North Dakota license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates to a newly acquired vehicle. North Dakota plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office.
Does North Dakota allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. North Dakota allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove both license plates and transfer both plates to your new vehicle.
How do you transfer a license plate in North Dakota?
Plate transfers are processed through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office.
- Remove both license plates from the vehicle you are selling. North Dakota plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller must sign the title over with all liens released.
- Visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office with all required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee and any applicable registration fees on the new vehicle.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plates.
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in North Dakota?
Have these ready before visiting the DMV or starting the online process.
- Valid North Dakota driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration for the plates you are transferring
- The physical license plates (both front and rear)
- Proof of current North Dakota liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for the transfer fee and applicable registration and tax fees
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in North Dakota?
The Sales tax on the new vehicle purchase is typically the largest cost component. The plate transfer fee itself is modest.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact NDDOT or your county treasurer for the current fee |
| Sales tax on vehicle purchase | 5% sales tax on the purchase price |
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in North Dakota?
North Dakota specialty and personalized plates can generally be transferred to a new vehicle. Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office for current procedures and any additional fees.
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in North Dakota?
When you sell your vehicle and remove your plates, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers the vehicle and pays the applicable fees. Remove both license plates before the buyer takes possession.
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles. When selling, remove both license plates and allow the buyer to register with new plates.
Do North Dakota plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
North Dakota plates stay with the owner. Remove both license plates when selling your vehicle. Transfer both plates to your new vehicle through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office.
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires new vehicle registration within 90 days of purchase or within 90 days of establishing North Dakota residency.
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may surrender both plates to the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office or retain them for a future vehicle. Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at dot.nd.gov or a county treasurer’s office for guidance.