Our customers come to us for all of their vehicle title recovery needs. From straightforward new car title requests to complicated lien release issues with lenders, every type of title request has its own process, with subtle differences in requirements. Your car title is your proof of ownership; it plays an important role in all future sales and transfers. You can navigate the steps on your own, and we have outlined the details below to help you do that. However, if you would rather not spend the time and energy figuring this out, CarTitles.com is happy to help. Just click the link below to get started with one of our expert team members.
To acquire a North Dakota vehicle title, you will need the below information and paperwork:
There are also several fees that you will need to pay as part of the title recovery process; not all will apply to every scenario:
For more specific fee amounts, click here for the motor vehicle fee calculator.
When you pay off a car loan, you need a lien release to signify that your lender no longer has a claim—or lien—on that vehicle. Processes vary by state; in North Dakota, you will need to send a formal request by mail requesting the lien release. Include your vehicle’s VIN and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Your lender will then mail you the signed title or a separate lien release document on their letterhead. You will take that document to your local NDDOT or county treasurer’s office along with your completed title application (linked above).
From new and replacement car title requests to lien release acquisition, and everything in between, CarTitles.com is the expert you need to save you time and headaches. We know North Dakota’s requirements inside and out, and we can help make your title recovery process a smooth one. Let our team do the heavy lifting and gather your documents, fee information, and everything else you need. We put everything into one easy-to-follow packet, complete with return envelopes. You just sign and return. Click the link below to get started, or to request a consultation with our team.
North Dakota allows a 90-day window for new residents to transfer their vehicle titles. To do so, you will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872). Take this to your NDDOT office with your current title, proof of insurance, and the applicable fees. North Dakota charges a 5% excise tax based on the vehicle’s purchase price. This is in addition to the registration fee, which varies from $73 to $93 based on vehicle weight and age.
Complete an Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872) and submit it to the NDDOT along with the $5 fee. You can do this in person in Bismarck, or by mail. You will also need to include your VIN and your valid photo ID. If you are completing this by mail, allow approximately 2 weeks for processing.
You will need to complete the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872) with your VIN, a reason for the replacements, and your photo ID. Note that if your vehicle is currently being financed and therefore has a lien, then the duplicate title will be sent to the lienholder.
Submit the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872) along with the death certificate and the vehicle’s current title to the NDDOT. If the vehicle is not in probate, a surviving spouse or next of kin can transfer the ownership using a “sole heir” affidavit. If the vehicle is part of probate, then the executor will need to sign the title. If the vehicle was titled with joint ownership, the surviving owner can usually transfer the title directly with the death certificate. Our team can help with these transfers if you want assistance.
Complete the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872) and submit it, the damaged title, and the $5 fee to the NDDOT in person or by mail. Indicate on the application that this is a request for a duplicate title. The typical turnaround time on mail-in requests is two weeks.
Yes, we can! Contact our team for assistance with anything from a duplicate title request to a transfer from a deceased owner. We can also help with lien releases and court-ordered title requests. Let us take the hassle out of the process.
The lien release is your proof that the loan has been paid in full, and the lender is removing their prior claim to the vehicle. To start the lien release process, send a request in writing to your lender, including your VIN and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Once you receive the lien release or the signed original title, you can complete the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (SFN 2872) and take that with the lien release or title to the NDDOT. If you would rather not take this on yourself, reach out to our team.
