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North Dakota · What a car really costs

Buying a car in North Dakota.

North Dakota charges motor vehicle excise tax of 5% statewide on vehicles, with no local add-on. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.

5%
Motor vehicle excise tax on a vehicle
Full credit
Trade-in reduces the taxable price
$5.00
Title fee
$93
Registration, typical new car
~$299
Doc fee, typical (no cap)

How the tax works.

The 5% motor vehicle excise tax replaces sales tax on vehicles; no local tax applies to the purchase or transfer of a motor vehicle.

Manufacturer discounts, incentives and rebates applied at the time of sale are subtracted from the selling price before tax.

Leases of one year or more: the lessor pays 5% at titling on the total consideration of the lease (down payment, acquisition fees and all payments; factory rebates excluded).

Trade-ins: Trade-in credit for a vehicle traded in at purchase is subtracted from the selling price (N.D.C.C. 57-40.3-01); insurance proceeds from a totaled vehicle may also be used as a trade-in credit.

At the DMV.

FeeAmount
Title$5.00
Registration (weight-based)~$93
Abandoned motor vehicle disposal fee (initial application for a North Dakota title)$1.50
Annual passenger fee by weight and year first registered: 3,199 lbs or less $73; 3,200-4,499 lbs $93; 4,500-4,999 lbs $111 (schedule for vehicles first registered 2020 and newer; lower schedules apply to older vehicles). Plates included. EV fee $120, PHEV $50.

Leasing in North Dakota.

upfront on total

Cities in North Dakota.

Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.

FargoCass CountyBismarckBurleigh CountyGrand ForksGrand Forks CountyMinotWard CountyJamestownStutsman CountyWahpetonRichland CountyWillistonWilliams CountyDickinsonStark CountyGrand Forks AfbGrand Forks CountyMinot AfbWard County
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Questions.

How much is sales tax on a car in North Dakota?

5%. North Dakota applies one rate statewide on vehicles, so it does not change from city to city.

Does a trade-in lower the sales tax in North Dakota?

Trade-in credit for a vehicle traded in at purchase is subtracted from the selling price (N.D.C.C. 57-40.3-01); insurance proceeds from a totaled vehicle may also be used as a trade-in credit.

What are title and registration fees in North Dakota?

Title is $5.00. Annual passenger fee by weight and year first registered: 3,199 lbs or less $73; 3,200-4,499 lbs $93; 4,500-4,999 lbs $111 (schedule for vehicles first registered 2020 and newer; lower schedules apply to older vehicles). Plates included. EV fee $120, PHEV $50.

Is the doc fee capped in North Dakota?

No. North Dakota sets no statutory cap, and dealers typically charge around $299. No statutory cap. Typical from CarEdge 2026 (secondary).

How is a lease taxed in North Dakota?

upfront on total

Where these numbers come from.

Rates, fees, and rules change. These figures are estimates for planning, not tax advice; confirm the final numbers with the dealer and your state's motor vehicle agency before you buy.