Eligibility for North Dakota License Plates
Registration becomes mandatory when a person accepts paid employment in the state (NDCC § 39-04-18.1). The 75-day temporary registration fills the gap while permanent plates are processed (NDCC § 39-04-36).
- Residence: North Dakota ties the registration trigger to employment rather than a fixed number of days. Once you accept paid employment, you must register your vehicle with the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division.
- Vehicle: Passenger vehicles, pickups, motorcycles, trailers, and motorhomes are subject to titling. Vehicles with a “Non-repairable,” “Junk,” or “Certificate of Destruction” designation on a title from another state cannot receive North Dakota plates.
- Applicant: Owners must submit a completed SFN 2872 (Application for Certificate of Title & Registration), proof of identity, and proof of North Dakota insurance. A valid title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin is required.
- Plate Categories: Standard plates are the default issue. Specialty plates include Veteran, National Guard, Firefighter, Gold Star, POW, and Military Sacrifice (NDCC § 39-04-10.10 through § 39-04-10.17). Plates for U.S. disabled veterans fully exempt from registration fees and motor vehicle tax per NDCC § 39-04-18(2)(j). The full NDDOT specialty plate catalog includes organizational and patriotic options.
How to Get a License Plate in North Dakota?
All initial titles and plates are processed at the NDDOT central office in Bismarck or at branches statewide. All locations prefer appointments.
- Bring the vehicle title or MCO, completed SFN 2872, and proof of North Dakota liability insurance. Vehicles under nine model years old require odometer readings and a Damage Disclosure Statement (SFN 18609).
- North Dakota does not require safety or emissions inspections for registration.
- Pay $5 for the title, registration fee, 5% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price (NDCC § 57-40.3-02), and $1.50 for abandoned vehicle disposal at the counter. Branches charge an additional service fee.
- Passenger vehicles receive two plates, one front and one rear (NDCC § 39-04-11). Motorcycles and trailers receive one rear plate. A registration card and stickers are issued at the transaction.
Registration renews annually. The online channel below covers most renewals; in-person visits are only needed for initial titles or plate changes.
How Much Does a License Plate Cost in North Dakota?
Registration fees are set by the vehicle’s gross weight and age, decreasing in four categories over the vehicle’s life. The base fee is just one part; the 5% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price is where the total first increases.
- Passenger vehicles weighing up to 3,200 pounds cost $73 per year for the first six years, then $65, $57, and $49 as the vehicle ages. The 3,200 to 4,499-pound category starts at $93, decreasing to $57 after year 13 (NDCC § 39-04-19).
- Motorcycles pay a flat $15 annually. Trailers cost $10 per year for those weighing under 3,000 pounds.
- Electric vehicles add a $120 annual road use fee, plug-in hybrids $50, and electric motorcycles $20 (NDCC § 39-04-19.2).
- No additional county-level fees apply. All registration revenue goes to the State Highway Distribution Fund.
- Personalizing a plate costs $25 per registration period (NDCC § 39-04-10.3). Gold Star, POW, and Military Sacrifice plates are personalized at no extra charge.
- The title transfer fee is $5 per application. Late renewal adds a penalty of $0.10 per day past the due date (NDCC § 39-04-16).
Can I Get a License Plate Online in North Dakota?
The online service covers renewals only. Initial titles, new vehicle registrations, and plate type changes must be handled in person or by mail. The official portal is the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal system, which accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Registration cards and stickers arrive within 5 to 10 days.
For in-person service, the central office at 608 East Boulevard Avenue in Bismarck processes all transactions. Branches operate in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, and additional county treasurer locations. Schedule through the NDDOT online scheduler or by calling 1-855-633-6835.
Mail-in packets are sent to the Motor Vehicle Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0780:
- Completed SFN 2872, original title or MCO, proof of insurance, and full payment by check or money order
- Odometer and damage disclosure forms for vehicles under nine model years old
If NDDOT can process your renewal online, it’s the fastest route; a branch or mail handles anything the portal cannot.