Acquiring a valid title for your VW in North Dakota

Ever had  an old VW that was pulled out of obscurity and no title was anywhere to be found? Joel Herman details the steps required to get that Dub back in the good graces of the state of North Dakota. The following are the exact steps you need to follow to get your vintage Volkswagen titled in North Dakota (as of 7/23/2021).

You will need to visit the following site and download the following form.  North Dakota DOT Form

 

Here is the form contents copy and pasted:

UNTITLED VEHICLES
37-12-04-01 (NDAC)
ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRE ORIGINAL SIGNATURES
23-JUN-2021
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(s) owns a vehicle for which the resident(s) 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. All applicants applying for title through the untitled vehicle process
must be North Dakota residents.
1) Complete a NMVTIS Vehicle History Check to verify no certificate of title or ownership record exists in
exists in this database.
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 is found in any state, the Untitled Vehicle process cannot
be completed.
*** A records search is also conducted by the Motor Vehicle Division during processing of Untitled
Vehicle applications; additional records may be found at that time. ***
c. If a North Dakota record exists and information to obtain a duplicate title or title transfer is needed, a
Request for Vehicle Information form SFN 51269 will need to be filled out, with the number eleven
exception initialed, and submitted with payment of the $3 fee. The Administrative Rules Chapter 37-
12-04-01(4) is the law that allows the release of this information. This should be notated on the
required document with detailed explanation outlining the qualifications for access under this exception
that must be attached to the SFN 51269 form.
2) Upon receipt of the following, North Dakota Motor Vehicle will start the title process. All UntitledVehicles
will be reviewed. A record check of all 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.
All forms must be completed in full, printed or typed, with legible information and signed as
indicated. Fillable PDF forms are available online at dot.nd.gov under Forms.
a. Results of the NMVTIS Vehicle History Check.
b. Photo of the VIN plate.
c. A notarized SFN 2888 Seller’s Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale.
i. Seller should provide the reason why a title cannot be furnished.
UNTITLED VEHICLES
37-12-04-01 (NDAC)
ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRE ORIGINAL SIGNATURES
23-JUN-2021
d. A Notarized 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.
e. 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 for the
inspection facility, which can be obtained directly from the Secretary of State’s website.
f. SFN 2872 Application for Certificate of Title & Registration of a Vehicle.
g. $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. Dealer appraisal may be
requested.
h. 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.
i. Current photos of the front, side, and rear of the vehicle.
j. Proof of North Dakota residency is required for all owners.
i. All 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.
k. Any other information required by the department per NDCC 39-05-05.