What North Dakota plates cost and how long they last

North Dakota passenger vehicle plates cost $60 for a two-year registration period. That breaks down to $30 per year, making North Dakota one of the cheaper states for plate registration. Your plates expire on the last day of the month shown on your registration card — for example, a plate expiring in June means you renew by June 30.

Commercial plates, farm plates, and motorcycle plates have different fee structures. A motorcycle plate costs $20 for two years. Farm plates (for vehicles used primarily for agricultural purposes) cost $30 for two years. Commercial plates vary based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, ranging from $60 to several hundred dollars for heavy trucks.

You can renew your plates up to 90 days before they expire. If you let them lapse, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew, and you may face a late fee of $10 plus the regular registration cost.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota passenger plates cost $60 for two years and renew through your county motor vehicle office or online at dmv.nd.gov.
  • You can renew up to 90 days early, and your new plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval.
  • Proof of insurance is required at renewal, and your vehicle must pass a safety inspection if it is over 15 years old.
  • If you move to North Dakota from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and obtain North Dakota plates.
  • Personalized plates cost an additional $25 on top of the standard registration fee and take four to six weeks to arrive.

Where to renew your plates in North Dakota

You can renew your plates at any county motor vehicle office in North Dakota. Each county maintains its own office, and you do not have to renew in the county where you live — you can go to whichever location is most convenient. The North Dakota Department of Transportation website lists all county offices with their hours and phone numbers.

Online renewal is available through the state's motor vehicle portal at dmv.nd.gov if your vehicle meets certain conditions: your registration is not expired, you have no outstanding violations or holds, and your vehicle does not require a safety inspection. You can pay by credit card or debit card online, and your new plates ship within two to three weeks.

If you renew by mail, send your completed renewal notice (the form you receive in the mail before expiration), proof of insurance, and payment to your county motor vehicle office. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal, so plan ahead if your plates are expiring soon.

Documents you need to bring or submit

For in-person renewal at a county office, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your vehicle is over 15 years old, you must also have a current safety inspection certificate. The inspection must be performed by an authorized North Dakota safety inspector and is valid for one year from the date of inspection.

Proof of insurance must show that your vehicle is covered by a policy that meets North Dakota's minimum liability limits: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Your insurance company can provide a proof-of-insurance card or letter that satisfies this requirement.

If you are renewing online, you will upload an image of your proof of insurance during the process. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of your proof of insurance with your renewal notice and payment.

New residents registering vehicles in North Dakota

If you move to North Dakota from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and obtain North Dakota plates. After 30 days, you cannot legally drive the vehicle with out-of-state plates, even if your out-of-state registration is still valid.

To register as a new resident, visit a county motor vehicle office with your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, your VIN, and a form of identification. If your vehicle is over 15 years old, bring a current safety inspection certificate. The county office will issue you a temporary registration permit that day, valid for 30 days while your plates are being produced. Your permanent plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If your vehicle title is from another state, North Dakota will issue you a new title showing North Dakota as the state of registration. This process happens at the same time as registration and does not cost extra.

Personalized plates and special plate options

North Dakota offers personalized plates that display a custom combination of letters and numbers of your choice, up to seven characters. A personalized plate costs an additional $25 on top of your standard $60 registration fee, for a total of $85 for two years. You can request a personalized plate when you renew or register a new vehicle.

To order a personalized plate, submit your requested combination through the county motor vehicle office or online at dmv.nd.gov. The office will check whether your requested combination is available. If it is taken, you can request an alternative. Once approved, your personalized plates take four to six weeks to arrive by mail.

North Dakota also offers special plates for military veterans, active-duty military members, and disabled veterans. These plates are issued at no additional cost beyond standard registration. You must provide proof of military service or disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Special plates follow the same renewal schedule and cost as standard plates.

Safety inspections for older vehicles

Any vehicle over 15 years old must pass a safety inspection before you can renew your registration in North Dakota. The inspection covers your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, and overall vehicle condition. An authorized safety inspector performs the inspection and issues a certificate valid for one year.

Safety inspections cost between $10 and $20, depending on the inspector. You can find authorized inspectors through the county motor vehicle office or by searching the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. The inspection takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Once you pass, the inspector gives you a certificate that you bring to your renewal appointment or include with your mail renewal.

If your vehicle fails inspection, you have one year from the inspection date to make repairs and have it re-inspected. You cannot renew your registration until you pass. Some inspectors offer re-inspections at a reduced rate if you return within a certain timeframe after failing.

What happens if your plates expire

Driving with expired plates in North Dakota is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you face a fine of up to $100 plus court costs. Your vehicle can also be impounded if the registration is significantly overdue.

If your plates expire and you need to drive your vehicle before you can renew, you can obtain a temporary permit from a county motor vehicle office. A temporary permit costs $10 and is valid for 30 days. You must bring proof of insurance and your current registration card to get a temporary permit.

If you miss your renewal important date by more than 30 days, you may owe a late fee of $10 in addition to your regular registration cost. The late fee applies whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Dakota plates online if I just moved to the state?

No. Online renewal is only for vehicles already registered in North Dakota. New residents must register in person at a county motor vehicle office or by mail. Once your vehicle is registered and you receive your first set of North Dakota plates, you can renew online in future years if your vehicle meets the online renewal requirements.

What if my safety inspection certificate expires before my plates do?

Your safety inspection must be current when you renew your registration. If your inspection expires before your plates do, you must have a new inspection performed before you can renew. Plan ahead if your inspection is expiring soon and your plate renewal is coming up within the next few months.

Do I need to get new plates if I buy a used car in North Dakota?

Yes. When you purchase a used vehicle in North Dakota, you must register it and obtain new plates within 30 days. You can transfer the plates from your previous vehicle only if you are replacing it with another vehicle you own. Otherwise, you receive a new set of plates with your registration.

How much does it cost to replace a lost or damaged plate?

Replacement plates cost $15 per plate in North Dakota. You can order replacements at a county motor vehicle office or online. Replacement plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can get a temporary permit for $10.

Can I keep my North Dakota plates if I move out of state?

No. Your North Dakota plates are tied to your vehicle registration in North Dakota. If you move to another state, you must register your vehicle in that state and obtain new plates. You cannot legally drive with North Dakota plates in another state once you become a resident there.