How to transfer a car title in North Dakota
For private sellers and buyers in North Dakota. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in North Dakota, the seller signs Part One of the title with the buyer's name, the price and the date, adds the mileage, and takes the plates off. The buyer files SFN 2872 within 30 days of getting the signed title and pays the $5 fee plus the 5% excise tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in North Dakota?
Seller
- Sign and date Part 1 of the title, the Seller's Assignment and Warranty of Title. Fill in the buyer's name, the price and the date.
- Write the mileage for a car under ten years old.
- For a car under nine years old, fill out the Damage Disclosure Statement, SFN 18609.
- Take the plates off. You can move them to your next car for a credit.
- Give the signed title to the buyer.
Buyer
- Bring the signed title to the Motor Vehicle Division within 30 days and apply for a new title with SFN 2872.
- Bring a photo ID, the title with no cross outs or white out, and the seller's damage disclosure if the car is under nine years old.
- Pay the 5% motor vehicle excise tax when you apply for the title.
- You can drive the car for up to five days with a dated bill of sale or a dated copy of the title.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division before you go: dot.nd.gov
How do I sign over a car title in North Dakota?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign Part 1 of the title.
With the buyer's name, the price, the date and the mileage.
Step 2 · Seller
Fill out the damage disclosure.
Form SFN 18609, for a car under nine years old.
Step 3 · Seller
Take the plates off.
Then give the buyer the signed title.
We have not confirmed whether North Dakota requires a bill of sale. Check with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in North Dakota?
Step 1 · Buyer
Fill out SFN 2872.
Complete it in full and sign it.
SFN 2872 · Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehiclend.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Apply within 30 days.
Bring the signed title to a motor vehicle office.
ndlegis.gov checked
After ND Motor Vehicle Division processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
North Dakota guides
How much does a title transfer cost in North Dakota?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $5 | Buyer | nd.gov Checked |
| Motor vehicle excise tax | 5% | Buyer | dot.nd.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $5 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for North Dakota are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Credentials (SFN 61982).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
How much does a title transfer cost?
$5, plus the 5% motor vehicle excise tax.
nd.gov checked dot.nd.gov checked
Can I drive the car before it is registered?
For up to five days, with a dated bill of sale or a dated copy of the title.
nd.gov checked
Does the seller keep the plates?
Yes. The seller takes them off and can get a credit on the next car.
nd.gov checked
What is the damage disclosure?
For a newer car, the seller fills out a damage disclosure statement for the buyer.
nd.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official North Dakota sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.