained for a fee:

Replacement Fee: The cost for replacing a standard license plate is $5.
Specialty and Personalized Plates: Replacement fees for these plates may be higher, typically around $10 to $20, depending on the type of plate.
Required Documentation: Proof of vehicle ownership and a completed application form are necessary to process a replacement request.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in North Dakota

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, a tag transfer fee is applicable:

Transfer Fee: The standard fee for transferring a license plate is $5.
Eligibility: The transfer is only allowed between vehicles owned by the same individual or entity.
Additional Considerations: Any difference in registration fees due to vehicle type or weight must be settled at the time of transfer.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups and circumstances in North Dakota:

Military Personnel: Active duty military members may be eligible for reduced registration fees or exemptions.
Senior Citizens: Residents aged 65 and older may qualify for discounted registration fees on certain vehicle types.
Disabled Veterans: Veterans with a qualifying disability may receive a waiver for standard registration fees.
Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by qualifying non-profit organizations may be exempt from certain fees.

These exemptions and discounts are subject to verification and approval by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.