A certificate of title issued by the state of North Dakota is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner.

OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the Buying a Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions page on the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) website.

TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to the NDDOT.

1. The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you). The title must include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
2. A completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of your Vehicle.
3. f the title does not indicate the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale, signed by both current and new owner and notarized, is required.
4. A Damage Disclosure statement completed by the seller, for vehicles less than nine years old, if the title does not have this information

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:

1. $5 title fee.
2. 5% tax on the purchase price, if applicable.

Contact the local NDDOT motor vehicle office to calculate the correct amount due.

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s). In some cases, the heirs may need to complete an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent and provide copies of the court orders, death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one. For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, contact the local NDDOT motor vehicle office, or call (701) 328 2725.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to the local NDDOT motor vehicle office, or mailed to the headquarters office:

North Dakota Department of Transportation
608 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND  58505-0700    

Additional Information

• Contact your local NDDOT motor vehicle office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.