North Dakota Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | North Dakota DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% · Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | SFN 18609 |
North Dakota title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (SFN 18609) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. North Dakota requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — North Dakota requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with North Dakota DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at North Dakota DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to North Dakota DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — North Dakota DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with North Dakota DMV the same day as the sale.
North Dakota lien release procedure
- Obtain Form SFN 18609 from the North Dakota DOT or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs SFN 18609 releasing the lien.
- Submit SFN 18609 with the existing title and title application at a county treasurer's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean North Dakota title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
North Dakota estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to North Dakota DMV.
Need a North Dakota bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with North Dakota DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create North Dakota Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota
How long do I have to transfer a car title in North Dakota?▾
North Dakota requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a North Dakota title transfer cost?▾
North Dakota charges 5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in North Dakota?▾
Yes — North Dakota requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. North Dakota DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in North Dakota?▾
In North Dakota, the lender must complete SFN 18609 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to North Dakota DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in North Dakota?▾
North Dakota inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to North Dakota DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: North Dakota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07