North Dakota Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use this form for a private-party vehicle sale in North Dakota. It records the sale between seller and buyer and supports the transfer you’ll complete with the North Dakota DMV, including the odometer disclosure. North Dakota imposes a flat 5% motor-vehicle excise tax, and a separate damage disclosure is required for vehicles less than nine years old.
Go to the formPrint and sign—or sign electronically with Secure Relay
Secure Relay provides legally binding electronic signing, whether everyone signs together or from separate devices.
How Secure Relay works
- Fill in the details and choose who signs howEach party signs on this device or by relay.
- Sign on this deviceEveryone in the room can sign here.
- Relay to the next partyA link or QR code carries the document and every signature so far.Sign together on one deviceRelay by link or QR
- They review the locked document and signAnd relay it onward if others remain.
- Every party receives the completed document
Electronic signatures are legally binding under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. §7001).
Common questions about selling a vehicle in North Dakota
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in North Dakota?
A bill of sale is recommended for all private vehicle sales in North Dakota, though the certificate of title assignment is the primary ownership transfer document. The North Dakota Department of Transportation provides Form SFN 62502 (Private Party Vehicle Bill of Sale) for this purpose. The bill of sale records the sale price, which drives the 5% excise tax calculation. If the selling price is below fair market value, the seller must provide a written explanation of the vehicle's condition or circumstances affecting the price.
Does a North Dakota bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Standard private-party vehicle bills of sale do not require notarization in North Dakota. The title assignment under NDCC § 39-05-17 also does not require notarization. The seller signs the assignment on the certificate of title, and both parties sign the bill of sale. A damage disclosure statement (SFN 18609) is required for vehicles less than nine years old, which is a separate document.
How long do I have to title a vehicle after purchase in North Dakota?
The buyer must apply for a new title within 30 days of receiving the endorsed title from the seller. Failure to transfer the title within the required period is a Class B misdemeanor under North Dakota law, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $1,500 fine. The application is submitted to the ND DOT Motor Vehicle Division with a $5 title transfer fee and payment of the 5% excise tax.
How much is the excise tax on a private vehicle sale in North Dakota?
North Dakota imposes a flat 5% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price, with no additional local vehicle taxes. The tax is collected by the Motor Vehicle Division at the time of titling. The excise tax is calculated on the purchase price stated on the title or bill of sale, but the Motor Vehicle Division may assess the tax on the fair market value if the stated price appears below market. A trade-in allowance can be deducted from the purchase price.
Is a damage disclosure required in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota requires a Damage Disclosure Statement (Form SFN 18609) for vehicles less than nine years old. The seller must disclose whether the vehicle has sustained damage exceeding a threshold set by state law. This is a separate document from the bill of sale and must be completed and provided to the buyer at the time of sale. Failure to disclose known damage can result in liability for the seller.
Are there inspections required to sell a car in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not require emissions testing or safety inspections for private vehicle sales. If the vehicle has an out-of-state title, a VIN inspection by a law enforcement officer is required before a North Dakota title can be issued. Standard in-state transfers with a clean North Dakota title do not require any inspection.
What if the vehicle has multiple owners?
If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.
Create your North Dakota bill of sale
Governing law
NDCC § 39-05-17
This bill of sale is consistent with NDCC § 39-05-17, governing the assignment of certificates of title in North Dakota. Ownership transfers through the title assignment, with the bill of sale serving as a supporting transaction record. A 5% motor vehicle excise tax applies under NDCC § 57-40.3-02, with no additional local tax. A damage disclosure statement (SFN 18609) is required for vehicles less than nine years old. Notarization is not required. Last verified 2026-07-14.