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Obtaining a North Dakota Title & Registration When Purchasing a Vehicle From a Dealership
In North Dakota, as in other states, dealerships make it easy to get a title and registration when you purchase a vehicle from them. Instead of filling out and submitting all the paperwork yourself, the dealership will do it for you. You will need to sign some forms at the dealership, but you will not need to go to a DMV office. The dealership can give you a temporary license plate that you can use until your permanent plate arrives in the mail. It should take two or three weeks for your registration and license plate to arrive. If you have paid cash for the vehicle, the title should also get to you in two to three weeks. However, if you financed the purchase, the bank will keep the title until the car is paid off.
Obtaining a North Dakota Title & Registration When Purchasing a Vehicle From a Private Party
You must have the seller sign the title over to you. Once this has been completed, you need to submit an application for title and registration. At this time, you will also need to submit a lien release form from the seller (if applicable).
Completing the Title Transfer Section
North Dakota titles include a designated title transfer section that is similar to the title transfer sections found on forms from other states. The seller will be responsible for filling out the majority of this section. As the buyer, you will only need to write down your full legal name and the date and sign the form.
Registering Your Vehicle in North Dakota
Once you have the completed title and registration application, all you need to do is submit these forms to the Motor Vehicle Site employee to register your vehicle. You will also have to submit proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable proofs of identity include your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, and Social Security card. Acceptable proofs of residency include a lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or utility bill.
Paying the Relevant Fees
In North Dakota, you will have to pay a sales tax equivalent to 5% of the sale price. You will also have to pay a $5 title transfer fee. Finally, you will have to pay a registration fee that varies widely based on the vehicle’s age and classification.