How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota

August 15, 2023

How to Transfer Car Title in North Dakota

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the process of transferring a car title in North Dakota? Don't worry; we're here to help! We understand that the transfer of ownership is a crucial aspect of any vehicle transaction, whether you're buying or selling.

In North Dakota, obtaining a certificate of title is necessary to establish vehicle ownership, and we know that the process can seem daunting. But fear not! Our comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, making it easy and stress-free.

Let’s look at all the information you need to transfer a car title in North Dakota successfully. We'll cover different scenarios, including buying and selling a pre-owned vehicle, and highlight the required forms and documents.

Don't let the confusion of title transfer keep you from making a vehicle transaction in North Dakota. Follow our guide and complete the process with ease.

Now, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title in North Dakota.

Documents Needed To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota

The following are the required documents:

  • The Application for Title and Vehicle Registration.
  • Fill out the Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement for vehicles up to 9 years old.
  • Provide evidence of insurance coverage.
  • Obtain a lien release from the seller.
  • Present a valid driver's license.
  • Make a payment of $5 for title transfer fees and taxes.

For transfers from outside the state:

  • The Application for Title or Registration.
  • Provide proof of vehicle verification.
  • Present out-of-state title/registration and license plate.
  • Make payment for any relevant fees and excise tax.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota If You're the Seller

When selling a vehicle in North Dakota, specific documents must be provided to the buyer for a successful title transfer.

To effectively transfer the vehicle's title in ND, you must furnish the buyer with the following:

  1. A filled-out vehicle title certificate (unless the vehicle's ownership is being transferred, it is an ATV, snowmobile, or non-self-propelled, in which case the odometer disclosure statement can be omitted).
  2. A completed Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (Form SFN 18609).

If you do not possess the vehicle's title, you must apply for a duplicate ND vehicle title to finalize the title transfer process.

Remove the license plates from the vehicle before completing the car title transfer in North Dakota.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota If You Bought From the Dealership

Upon purchasing a vehicle from a dealership in North Dakota, initiating the ND DOT vehicle title transfer and managing associated paperwork lies with the dealership itself.

However, suppose the dealership does not undertake the task of handling the vehicle title transfer paperwork.

In that case, it becomes necessary to contact the ND DOT directly for guidance regarding the requisite documents.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota If You're Buying from a Private Seller

When acquiring a vehicle from a private party in North Dakota, the onus falls upon you to obtain specific documents from the seller and personally initiate the vehicle title transfer process.

To successfully transfer the title of a privately purchased vehicle, follow these steps at your local North Dakota DOT:

  1. Furnish a duly completed vehicle title certificate (except when the vehicle is a non-self-propelled entity, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a snowmobile, or a change of ownership occurs).
  2. Present evidence of your identity. A North Dakota driver's license or ID card would do.
  3. Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (Form SFN 2872), also used for duplicate vehicle titles.
  4. Submit a completed Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (Form SFN 18609), mandatory for vehicles younger than nine years.
  5. Make payment for all applicable fees, including:
    • Vehicle title transfer fee: $5
    • Excise tax
    • Vehicle registration fees
    • Abandoned vehicle disposal fee of $1.50 (applicable to new vehicles only)

Ensure you possess the necessary documents and have made the required payments before visiting your local North Dakota DOT to avoid delays or additional charges.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota If You're a New Resident

As a fresh arrival in North Dakota, you must undertake a vehicle title transfer from your previous state.

Simultaneously, you must register your vehicle and acquire North Dakota license plates.

To initiate the transfer of your vehicle's title as a new resident, follow these steps at your local North Dakota Department of Transportation office:

  1. Present a duly completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle (Form SFN 2872).
  2. Provide the out-of-state vehicle registration for submission.
  3. If there is a lien on your vehicle, submit the out-of-state title as well. Ensure that the "Dealer and lien holder information" section on the out-of-state title is appropriately filled out.
  4. Fulfill all pertinent financial obligations:
    • Pay the vehicle title transfer fee of $5.
    • Pay the excise tax, if applicable, calculated at 5% of the vehicle's market value.
    • Settle the registration fees, which are weight-dependent.
    • Remit the abandoned vehicle disposal fee of $1.50.

If your vehicle originates from any of the following states, you must pay the excise tax:

  • Alaska
  • Delaware
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • Oregon
  • Any Canadian Province

If you have previously paid the excise tax in a different state, you are exempted from paying it again. This is only obtainable if you provide proof of the tax payment.

How To Get a Duplicate Title in North Dakota

On occasion, titles may become misplaced or damaged, necessitating the acquisition of a duplicate through the completion of an application for a replacement title from the Department of Transportation.

If a lien is present on the vehicle, an additional request must be submitted to remove it. Both of these actions incur a fee of $5 each.

Moreover, it is imperative to justify requiring the duplicate title. In North Dakota, losing a car title is a valid reason to request a duplicate title.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota If You Have an Out-of-State Title

Upon establishing residency in North Dakota, transferring your vehicle's title is obligatory if it possesses an out-of-state title.

Several requirements must be met per North Dakota regulations to ensure a proper title transfer in such circumstances.

To complete the title transfer from a different state to North Dakota, you must possess the following out-of-state vehicle title transfer documentation:

  1. Proof of identification, such as a driver's license.
  2. The original out-of-state vehicle title.
  3. Evidence of a valid vehicle insurance policy in North Dakota.
  4. The original out-of-state vehicle title.
  5. A duly completed North Dakota vehicle registration application.
  6. A completed application for a certificate of ownership.
  7. If a lien holder holds the vehicle's title, you must apply to release the title, which will be submitted to the North Dakota Department of Transportation (ND DOT). Please be aware that additional paperwork may be required.

By adhering to these requirements and submitting the necessary paperwork, you can effectively transfer the title of your out-of-state vehicle to North Dakota while meeting the state's guidelines.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota If the Owner is Late

Following the demise of a vehicle owner, the procedure for transferring the title of the deceased individual's vehicle varies based on whether the title was held solely in the individual's name as a descendant or in joint ownership.

The probate matter arises if the vehicle's title was exclusively in the descendant's name.

Probate becomes necessary when no designated beneficiary or living spouse is identified in the will. It is a legal process that validates the authenticity of the last will, involving the administration of the deceased individual's estate.

The Probate Court determines the necessary course of action for handling the individual's assets, and throughout this process, the deceased person's property is distributed per their will.

How To Transfer a Car Title in North Dakota With a Lien

After successfully settling your vehicle loan, the next step is to gather the following documentation and make the necessary payment at your local North Dakota Department of Transportation (ND DOT) office.

This will complete the vehicle title transfer process and ensure that you receive a title in your name:

  1. Certificate of title: It is crucial to note that the lien holder must complete the "seller's assignment and warranty of title" section. In contrast, you must complete the "purchaser's certification and application" section of the vehicle title.
  2. A fully completed Damage/Salvage Disclosure Statement (Form SFN 18609) if the vehicle is under nine years old.
  3. Payment for the vehicle title transfer, $5, and any applicable tax.

Please remember that if you initiated the vehicle lease before July 1, 2021, you are exempt from paying vehicle tax. However, if your lease commenced after that date, a 5% tax is mandatory.

Cost of Title Transfer in North Dakota

In North Dakota, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates a $5 fee for vehicle title transfers upon transferring motor vehicle ownership.

To effectively complete the process of transferring a vehicle title in North Dakota, drivers must ensure the submission of payment for all relevant transfer fees alongside the requisite paperwork.

There is a possibility of an additional 5% sales tax obligation for purchased vehicles. If the vehicle's documentation needs to be updated, drivers may also encounter vehicle registration or license renewal fees.

Registering a Car in North Dakota

In North Dakota, the registration expenses for your vehicle are calculated based on its weight and the duration of registration. These fees, which span from $49.00 to $274.00, must be renewed annually.

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