Calculate North Dakota vehicle registration fees, 5% motor vehicle excise tax, weight-based tab costs, and plate credit.
Vehicle & Purchase Details (First-Time Titling)
Annual Vehicle Tab & Sticker Renewal
Complete Fee Breakdown
First-Time Registration & Title| Annual State License Fee / Tabs (NDDOT Form MV-2) | $0.00 |
| North Dakota Certificate of Title Fee | $0.00 |
| License Plate Transfer Fee | $0.00 |
| Alternative Fuel Road Use Surcharge (NDCC § 39-04-19.2) | $0.00 |
| 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (In Lieu of Retail Sales Tax) | $0.00 |
| Unexpired Plate Credit Applied | -$0.00 |
| Total Estimated Amount Due | $0.00 |
5-Year Annual Tab Renewal Projection
Depreciation Schedule| Year | Vehicle Tier Bracket | Annual Tab Fee | EV/PHEV Road Fee | Total Annual Renewal |
|---|
How North Dakota Calculates Vehicle Registration Fees & Tabs
Unlike states that tax current market value or original MSRP, North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) annual license fees are determined strictly by empty curb weight and registration age tiers. The complete statutory cost formula is:
Total North Dakota Due (First Registration) = Annual License Fee (Weight & Age) + Road Surcharge + $5 Title Fee + [ (Purchase Price − Trade-in) × 5% Excise Tax ] − Unexpired Plate Credit
1. 2026 North Dakota Registration Fee Schedule (NDDOT Form MV-2)
Annual registration fees decrease as the vehicle advances through statutory age brackets based on the calendar year the vehicle was first registered in any state:
| Vehicle Weight Class (lbs) | 2021 & Newer (Years 1–6) | 2018 – 2020 (Years 7–9) | 2015 – 2017 (Years 10–12) | 2014 & Older (Years 13+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3,200 lbs | $73.00 | $65.00 | $57.00 | $49.00 |
| 3,200 – 4,499 lbs (Typical Sedans / Crossovers) | $93.00 | $81.00 | $69.00 | $57.00 |
| 4,500 – 4,999 lbs (Midsize SUVs) | $111.00 | $94.00 | $79.00 | $63.00 |
| 5,000 – 5,999 lbs (Full-Size SUVs / Light Trucks) | $139.00 | $113.00 | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| 6,000 – 6,999 lbs (Heavy Pickups) | $166.00 | $135.00 | $120.00 | $90.00 |
| 7,000 – 7,999 lbs | $194.00 | $157.00 | $140.00 | $100.00 |
| 8,000 – 8,999 lbs | $222.00 | $179.00 | $159.00 | $110.00 |
| 9,000 lbs & Over | $274.00 | $225.00 | $177.00 | $128.00 |
2. North Dakota 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (NDCC § 57-40.3-02)
North Dakota levies a 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax on the purchase price or fair market value of all vehicles titled in the state:
- In Lieu of Sales Tax: Motor vehicles are exempt from local and state retail sales tax (NDCC § 57-39.2-04).
- Trade-In Credit:Â Full credit is given for licensed dealer trade-in allowances, reducing the taxable purchase amount.
- Private Party Purchases:Â Private sales are taxed at 5% of purchase price or fair market valuation upon registration.
3. Electric & Alternative Fuel Road Use Fees (NDCC § 39-04-19.2)
- All-Electric Vehicles (EV / BEV):Â $120.00 annual road use fee.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV):Â $50.00 annual road use fee.
- Electric Motorcycles:Â $20.00 annual road use fee.
- Standard Hybrids (HEV):Â $0.00 (No road use surcharge).
4. North Dakota License Plate Credit & Title Transfer Rules
License plates stay with the owner in North Dakota. If you trade or sell a vehicle, you can transfer your existing plates to a new vehicle for a $5.00 plate transfer fee. Any remaining whole months of unexpired registration from your previous vehicle are credited directly toward your new registration total as an NDDOT Plate Credit.
Step-by-Step Calculation Examples
Example 1: First-Time Registration for a New $35,000 Car (3,800 lbs, No Trade-in)
- Annual License Fee (3,200–4,499 lbs, Year 1): $93.00
- North Dakota Certificate of Title:Â $5.00
- Standard License Plates:Â Included ($0.00)
- Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (5% of $35,000):Â $1,750.00
- Total First-Year Registration & Tax Due:Â $1,848.00
Example 2: Annual Tab Renewal for a 2016 Midsize SUV (4,700 lbs)
- Registration Tier: 2015 – 2017 Bracket (Years 10–12)
- Weight Class: 4,500 – 4,999 lbs
- Total Annual Renewal Cost:Â $79.00
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a car in North Dakota?
For an average passenger vehicle (3,200 to 4,499 lbs) first registered in 2021 or newer, annual registration tabs cost $93.00 per year. For older vehicles, annual tabs decrease to $81.00 (2018–2020), $69.00 (2015–2017), and $57.00 (2014 and older). On new purchases, you also pay a $5.00 title fee and the 5% motor vehicle excise tax.
What is the vehicle excise tax rate in North Dakota?
The North Dakota motor vehicle excise tax rate is a flat 5% assessed on the total purchase price minus qualifying trade-in allowance (NDCC § 57-40.3-02). This excise tax replaces general state and local sales taxes.
How does the North Dakota license plate credit work?
When you dispose of a vehicle through sale or trade-in, you keep your license plates. When titling a replacement vehicle, NDDOT applies a credit for any remaining whole months of unexpired registration from your previous vehicle toward the new registration, plus a $5.00 plate transfer fee.
How much are electric vehicle (EV) fees in North Dakota?
Under NDCC § 39-04-19.2, all-electric vehicles (EVs) pay an annual road use surcharge of $120.00, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) pay $50.00 per year in addition to standard weight-based license fees.
Why is North Dakota registration based on “Year First Registered”?
Under NDDOT administrative rules (Form MV-2), registration fee brackets are determined by the calendar year the vehicle was first registered in any state, rather than the vehicle’s manufacturing model year. This ensures equitable depreciation for vehicles titled late or imported from out of state.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Department of Transportation charges a statutory $5.00 title fee for all certificate of title transfers and new vehicle applications.
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