What you need to register a vehicle in North Dakota
North Dakota requires you to register any vehicle you own or operate on public roads within 30 days of moving to the state or purchasing a vehicle. The registration process involves submitting documents to your county motor vehicle office, paying a fee, and receiving registration plates and a certificate of registration.
The state does not have a single central registration office. Instead, each of North Dakota's 53 counties runs its own motor vehicle registration system. You must register your vehicle in the county where you live, not where you work or where the dealer is located.
Registration in North Dakota is tied to vehicle inspection and title transfer. You cannot complete registration without proof that your vehicle has passed a safety inspection, and you cannot legally drive an unregistered vehicle even if you have submitted your paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must register your vehicle at your county motor vehicle office within 30 days of moving to North Dakota or buying a vehicle.
- Registration requires a valid title, proof of a passed safety inspection, proof of residency, and payment of the registration fee.
- The registration fee depends on your vehicle's age, weight, and type; North Dakota charges different amounts for passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
- Your registration is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you must renew it annually by the expiration date shown on your certificate.
- You can renew your registration by mail, in person, or online through your county office if your vehicle has passed inspection and you have no outstanding violations.
Documents you must bring to register
Bring your vehicle's title or proof of ownership. If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer, you will have a temporary permit or bill of sale; if you bought it privately, you need a signed title transfer form. If the vehicle is financed, the lienholder's name appears on the title, and you may need written permission from them to register.
You need proof of a safety inspection completed by a North Dakota-licensed inspection station. The inspection covers brakes, lights, windshield wipers, steering, and emissions (for vehicles in certain years). The inspection station gives you a form or sticker showing the inspection passed; bring this to your county office. Inspections are valid for one year.
Bring proof of residency showing your North Dakota address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days works. A driver's license with your current address also counts. If you just moved to the state, bring a document showing your previous address and a new one showing your current address.
You need a valid photo ID — usually your driver's license or passport. If you are registering a vehicle you do not own (as a business, for example), bring documentation showing your authority to register it, such as a power of attorney or business license.
Registration fees and how they are calculated
North Dakota registration fees are based on your vehicle's age, weight, and type. A passenger car costs less than a truck of the same age; a motorcycle costs less than either. Newer vehicles cost more than older ones in the same category.
For a passenger car, fees range from roughly $50 to $150 per year depending on the model year. A truck typically costs $60 to $200 per year. A motorcycle costs $20 to $60 per year. These are approximate ranges; your exact fee depends on your specific vehicle's weight and year.
You pay the registration fee when you submit your paperwork at the county office. Most counties accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some counties offer online payment if you renew by mail or online. Ask your county office which payment methods they accept before you visit.
If you register a vehicle partway through the year, you pay a prorated fee based on the remaining months until the next annual renewal date. For example, if you register in July and the renewal date is December 31, you pay for six months of registration.
The safety inspection requirement
Before you can register a vehicle, it must pass a North Dakota safety inspection. You cannot register first and inspect later. The inspection is performed by a licensed inspection station — usually a repair shop, dealership, or service station that has been approved by the state.
The inspection checks that your vehicle's brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, and seat belts are in working order. For vehicles from certain model years, the inspection also includes an emissions test. The inspection station performs the test, charges a fee (typically $10 to $20), and gives you a form or sticker showing the result.
An inspection is valid for one year from the date it is completed. If your inspection expires before your registration expires, you must have the vehicle re-inspected before you can renew your registration. You do not need to re-inspect every time you renew if your current inspection is still valid.
How to register in person at your county office
Locate your county motor vehicle office by searching online for "[your county name] motor vehicle registration" or calling the county auditor's office. Hours vary by county; some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have limited hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
Bring all required documents: your title or proof of ownership, your inspection form or sticker, proof of residency, and a valid photo ID. Bring your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) written down or visible on the vehicle itself — the office staff may need to verify it.
Submit your documents and pay the registration fee. The office staff will review your paperwork, issue your registration plates (if you are registering for the first time in North Dakota), and give you a certificate of registration. Keep the certificate in your vehicle at all times; it is proof that your vehicle is registered.
If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in North Dakota, you receive new plates. If you are transferring registration from another state, you may keep your old plates if they are in good condition, or you can request new North Dakota plates.
Renewing your registration by mail or online
You can renew your registration without visiting the county office if your vehicle has passed inspection and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid fines. Not all counties offer online renewal; check your county's website or call to see what options are available.
To renew by mail, your county office sends you a renewal notice before your registration expires. The notice includes a form, the renewal fee amount, and instructions. Fill out the form, include proof of a current safety inspection, and mail it with payment to the address shown. Processing takes one to two weeks.
To renew online, log into your county's motor vehicle portal using your registration number and other identifying information. Upload a photo of your inspection form or sticker, review the fee, and pay by debit or credit card. You receive a renewal confirmation when ready, though your new certificate may arrive by mail a few days later.
Your registration expires on the date shown on your certificate. Renew before that date to avoid a lapsed registration, which can result in a fine if you are stopped while driving.
What happens if your registration lapses or you move
If your registration expires and you do not renew it, your vehicle is no longer registered. Driving an unregistered vehicle is a violation; if you are stopped, you face a fine. To restore your registration, you must renew it at your county office and pay any applicable late fees or penalties.
If you move to a different county within North Dakota, you must re-register your vehicle in your new county within 30 days. Bring your current registration certificate, proof of your new address, and proof of a current safety inspection. You pay a new registration fee for your new county; the old registration is cancelled.
If you move out of North Dakota, you do not need to maintain your North Dakota registration. Notify your county office that you are leaving the state, and they will cancel your registration. When you register in your new state, bring your North Dakota title and any other documents required by that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a vehicle if I do not have a North Dakota driver's license yet?
Yes. You need a valid photo ID (such as a passport or out-of-state license) and proof of residency, but you do not need a North Dakota driver's license to register a vehicle. Many people register their vehicle and obtain a driver's license at separate times.
What if my vehicle fails the safety inspection?
You cannot register the vehicle until it passes. The inspection station tells you what failed and what repairs are needed. Once you repair the vehicle, you can have it re-inspected at the same or a different station. There is no limit to how many times you can re-inspect; you pay the inspection fee each time.
Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it on private property?
No. Registration is required only for vehicles driven on public roads. If you use a vehicle only on your own land or on private property with the owner's permission, you do not need to register it. However, you still need a title and proof of ownership.
Can I register a vehicle that has a lien on it?
Yes, but the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) must consent. The lienholder's name appears on the title. You may need to provide written permission from the lienholder to the county office, or the office may contact them directly. Once the lien is paid off, you can request a new title without the lienholder's name.
What if I buy a vehicle from out of state and move it to North Dakota?
You have 30 days from the date you move to North Dakota to register the vehicle in your new county. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of a North Dakota safety inspection, proof of residency, and your photo ID. The county office will issue you a North Dakota title and registration plates.