Selling a car privately in North Dakota
North Dakota expects the endorsed title in the buyer's hands within 15 days of the sale. The assignment on the North Dakota title includes the odometer disclosure and a damage disclosure statement; complete both honestly, along with buyer, price, and date. No notary is needed for a normal titled transfer. North Dakota also publishes a private-party bill of sale (SFN 62502) worth using as the price record.
The buyer pays North Dakota's 5% motor vehicle excise tax when they title with the NDDOT, and can legally drive for only 5 days on dated proof of ownership before registration. Plates belong to the seller: remove them at handoff, after which the vehicle is unlicensed until the buyer registers.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the assignment with both disclosures (North Dakota)
Buyer, price, date, odometer, and the damage disclosure on the North Dakota title, delivered to the buyer within 15 days.
- 2
Use the private-party bill of sale (SFN 62502)
North Dakota's form records the price for the buyer's 5% excise tax and dates the handoff.
- 3
Remove your license plates
North Dakota plates belong to the seller. Take them off at delivery.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your North Dakota sale packet
ConfidentCar builds this checklist into your packet automatically, alongside condition, disclosures, photos, records, and one shareable buyer-ready link.
Start your free beta packetNorth Dakota private sale FAQ
Does a North Dakota car title need to be notarized?
Not for a standard titled transfer. Notarization enters the picture mainly for untitled-vehicle paperwork. Complete the title assignment fully, including the damage disclosure.
What is North Dakota's damage disclosure?
A statement in the title assignment noting whether the vehicle has sustained damage above the state's threshold. Answer it accurately; it stays with the vehicle's record.
How fast does a North Dakota sale move?
You must deliver the endorsed title within 15 days, and the buyer can only drive on dated proof of ownership for 5 days, so prompt paperwork on both sides is the norm.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota plates stay with the seller. Remove them at handoff; the vehicle is unlicensed until the buyer registers and gets plates.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.