Car Registration Requirements for New North Dakota Residents

Persons moving to North Dakota with a vehicle titled and registered in another state must apply for a North Dakota certificate of title and registration through the Motor Vehicle Division. Registration obligations begin after establishing residency, and the process requires submission of documentation at Motor Vehicle Division branch sites or by mail.

Timeline for New North Dakota Residents

New residents may operate a vehicle with out-of-state registration for 60 days after becoming a resident. Application for certificate of title and registration must be made within 60 days of establishing residency. Operating a vehicle beyond this period without proper North Dakota registration constitutes a violation of NDCC Chapter 39-04.

Establishing North Dakota Residency

An individual residing in North Dakota for 90 consecutive days is considered a resident for motor vehicle registration purposes. Residency determinations consider physical presence, employment location, property ownership, voting registration, and intent to remain in the state. NDCC 39-04-02 governs registration application requirements and defines owner obligations.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in North Dakota

New residents must provide documentation, including properly assigned proof of ownership, completed application forms, proof of insurance, and payment of applicable fees when transferring an out-of-state vehicle registration.

Essential Documents:

• Out-of-state certificate of title or transferable registration properly assigned to the applicant.
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form SFN 2872).
• Valid North Dakota driver's license or identification card, or valid out-of-state driver's license with proof of North Dakota residence.
• Proof of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements.
• Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (Form SFN 18609) for vehicles less than nine model years old.
• Payment for certificate of title fee, registration fee, motor vehicle excise tax, and abandoned motor vehicle disposal fee.

Additional Requirements:

• Manufacturer's certificate of origin for new vehicles purchased from out-of-state dealers.
• Bill of sale or other proof of ownership when title is unavailable.
• Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles model year 2011 and newer.
• Lien documentation if applicable, including lien holder name and address.

North Dakota law requires continuous motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. Minimum coverage amounts must meet state-mandated thresholds for bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage.

Application Submission Methods

Applicants may submit registration applications in person at Motor Vehicle Division branch sites located throughout North Dakota. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-855-633-6835 or through the online scheduler. Applications may also be submitted by mail to the Motor Vehicle Division central office with all required documentation, properly completed forms, and payment.

Registration Fees and Costs in North Dakota

Registration costs include the certificate of title fee, vehicle registration fee based on vehicle classification and age, motor vehicle excise tax, and abandoned motor vehicle disposal fee. Fee structures vary depending on vehicle type, weight, and year first registered.

Standard Fees:

• Certificate of title: $5.00
• Abandoned motor vehicle disposal fee: $1.50 (applies to new and out-of-state passengers, trucks, buses, and motor homes upon initial North Dakota title application)
• Motor vehicle excise tax: 5% of purchase price

Annual Registration Fees (Passenger Vehicles):

Registration fees for passenger vehicles are based on the year first registered in North Dakota, not model year. Fee amounts range from $49.00 to $139.00 annually, depending on vehicle age, with newer vehicles incurring higher fees that decrease over time.

Additional Fees:

• Electric vehicle road use fee: $120.00 annually
• Plug-in hybrid vehicle road use fee: $50.00 annually
• Plate transfer fee: $5.00 (if transferring plates from another vehicle)
• Duplicate plate fee: $5.00
• Branch service fees may apply at certain locations

Pickup trucks, large trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle classifications follow separate fee schedules based on vehicle weight and type.

Contact Information

North Dakota Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0780
Phone: (701) 328-2725
Toll-Free: 1-855-633-6835
North Dakota Motor Vehicle