North Dakota License Plate Lookup

License plate searches provide an essential tool for trying to uncover detailed vehicle information, helping users make well-informed decisions. These searches could offer valuable insights into a vehicle’s history, including ownership details, title status, and any legal issues.

For buyers, the ability to access such information is crucial for trying to ensure the safety and reliability of a potential purchase. Whether you’re looking to verify a vehicle’s status or uncover its history, license plate searches could provide the transparency needed to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smoother transaction.

Information potentially obtainable through a license plate lookup

What to look out for during a search

Detailed vehicle information could help reveal the full history of a car, covering number of previous owners, liens, and accident records*. This can protect you from purchasing a car with unresolved legal issues or hidden damages, as the report will include lien records, accident history*, and title brands.

This information could also provide insights into the car’s repair and maintenance history. Knowing repair histories and any recalls or safety issues helps assess whether the vehicle has been well-maintained or if it has chronic issues that need attention.

Access to traffic court records and public records adds another layer of information by indicating whether the vehicle has been associated with illegal activities or repeated traffic violations, which may affect the car’s insurance rates or safety.

Detailed vehicle information empowers informed decisions by confirming the car’s market value, ensuring legal compliance, and highlighting potential safety hazards, making it an indispensable tool for both buyers and current owners.

Types of license plates in North Dakota

Standard plates

Since 2015, the standard plate in North Dakota has featured black numbers over a scenic badlands background, with a gradient sky in shades of light blue, orange, and yellow, along with a rising sun and a brown canyon. A bison is pictured at the bottom right, and “NORTH DAKOTA” appears in orange above the numbers, flanked by three wheat stalks on each side. The word “LEGENDARY” is centered above the state name in black, while “PEACE GARDEN STATE” is displayed in white at the bottom left. Currently the plates use a 123 ABC serial format with three numbers followed by three letters.

Specialty plates

North Dakota offers a variety of specialty plates for those who wish to support specific causes, organizations, or affiliations. Below are the main categories of specialty plates available, including military, antique/collector, special interest, and patriotic plates, along with options for personalized plates.

Military Plates

North Dakota provides several military plates that honor service members and veterans across various branches. Some plates are available at a reduced cost, while others may require certification of eligibility. Available military plates include:

• National Guard – $5 one-time fee, plus $25 personalized plate fee (maximum 4 characters).
  • Requires verification from the Adjutant General’s Office.
• Gold Star Family Plate – Personalized (maximum 5 characters) at no additional fee.
  • Requires certification of eligibility from the North Dakota State Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Prisoner of War (POW) – Personalized (maximum 7 characters) at no additional fee.
  • Requires certification of eligibility from the North Dakota State Department of Veterans Affairs.

These plates allow veterans and their families to proudly display their service and sacrifice.

Antique/Collector Plates

For car enthusiasts, North Dakota offers plates for antique and collector vehicles, with one-time fees for personalization. These plates include:

• Antique Motorcycle – $100 one-time personalized plate fee (maximum 6 characters).
• Antique Passenger and Truck – $100 one-time personalized plate fee (maximum 7 characters).
• Collector – $160 one-time personalized plate fee (maximum 7 characters).
  • Requires SFN 16783 (Affidavit of Use for a Collector Motor Vehicle).

These plates allow owners of classic cars to showcase their vehicles with a unique plate that reflects their historic or collector status.

Special Interest Plates

Special interest plates represent various causes, organizations, and educational affiliations. These plates often include a personalized option and annual fees. Some examples include:

• Firefighter – $40 yearly fee ($15 Firefighter fee + $25 personalized plate fee, maximum 5 characters).
  • Requires SFN 52908 (Application for North Dakota Firefighter’s Plate).
• Future Farmers of America (FFA) – $10 one-time fee + $25 personalized plate fee (maximum 5 characters).
• Organization Plate – $50 yearly fee ($25 Organization fee + $25 personalized plate fee, maximum 5 characters).

These plates allow drivers to support causes and organizations they care about while adding a personal touch to their vehicles.

Patriotic Plates

Patriotic plates in North Dakota allow drivers to display their pride for national symbols and themes. These plates come with a yearly fee, which includes personalization options. Available designs include:

• Boonie Stomper
• U.S. Flag
• Bald Eagle

Each of these plates comes with a $50 yearly fee ($25 Patriotic plate fee + $25 personalized plate fee) and a maximum of 5 characters for personalization.

Personalized Plates

Personalized plates in North Dakota allow drivers to customize their license plates with up to seven characters. The base cost for a personalized plate is $25 yearly, but fees can vary depending on the type of plate selected. For example:

• Personalized Standard Plate – $25 yearly fee (maximum 7 characters).

Personalized plates can be requested for various plate designs, and drivers must list their choices in order of preference, with the first available option being produced.

Registration and renewal information

Key tutorials on vehicle registration and renewal processes

To register a car in North Dakota, whether new or used, begin by ensuring you have valid auto insurance that meets state requirements. Visit your local DMV or the Motor Vehicle Division to complete the registration. You will need to provide proof of insurance, a bill of sale, and pass a vehicle inspection. After paying the state and local fees, you will receive your license plates, a registration card, and a registration sticker to display on the plates. Always keep the registration card inside your vehicle.

For registration renewal, you will receive a renewal notice a few weeks before expiration. Confirm the vehicle’s information is up to date, complete any necessary inspections, and pay the renewal fee. Renewals can often be done online for added convenience. The new registration materials will be sent to you upon completion of the process.

For renewals of existing vehicles in North Dakota, excluding new, fleet, and apportioned vehicles, use the online renewal system at https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/renewal.htm. For 30-day motor vehicle registration, you can create and print your registration at https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/thirtyDayRegWelcome.htm

To access the Motor Vehicle Registration Manual for North Dakota, visit www.dot.nd.gov/motor-vehicle.

Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged plates

Steps to follow in case of plate loss or damage

If your North Dakota license plates have been lost, stolen, or damaged, here’s how to replace them:

1. File a police report: If your plates were stolen, it’s a good idea to file a police report to prevent potential misuse. This step is not mandatory but can be helpful.
   
2. Complete the application: Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title & Registration (Form SFN 2872). Make sure to include your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number.
   
3. Gather required documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including proof of identity and vehicle ownership.
   
4. Pay the fees: The fee for a duplicate license plate is $5. If you also need a duplicate registration card, it will cost an additional $2.
   
5. Submit your application: You can submit your application and payment either by mail or in person at a local North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) office. If mailing, send it to:
   Department of Transportation
   Motor Vehicle Division
   608 E. Boulevard Ave
   Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
   
6. Receive your plates: Once your application is processed, you will receive your new plates and registration card by mail.

Contact points for replacement processes

1. North Dakota DMV Contact Center:

• Phone: 701-328-2600 or toll-free at 1-855-633-6835
• TTY Number: 711 or 1-800-366-6888

2. In-person services: You can visit any local North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) office. To find a location near you and check their hours of operation, visit the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Locations page.

3. Mailing address: If you prefer to handle the replacement process by mail, send your application and required documents to:

Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Division
608 E. Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, ND 58505-0700

Harnessing the tools and resources outlined in this article, North Dakota residents can easily conduct license plate searches, access detailed vehicle histories, and manage vehicle registrations from the comfort of their homes. By employing services like Bumper, the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s online portal, and other recommended platforms, users can enhance their vehicle-related decision-making and compliance with state laws. These resources not only try to streamline processes and save time but could also provide critical insights to prevent potential issues related to vehicle ownership and purchase, thereby ensuring safety, legal compliance, and financial prudence.

*Disclaimer: Bumper reports are based on data available and may not include historical accident records in all states.