North Dakota DMV Services

🚗 1. Basic Rule

In North Dakota, you title the vehicle first (to show legal ownership) and then register it (to get plates and operate it on public roads).

📄 2. Required Documentation

✅ A. Proof of Ownership

New vehicle

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) – provided by the dealer.

Used vehicle

• Signed vehicle title from the seller.
• If the vehicle was previously titled in another state, you must submit that out‑of‑state title.

🕒 C. Odometer Disclosure

• Required for vehicles model year 10 years old or newer.
• This can be on the title or a separate odometer disclosure form.

🔎 D. Damage/Salvage Disclosure

• For vehicles under 9 years old, you may need a Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (Form SFN 18609) if the vehicle has ever been branded or reported as salvage.

🧾 3. Taxes 

• North Dakota charges 5% of the purchase price or NADA value (whichever is higher).
• If lease vehicle taxes are paid upfront
• Trade in allowed
• If military sales tax exempt as long as ND is the house of record and a military tax exemption form 17147 is submitted with paperwork

🪪 4. Proof of Insurance

• North Dakota generally does not require proof of insurance at the time of titling, but you must have current liability insurance before operating the vehicle on public roads.

📅 5. Important Timelines

• New residents moving to North Dakota must title and register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency.
• Private party purchases: titling and registration should be completed promptly to avoid possible penalties.

🧾 Quick Checklist

✔ Original title
✔ Copy of Contract
✔ Original Odometer disclosure
✔ Damage/Salvage disclosure (i
✔ Lienholder info (if financed)
✔ Bill of sale or Purchase order
✔ Driver’s License or EIN/FEIN number
✔ Power of Attorney
✔ Copy of insurance
✔ Vehicle color
✔ Fees