How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in North Dakota?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all North Dakota residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The North Dakota Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (NDDOT MVD) oversees the state's vehicle registration system and provides registration services through motor vehicle branch offices located throughout the state. North Dakota vehicle registrations expire on December 31st each year, and the state does not provide a grace period for expired registrations.
North Dakota Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
North Dakota vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of continuous North Dakota liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: License plate number and title number, or renewal invoice number
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Current North Dakota driver license or state-issued identification card
- Payment Method: Credit card, debit card, check, or money order for registration fees and taxes
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
North Dakota does not require vehicle safety inspections or emissions testing for registration renewal. The state does not mandate periodic vehicle inspections, making the renewal process simpler compared to states with inspection requirements.
Insurance Requirements
North Dakota law requires continuous liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. The minimum liability insurance coverage requirements are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident (mandatory)
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $30,000 per person (North Dakota is a no-fault state)
Additional information about North Dakota vehicle insurance requirements is available through the North Dakota Insurance Department.
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Early Renewal: Vehicle registration can be renewed up to 90 days before the December 31st expiration date
- Renewal Notice: NDDOT MVD mails renewal notices before the expiration date
- Expiration Date: All vehicle registrations expire on December 31st each year
- Grace Period: North Dakota has no grace period for expired registrations
- New Residents: Must register vehicles within 90 days of establishing North Dakota residency or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever occurs first
- Driver License Requirement: New residents have 60 days to obtain a North Dakota driver license
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in North Dakota in 2025
2025 North Dakota Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
North Dakota vehicle registration fees are based on the vehicle's weight and the year it was first registered, not the model year. Registration fees decrease as vehicles age. The following table shows annual registration fees for passenger vehicles effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025:
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 and Newer | 2017-2019 | 2014-2016 | 2013 and Older |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,199 lbs. or less | $73.00 | $65.00 | $57.00 | $49.00 |
| 3,200 - 4,499 lbs. | $93.00 | $81.00 | $69.00 | $57.00 |
| 4,500 - 4,999 lbs. | $111.00 | $94.00 | $79.00 | $63.00 |
| 5,000 - 5,999 lbs. | $142.00 | $120.00 | $98.00 | $76.00 |
| 6,000 - 6,999 lbs. | $175.00 | $146.00 | $117.00 | $89.00 |
| 7,000 - 7,999 lbs. | $208.00 | $172.00 | $137.00 | $102.00 |
| 8,000 - 8,999 lbs. | $241.00 | $199.00 | $157.00 | $115.00 |
| 9,000 lbs. and over | $274.00 | $225.00 | $177.00 | $128.00 |
Registration fees are based on the year the vehicle was first registered in any state, not the model year.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Additional Fees
North Dakota assesses additional annual road use fees for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to offset lost fuel tax revenue used for road maintenance:
| Vehicle Type | Additional Annual Road Use Fee |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles (exclusively electric-powered) | $120.00 |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles | $50.00 |
These fees are in addition to the standard vehicle registration fee based on weight and year.
Motorcycle, Trailer, and Other Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Based on weight and year (similar structure to passenger vehicles) |
| Trailers (over 1,500 lbs.) | $20.00 |
| Travel Trailers | $20.00 (flat fee, not prorated) |
| Farm Trailers | $20.00 (with annual or multi-year registration options) |
Additional Mandatory Fees
Registration renewal and vehicle titling include the following state-mandated fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title Fee | $5.00 | When titling is required |
| Abandoned Motor Vehicle Disposal Fee | $1.50 | Applies to initial North Dakota title applications |
| License Plate Transfer Fee | $10.00 | When transferring plates |
| Replacement Plates or Tags | $20.00 | For lost or damaged plates |
| Excise Tax | 5% | On vehicle purchases (new and used) |
Partial Year Registration
North Dakota offers prorated registration fees for vehicles registered for less than a full year. Vehicle owners can register for periods ranging from 1 month to 12 months, with fees calculated proportionally based on the annual rate.
Use the NDDOT Fee Calculation Tool to calculate specific registration fees for your vehicle.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in North Dakota
Online Renewal Platforms
NDDOT MVD offers convenient online renewal services through the state's official online registration renewal system. The online platform allows vehicle owners to renew registrations quickly and securely without visiting a motor vehicle office.
NDDOT Online Registration Renewal
The NDDOT Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal system provides secure online renewal services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system accepts major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
Online renewals do not include additional convenience fees beyond standard registration costs. Vehicle owners can renew registrations up to 90 days before the December 31st expiration date.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- System is for registration renewals of existing vehicles only
- New vehicles, fleet vehicles, and apportioned vehicles may not be renewed online
- No outstanding registration stops or blocks on the vehicle
- Current North Dakota liability insurance must be maintained
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Invoice number from renewal notice, OR
- License plate number and title number
- Current insurance policy information
- Payment method (credit or debit card)
Step 3: Complete Online Renewal
- Access the NDDOT Registration Renewal portal
- Enter invoice number, or license plate and title number
- Review registration fees
- Verify vehicle information
- Submit payment
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
- Print confirmation receipt for immediate use
- New registration cards and decals will be mailed to the address on record
- Allow 5-10 business days for delivery of registration materials
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Submit the following documents by mail:
- Completed renewal notice
- Payment for registration fees (check or money order)
- Proof of liability insurance
Mail renewal payments to the address printed on the renewal notice.
In-Person Renewal at Motor Vehicle Branch Office
Visit a motor vehicle branch office with:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Renewal notice or license plate information
- Current insurance documentation
- Payment for registration fees
Use the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Locations page to find the nearest branch office. Motor vehicle sites accept walk-in customers, but appointments are recommended. Schedule appointments online through the NDDOT Online Scheduler or by calling toll-free at 1-855-633-6835.
Self-Service Kiosks
NDDOT operates self-service kiosks at various locations throughout North Dakota. Kiosks enable customers to:
- Renew motor vehicle registrations
- Renew 30-day and non-resident temporary registrations
- Update email addresses and mailing addresses
- Request disability placards
Find kiosk locations on the NDDOT Kiosk Locations page. Kiosks accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover cards. Vehicle owners can register up to 60 days prior to expiration using kiosks.
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 (Appointments)
TTY: 711 or 1-800-366-6888
Official Website: NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division
NDDOT Main Office
608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
Phone: (701) 328-2500
Toll-Free: 1-855-NDROADS (1-855-637-6237)
