How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in North Dakota in 2025
Vehicle registration costs in North Dakota are determined by several factors including vehicle type, weight, year first registered, and specific vehicle categories. The state uses a standardized fee structure with additional charges for titles and specific vehicle types.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
North Dakota passenger vehicle registration fees are based on the vehicle's weight and year first registered, not the model year. The fees are structured in tiers with newer vehicles generally costing more to register.
Vehicles First Registered 2019 and Newer
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,199 lbs or less | $73 |
| 3,200 - 4,499 lbs | $93 |
| 4,500 - 4,999 lbs | $111 |
| 5,000 - 5,999 lbs | $142 |
| 6,000 - 6,999 lbs | $175 |
| 7,000 - 7,999 lbs | $208 |
| 8,000 - 8,999 lbs | $241 |
| 9,000 lbs and over | $274 |
Vehicles First Registered 2016-2018
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,199 lbs or less | $65 |
| 3,200 - 4,499 lbs | $81 |
| 4,500 - 4,999 lbs | $94 |
| 5,000 - 5,999 lbs | $120 |
| 6,000 - 6,999 lbs | $146 |
| 7,000 - 7,999 lbs | $172 |
| 8,000 - 8,999 lbs | $199 |
| 9,000 lbs and over | $225 |
Vehicles First Registered 2013-2015
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,199 lbs or less | $57 |
| 3,200 - 4,499 lbs | $69 |
| 4,500 - 4,999 lbs | $79 |
| 5,000 - 5,999 lbs | $98 |
| 6,000 - 6,999 lbs | $117 |
| 7,000 - 7,999 lbs | $137 |
| 8,000 - 8,999 lbs | $157 |
| 9,000 lbs and over | $177 |
Vehicles First Registered 2012 and Older
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,199 lbs or less | $49 |
| 3,200 - 4,499 lbs | $57 |
| 4,500 - 4,999 lbs | $63 |
| 5,000 - 5,999 lbs | $76 |
| 6,000 - 6,999 lbs | $89 |
| 7,000 - 7,999 lbs | $102 |
| 8,000 - 8,999 lbs | $115 |
| 9,000 lbs and over | $128 |
The North Dakota Department of Transportation passenger fee schedule provides complete details on prorated fees for partial year registrations.
Truck Registration Fees
Commercial trucks and cargo vans follow a separate fee structure based on gross vehicle weight. The truck fee schedule applies to cargo vans, wreckers, and tank-mounted vehicles but excludes pickup trucks with open box-type beds.
Trucks First Registered 2019 and Newer
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 4,000 lbs | $71 |
| 6,000 lbs | $76 |
| 8,000 lbs | $81 |
| 10,000 lbs | $86 |
| 12,000 lbs | $91 |
| 14,000 lbs | $96 |
| 16,000 lbs | $101 |
| 18,000 lbs | $106 |
| 20,000 lbs | $109 |
Truck registration fees decrease for older vehicles, with trucks registered from 2006-2012 paying $50-$65 annually and those from 2005 and older paying $49-$64 annually. The complete North Dakota truck fee schedule includes all weight categories and year ranges.
Motorcycle Registration Fees
Motorcycles have a flat annual registration fee of $25. Electric motorcycles pay an additional $20 road use fee.
Trailer Registration Fees
Trailers are subject to a $20 annual registration fee. Travel trailers have a flat $20 fee that is not prorated for partial year registrations.
Unconventional Vehicles
Unconventional vehicles, including low-speed vehicles and other specialized vehicles, are charged $50 annually for registration.
Local and County Fees
North Dakota does not impose local or county vehicle registration fees. All registration fees are collected at the state level and distributed according to the highway distribution fund formula: 63% to the Department of Transportation, 23% to counties, and 14% to cities.
Mandatory Processing and Administrative Fees
Title Fees
North Dakota charges a $5 certificate of title fee for all vehicles requiring title documentation.
Abandoned Motor Vehicle Disposal Fee
A $1.50 abandoned motor vehicle disposal fee applies to all new and out-of-state vehicles when first titled in North Dakota. This fee excludes mobile homes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, off-highway vehicles, travel trailers, and other trailers.
Branch Office Service Fees
Motor vehicle branch offices may charge service fees for processing transactions, with maximum fees set by administrative rule:
| Service Type | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| New title and registration (combined) | $12 |
| Title transfer and registration (combined) | $12 |
| New title only | $10 |
| Title transfer only | $10 |
| Registration only | $10 |
| Registration renewal | $10 |
| Duplicate title | $10 |
| Duplicate registration | $10 |
Individual branch offices set their actual fees within these maximum limits through agreements with the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Special Vehicle Categories and Additional Fees
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Road Use Fees
Electric and hybrid vehicles pay additional annual road use fees:
- Electric vehicles: $120 additional fee
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles: $50 additional fee
- Electric motorcycles: $20 additional fee
These fees are collected at registration and deposited into the highway tax distribution fund.
Specialty License Plates
Several specialty plates are available with additional fees:
- Antique plates: $10 (lifetime registration)
- Collector plates: $60 (with personalized option for $160)
- Blackout plates: $25 additional fee (plus $25 for personalization)
- Amateur radio plates: No additional fee beyond standard registration
Duplicate Documents
Replacement fees for lost or damaged documents:
- Duplicate license plates: $5
- Duplicate registration card: $2
- Duplicate decals: $3
- Duplicate title: $5
Regional Variations and Special Requirements
North Dakota does not have regional variations in registration fees or special requirements by county or geographic area. All vehicles registered in the state follow the same fee structure regardless of location within North Dakota.
Vehicle emissions testing is not required in North Dakota, eliminating additional inspection-related fees common in other states.
North Dakota's vehicle registration system provides a comprehensive fee structure that varies primarily by vehicle type, weight, and age. The state's centralized fee collection eliminates the complexity of varying local fees found in many other states. For the most current fee calculations and specific vehicle requirements, vehicle owners can use the North Dakota fee calculator or consult the official Motor Vehicle Registration Manual.
