Free 2026 North Dakota Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator. Estimate annual license fees, 5% excise tax, and EV road use charges in seconds.
Fee Breakdown
2026 Rates| Total Amount Due | $0.00 |
Navigating vehicle registration in North Dakota involves understanding a unique system where fees are determined not just by the vehicle’s age or value, but specifically by the “Year First Registered” and Vehicle Weight. This guide breaks down every fee, tax, and surcharge included in the 2026 schedule so you can budget accurately.
Understanding the Fees & Rates 2026
Annual License Fee (Registration)
Unlike many states that use a flat fee or value-based tax, North Dakota uses a Fee Schedule that cross-references the year your vehicle was first registered with its weight.
- Year Groups:
- Group 1 (Newest): Vehicles first registered in 2021 through 2026. These pay the highest rates.
- Group 2: Vehicles first registered in 2018, 2019, or 2020.
- Group 3: Vehicles first registered in 2015, 2016, or 2017.
- Group 4 (Oldest): Vehicles first registered in 2014 or older. These pay the lowest rates.
- Weight Classes:Heavier vehicles cause more road wear, so they pay more. The fee jumps significantly as you move up weight classes (e.g., from a sedan at 3,500 lbs to a heavy pickup at 8,000 lbs).
Example 2026 Rates:
| Weight Class | Group 1 (2021+) | Group 2 (2018-20) | Group 3 (2015-17) | Group 4 (≤2014) |
| 3,200 – 4,499 lbs | $93.00 | $81.00 | $69.00 | $57.00 |
| 4,500 – 4,999 lbs | $111.00 | $94.00 | $79.00 | $63.00 |
| 6,000 – 6,999 lbs | $166.00 | $135.00 | $120.00 | $90.00 |
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (5%)
This is a one-time tax paid when you buy a vehicle or transfer ownership.
- Rate: 5%
- Taxable Amount: Purchase Price minus Trade-In Allowance.
- Example: You buy a truck for $50,000 and trade in a car for $20,000.
- Net Price = $30,000
- Tax = $30,000 × 0.05 = $1,500.00
Electric & Hybrid Road Use Fees
To ensure all drivers contribute to road maintenance (since EV drivers buy less gas), North Dakota charges an annual “Road Use Fee” on top of registration.
- Electric Vehicles (EV): $120.00 per year.
- Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV): $50.00 per year.
- Standard Hybrids: $0.00 (No extra fee).
Title & Plate Fees
- Title Fee: $5.00 (Paid once when transferring ownership).
- Plate/Tab Fee: Estimated at $10.00 for standard issuance.
How to Use the Calculator
Our tool simplifies this matrix of weights, years, and fees into a few clicks.
- Select “Year First Registered”:
- Check your current registration card or title. If you bought a 2024 model in 2023, use 2021+ (Group 1).
- Choose “Weight Class”:
- This is the Unladen Weight (empty weight) of the vehicle, found on your title or door sticker.
- Tip: Most sedans are 3,200-4,500 lbs. Most SUVs/Trucks are 4,500-6,000+ lbs.
- Select Fuel Type:
- Choose Gas, EV, or PHEV to apply the correct road use surcharge.
- Transaction Type:
- Select “New Purchase” to calculate Sales Tax and Title fees.
- Select “Renewal” to see just your annual recurring cost.
- Enter Price & Trade-In (If Buying):
- Enter the full price and your trade-in credit to see your exact Excise Tax.
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- Avoid “Sticker Shock”: The difference between a 4,400 lb SUV and a 4,600 lb SUV can be nearly $20/year. Knowing this helps you budget.
- Accurate Tax Planning: Since North Dakota allows trade-ins to reduce your tax bill, this tool shows you exactly how much cash you need to bring to the DMV.
- EV Comparison: Instantly see how the $120 EV fee affects your total cost of ownership compared to a standard gas vehicle.
- Time Saving: Instead of cross-referencing four different charts on the NDDOT website, you get an instant total.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does my trade-in reduce my sales tax in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota charges the 5% Excise Tax on the Net Purchase Price. If you buy a $40k car and trade in a $15k car, you only pay tax on the remaining $25k.
2. Where can I find my vehicle’s “Year First Registered”?
This is listed on your current North Dakota registration card. Note that it might be different from the Model Year. For example, a 2020 model sold in late 2019 is considered “First Registered 2019” (Group 2).
3. Why is my registration fee higher this year?
If you bought a heavier vehicle or a newer vehicle, your rate likely jumped groups. Moving from a vehicle in the “2014 & Older” group to a “2021 & Newer” group can double your annual fee.
4. Do I have to pay the EV fee if I don’t drive much?
Yes. The $120 (EV) or $50 (PHEV) Road Use Fee is a flat annual charge required for all registered electric/hybrid vehicles, regardless of mileage.
5. Are there extra fees for paying with a credit card?
Yes. If you pay your registration fees online or at a kiosk with a credit card, the NDDOT charges a service fee (approx. 2-3%) on top of the total shown in this calculator. Paying by check/cash in person avoids this.
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