Chapter 10: Your Vehicle

Ensuring your vehicle is legally titled, registered, insured, and properly equipped is a fundamental responsibility of ownership. These requirements are not merely administrative hurdles; they are designed to establish clear ownership, provide financial protection in the event of a crash, and guarantee that every vehicle on the road meets minimum safety standards. A well-maintained and legally compliant vehicle is safer for you, your passengers, and everyone else who shares the road.

Title, Registration, and Insurance

A driver must be able to prove that their vehicle is legally owned, registered for use on public roads, and insured against liability.

Vehicle Title and Registration

• Title: A Certificate of Title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. It contains information like the owner’s name and address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and any liens from lenders. A title must be transferred to the new owner whenever a vehicle is sold.
• Registration: Registration is the process of officially recording a vehicle with the state, which allows it to be operated on public roads. Upon registration, the owner receives a registration card, which must be carried in the vehicle at all times, and license plates. North Dakota law requires that a motor vehicle be registered immediately when the owner becomes a resident of the state.

License Plates

North Dakota requires most passenger vehicles to display two license plates: one on the front and one on the rear. The plates must be securely fastened, clearly visible, and kept clean and legible.