Unconventional Vehicles (FAQ’s)
What is an unconventional vehicle? An unconventional vehicle is a motor vehicle designed to travel on at least wheels in contact with the ground, has an unladen weight of at least three hundred pounds (136.08 kilograms) but less than eight thousand pounds (3628.7 kilograms), has a permanent upright seat or saddle for the driver which is mounted at least twenty-four inches (50.8 centimeters) from the ground, has a steering device for front wheel steering control, is capable of speed in excess of sixty-five miles (104.61 kilometers) per hour, complies with equipment requirements listed in either chapter 39-21 or 39-27 as appropriate, and has an identifying number. The term does not include motor vehicles that otherwise may be registered under this chapter.
Where can an unconventional vehicle be operated? A licensed driver may operate a registered unconventional vehicle on any highway except an access-controlled highway.
Are unconventional vehicles subject to tax? Yes. Unconventional vehicles titled and licensed in North Dakota are subject to the 5% motor vehicle excise tax.
Are unconventional vehicles required to be registered? Yes. An individual may not operate an unconventional vehicle on public roadways unless the vehicle has been registered with the Motor Vehicle Division.
What is required to title and license a new unconventional vehicle? SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the buyer. The Manufactures Certificate of Origin (MCO) is required and must be completed and signed by the dealership, 5% motor vehicle excise tax will be due on the purchase price, $5 title fee and $50 license fee. If a Manufactures Certificate of Origin (MCO) was not provided when the vehicle was purchased, the owner must contact the dealership for assistance in obtaining a duplicate Manufactures Certificate of Origin (MCO). The Manufactures Certificate of Origin (MCO) or other documentation from the manufacturer must describe the engine size and maximum speed of the vehicle.
What is required to title and license an older used unconventional vehicle that was never titled and there is no Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO) available? SFN 2486 Certificate of Vehicle Inspection must be completed by a business registered and in good standing with the secretary of state and that offers vehicle repairs to the public. SFN 2888 Seller Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale must be completed and signed by the seller. A notarized Statement of Fact may be required from the applicant. SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Motor Vehicle must be completed in full and signed by the buyer, 5% motor vehicle excise tax will be due on the purchase price, $5 title fee, and $50 license fee.
Are unconventional vehicles required to be insured? Yes. Liability insurance is required if the unconventional vehicle is registered.
UNTITLED VEHICLES 37-12-04-01 (NDAC)
Untitled Vehicles will be reviewed by the Bismarck Central Office, the title will be mailed once the review process is complete.
If a North Dakota resident owns a vehicle for which the resident is unable to obtain a proper certificate of title, the Motor Vehicle Division will use the following forms and procedures to determine ownership of a vehicle and issue a certificate of title.
1) It is recommended that you complete a NMVTIS Vehicle History Check to verify no certificate of title or ownership record exists in any other state.
a. A NMVTIS Vehicle History Check may be purchased through an approved provider at www.vehiclehistory.gov.
b.If a certificate of title or ownership record exists in any other state the Untitled Vehicle process cannot be completed.
2)Complete SFN 51269 Request for Vehicle Information, in full, and submit to the Motor Vehicle Division with a photo of the VIN plate, photocopy of the VIN Inspection (keep original for step
3), and the $3.00 processing fee.
a. A check of the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division records will be conducted to determine if a North Dakota certificate of title exists.
b. The results from the completed Untitled Vehicle Request for Vehicle Information will be mailed to you and you will need to include the results with your title work upon submission to the Motor Vehicle Division for processing.
c. If no North Dakota title exists you may proceed with the Untitled Vehicle process.
3) Upon receipt of the following, North Dakota Motor Vehicle will start the title process. All Untitled Vehicles will be reviewed. A records check of all other states will be conducted to verify no certificate of title or ownership record exists, as well as a check of the National Crime Information Center, before issuing a North Dakota Certificate of Title.
a. A notarized SFN 2888 Seller’s Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale.
i. Seller should provide the reason why a title cannot be furnished.
b. SFN 2903 Vehicle Statement of Ownership.
i. You must be detailed in your explanation regarding how you came into possession of this vehicle without a title.
c. A VIN inspection utilizing SFN 2486 Certificate of Vehicle Inspection.
i. Inspection must be completed by a Qualified Business registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State, which offers motor vehicle repairs to the public,
per NDCC 39-05-20.2.
ii. You must include a copy of the current North Dakota Secretary of State filing which can be obtained directly from the Secretary of State’s website.
d. SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle.
e. $5 title fee, $1.50 Abandoned Vehicle Disposal Fee and 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.
i. Tax is calculated based on the current Fair Market Value of the Vehicle.
f. Registration Fees.
i. SFN 60689 Statement of Fact is required if the vehicle will not be registered.
ii. A vehicle inspection utilizing SFN 2486 Certificate of Vehicle Inspection may be required prior to registration if the vehicle is rebuilt, modified, antique or
homemade.
g. Current photos of the front, side and rear of the vehicle.
h. Proof of North Dakota residency.
i. Individuals must provide a North Dakota Driver’s License/State ID number.
ii. Businesses must provide a current North Dakota Secretary of State filing indicating the State of Origin as North Dakota which can be obtained directly from the Secretary of State’s website. i. Results from the completed Untitled Vehicle Request for Vehicle Information.
j. Any other information required by the department per NDCC 39-05-05