How To Register a Car in North Dakota

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in North Dakota

Vehicle registration is a legal requirement in North Dakota for all motor vehicles operated on public roads. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) oversees the state's motor vehicle registration system through a network of county motor vehicle offices. Registration is mandatory for all vehicles operated on North Dakota's public roads and highways. The state requires compliance with comprehensive motor vehicle regulations outlined in the North Dakota Century Code Title 39-04, which governs all aspects of motor vehicle operation and registration.

New residents must register their vehicles within 90 days of establishing North Dakota residency. Residency is established when an individual obtains employment, enrolls children in school, registers to vote, or takes other actions indicating intent to remain in the state permanently.

Military personnel stationed in North Dakota but maintaining legal residence in another state are not required to register their vehicles in North Dakota. However, military members who establish North Dakota as their state of legal residence must register their vehicles within the standard 90-day timeframe. Military spouses enjoy the same exemptions as active duty personnel.

Full-time students attending North Dakota colleges and universities while maintaining legal residence in another state are exempt from North Dakota registration requirements. Students who establish North Dakota residency for tuition or other purposes must register their vehicles accordingly.

Temporary visitors and tourists may operate properly registered out-of-state vehicles in North Dakota without obtaining North Dakota registration, provided their home state registration remains valid and current.

Businesses and fleet operators must register all vehicles operated in North Dakota commerce. Commercial vehicles engaged in interstate operations may qualify for International Registration Plan (IRP) apportioned registration, which allows operation in multiple states under a single registration system administered through North Dakota county motor vehicle offices.

Licensed motor vehicle dealers may operate vehicles under dealer plates while conducting normal business activities, but personal use requires standard registration.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in North Dakota

North Dakota requires registration for the following vehicle categories:

• Passenger vehicles including cars, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks with gross vehicle weight under 26,000 pounds
• Motorcycles and motor scooters with engines exceeding 50 cubic centimeters
• Commercial vehicles including trucks, truck tractors, and commercial trailers used in business operations
• Heavy vehicles with gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds require specialized commercial registration
• Buses used for passenger transportation, including school buses and public transit vehicles
• Recreational vehicles including motor homes, travel trailers, campers, and fifth-wheel trailers
• Boat trailers and utility trailers with gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,000 pounds
• Antique vehicles manufactured more than 30 years ago qualify for special antique registration with reduced fees
• Classic vehicles between 20-30 years old may qualify for special registration categories
• Neighborhood electric vehicles operating on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less

Vehicle registration fees vary based on weight, age, and vehicle type. Passenger vehicles are classified by weight categories, with fees ranging from $49 for vehicles under 3,000 pounds to $274 for vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds. Commercial vehicle fees are calculated based on gross vehicle weight and may reach several hundred dollars for heavy commercial units.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in North Dakota

Several vehicle categories are exempt from North Dakota registration requirements:

Agricultural implements including tractors, combines, and other farm machinery operated primarily on private property or for agricultural purposes are exempt from registration. Farm trailers used exclusively for agricultural operations also qualify for exemption.

Government vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, or local government agencies are exempt from standard registration requirements but may display special government license plates for identification purposes.

Military tactical vehicles including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other military equipment are exempt from civilian registration requirements.

Off-highway vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), and dirt bikes operated exclusively on private property or designated off-road areas do not require standard motor vehicle registration. .

Golf carts operated exclusively on golf courses or private property are exempt from registration requirements.

Vehicles operated exclusively on private property including industrial equipment, construction machinery, and private road vehicles do not require public road registration.

Mopeds and motorized bicycles with engines under 50 cubic centimeters may operate without registration but must comply with specific equipment and operational requirements.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in North Dakota

Registering a vehicle in North Dakota requires specific documentation and payment of applicable fees and taxes:

Required Documents:

• Completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration - Form SFN 2872 must be properly completed and signed
• Proof of ownership including manufacturer's certificate of origin for new vehicles or properly assigned title for used vehicles
• Valid identification such as North Dakota driver's license or state-issued identification card
• Proof of insurance meeting North Dakota's minimum liability requirements: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $30,000 property damage coverage
• Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old, typically included on the title assignment
• Lien documents if applicable, including lienholder information and security agreement details

VIN Inspection Requirements: Vehicles previously registered in other states require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection conducted by law enforcement officers or authorized NDDOT personnel. The inspection verifies the VIN matches title documents and ensures the vehicle has not been reported stolen.

Safety and Emissions Inspections: North Dakota does not require safety or emissions inspections for passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles may be subject to federal DOT inspection requirements, but standard passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles do not require periodic inspection certificates.

Fees and Taxes:

• Registration fees range from $49 to $274 based on vehicle weight and year first registered in North Dakota
• Title fees of $5 for all vehicles requiring North Dakota titles
• Excise tax of 5% of the vehicle's taxable value, with minimum tax of $5
• Local fees may apply in some counties for processing and administrative costs

Timing Requirements: New residents have 90 days to complete registration after establishing residency. Vehicle purchases must be registered within 30 days of acquisition. Penalty fees of $5 per month apply to late registrations, with additional penalties for operation of unregistered vehicles.

Where to Register Your Vehicle in North Dakota

North Dakota operates vehicle registration through motor vehicle offices . These offices handle registration, titling, and licensing services for residents in their respective jurisdictions.

Major Motor Vehicle Offices:

Fargo Motor Vehicle
745 45th St S H, Fargo, ND 58103
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
(701) 282-5070
Fargo Motor Vehicle

Bismark Motor Vehicle
608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
(701) 328-2725
Bismark Motor Vehicle

Grand Forks Motor Vehicle
1726 S Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:15 PM
(701) 772-1390
Grand Forks Motor Vehicle

Minot Motor Vehicle
1600 2nd Ave SW, Minot, ND 58701
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
(701) 857-8221
Minot Motor Vehicle

Williston Motor Vehicle
206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-4:00 PM
(701) 713-3410
Williston Motor Vehicle

The North Dakota Department of Transportation headquarters in Bismarck provides oversight and policy guidance but does not process individual vehicle registrations. Commercial vehicle IRP registration and certain specialized services are handled through NDDOT's Motor Carrier Services Division.

A complete directory is available at the NDDOT county offices page. Some counties authorize deputy registrars or third-party agents to process routine transactions, particularly in rural areas with limited county office hours.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in North Dakota?

North Dakota offers limited online services for vehicle registration through the NDDOT Online services. Registration renewals are available online for eligible vehicles with current North Dakota registration, provided there are no outstanding violations, insurance lapses, or administrative holds on the registration.

Available Online Services:

• Registration renewals for passenger vehicles with current, valid registration
• Address changes for existing vehicle registrations
• Duplicate registration certificates and sticker replacements
• Temporary operating permits for vehicles with expired registration awaiting renewal processing
• Commercial vehicle services including some IRP registration functions for authorized carriers

Services Requiring In-Person Processing: Initial vehicle registration, title transfers, out-of-state vehicle registration, and registration involving liens must be completed at county motor vehicle offices. These transactions require document verification, VIN inspection, and identity confirmation that cannot be completed through online systems.

Online Service Eligibility Requirements: Vehicles must have verifiable current insurance meeting state minimums, no outstanding violations or administrative holds, and current address information on file with the county motor vehicle office. Commercial vehicles may have additional federal compliance requirements that affect online service eligibility.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in North Dakota

North Dakota uses an individual expiration system based on the month the vehicle was first registered in the state. Unlike states with universal expiration dates, each vehicle in North Dakota has a unique expiration date that remains consistent year after year.

Expiration Date Assignment: Vehicles receive expiration dates corresponding to the month of initial North Dakota registration. For example, a vehicle first registered in March will expire every March thereafter. This system distributes renewal processing throughout the year rather than creating seasonal backlogs.

Registration Term Length: Standard vehicle registrations are issued for one-year terms from the initial registration date. Registration certificates and validation stickers display the specific expiration month and year, which must be clearly visible on the vehicle's license plate.

Validation Requirements: Valid registration requires current insurance coverage meeting state minimums, accurate address information on file with the county motor vehicle office, and payment of all applicable fees and taxes. Vehicles with insurance lapses or administrative violations may face registration suspension.

Commercial Vehicle Schedules: Commercial vehicles under IRP registration follow calendar year expiration from December 31st annually. Antique vehicles may qualify for permanent registration with one-time fee payment, eliminating annual renewal requirements.

Renewal Processing Time: County motor vehicle offices typically require 5-10 business days to process renewal applications and mail updated registration certificates. No grace period exists for expired registration - vehicles with expired registration may not be legally operated on public roads and face penalties for continued operation.

Consequences of Expired Registration: Operating a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a traffic violation subject to fines and potential vehicle impoundment. Insurance coverage may be affected by registration lapses, and law enforcement officers may issue citations during routine traffic stops or accident investigations.