North Dakota License Plate Lookup

In North Dakota, all vehicle and license plate registrations are managed by the state’s Department of Transportation through its Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If you’re relocating from another state and bringing your vehicle, you’ll need to transfer your out-of-state title and register your vehicle with the local DMV. If you’re working in North Dakota temporarily, you must apply for a temporary registration valid for 6 or 12 months and have an active car insurance policy from a North Dakota-licensed insurance company. An interesting aspect of North Dakota vehicle registration is that annual fees are based on the vehicle’s initial registration date and its weight, along with any additional criteria set by the DOT. Additionally, a 5% excise tax is applied to all vehicles purchased either within or outside North Dakota for use in the state. Military personnel and out-of-state students studying in North Dakota are exempt from vehicle registration requirements. They can continue using their out-of-state license plates. For any questions regarding vehicle and title registrations, you can contact the DOT directly at 701-328-2725 or via email.

Insider Insight

North Dakota has the highest number of registered vehicles per capita in the United States. With its vast rural areas and expansive road networks, North Dakotans rely heavily on their vehicles for transportation, leading to an impressive ratio of cars to residents.

Where Is My North Dakota License Plate Number?

North Dakota license plates must be placed on the front and rear of your vehicle as per the North Dakota law. You can also find it on your registration card or other legal documentation.

Getting a License Plate in North Dakota

You’ll first need to register and title your vehicle before you can get license plates. For non-dealership purchases, all new applications need to be done at the nearest MVD center by appointment. The required items you may need to provide include:

• A completed Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle (Form SFN 2872)
• Identification card or driver’s license
• Signed vehicle title (if applicable)
• Lienholder details (if applicable)
• Payment of all fees, including registration fees and the 5% excise tax

If you’re buying from a North Dakota dealership, they’ll handle the paperwork for you. If you’re buying from someone else, you’ll need to submit the documents to the MVD.

For non-residents moving in to North Dakota, you’ll also need to furnish your out-of-state vehicle registration and title (if applicable) in person at an MVD site. Renewals and certain services are available online at the DOT’s website.

Applying for temporary registration will be needed while you wait for your permanent plates to arrive. 30-day temporary registrations cost $60, while 60-day ones are $120.

Further information can be found in the DOT’s freely accessible Motor Vehicle Registration Information manual.

License Plates Available in North Dakota

The standard license plate is the Sunrise plate, chosen in 2015 to replace the older design. License plates follow the format of six alphanumeric characters in the following arrangement: 123 ABC.

Other plates include:

• Personalized plates: These plates are available for almost any type of vehicle (except Antique and Collector vehicles). Besides the standard fees, there is an additional $25 annual fee, with the exception of certain plate types (e.g., POW plates).
• Antique plates: These are issued to certain vehicles that are 40 years or older. These are available as personalized plates, but have a one-time fee of $100.
• Collector plates: These are issued to certain vehicles that are 25 years or older and only for the purposes of special events and are not for daily driving.
• Veteran plates: These plates are issued to former members of the military, including disabled persons. They may also incorporate the distinctive insignia of whichever military arm they served with, or if they were recipients of a Purple Heart.
• Special interest plates: These cater to people affiliated with various causes, organizations or institutions (e.g., the Future Farmers of America, North Dakota State University, patriotic plates, etc.).