North Dakota Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in North Dakota

Do you need to know how to replace your vehicle registration in North Dakota? The following FAQ provides all the information and links you need to have your registration card, plates, or decal replaced quickly without making a return visit to the DOT.

In North Dakota, the Department of Transportation issues all driver’s licenses, registrations, and titles. While you can call the DOT in Bismark at 1-855-NDROADS for any of your questions regarding your registration, it is likely that contacting your local Motor Vehicle office will get you faster and more supportive results. You can also complete the Contact Form for a personalized email response.

The Department of Transportation in the state of North Dakota will mail out a registration renewal notice to residents before their registration is due. This may also be referred to as a renewal invoice.

You must have this document in order to renew your registration, so if you don’t receive one or have lost it, please contact the DOT as soon as possible for a replacement—there is no grace period provided by the state for late registration.

The month that your registration will expire will depend on the date that the vehicle was purchased or the date that it was first driven in the state of North Dakota.

If you desire, you may sign up to receive your renewal notices through email on the DOT website. You will need either your registration invoice number that is located on your renewal notice or your title number and your license plate number.

You can renew your vehicle registration up to 90 days before it expires either online, in person, or by mail.

To renew online you will visit the DOT website and enter the invoice number, or the license plate and title, and your payment details.

To renew your registration in person you will need your signed registration renewal, which should include your driver’s license number, and your payment.

What is a Vehicle Registration?

Your vehicle registration provides a means of identifying your vehicle. It shows that all fees and taxes have been paid for the vehicle. There are three physical parts to your registration: the registration card that is typically stored in the glove box, the license plates, and year decal affixed to the plates.

All three must be with the vehicle at all times, displayed according to law, and in legible condition.

If you are missing any one item, it needs to be replaced.

How to Replace Your Vehicle Registration in North Dakota

You will be visiting your local Motor Vehicle office to receive a duplicate registration card, license plate or decal. You will need to provide:

• Your driver’s license.
• The license plate number.
• The VIN associate with your car.
• Any replacement fee.
• A completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle/Form SFN 2872

On the form, you must state if you need a replacement card, plate or decal and why it is being replaced.

Where to Apply for a Replacement Vehicle Registration

You must visit your local Motor Vehicle Office, not a Driver’s License office. Most are open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM, but your location may have shorter hours on Fridays or close down during the lunch hours.

Call ahead to verify hours of operation.

Can You Replace Your Registration Online?

Unfortunately, you can only renew your registration or driver’s license online in North Dakota. You don’t want to renew online just because it is convenient, as you will be paying much more than what it costs to simply get a duplicate plate or card.

Replacing Lost, Stolen or Damaged License Plates In North Dakota

If one or both of your license plates are stolen or missing, they must be replaced as soon as possible. Report the theft to the police department. Bring the police report with you to the Motor Vehicle office.

Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle/Form SFN 2872  and state that your plates are stolen. You will have a new set of plates with a different registration issued.

If your plates are just damaged, you can have the same number plate mailed to you. You must turn in the remaining plate when one is stolen or the damaged plate when replacing it.

Missing License Plate Sticker? How to Get a Replacement Car Tag

You can be pulled over by the police if your license plate sticker is missing. It shows at a glance that your registration is current.

Head off to the Motor Vehicle office with the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle/Form SFN 2872 and your current registration. You will receive a new sticker in just a couple minutes.

North Dakota Duplicate and Replacement Registration Fees

How much does it cost for a duplicate care registration in North Dakota?

• A replacement registration card costs $3.
• Replacement car tags cost $5.
• Replacement license plate sticker will cost $2.

The DOT accepts major credit cards and cash for payment.

If you have any more questions about your car registration, contact the DOT using this Contact Form or by calling them at 701-328-2725.