Do all owners need to sign a North Dakota car title?

It depends on how the owners are listed. If the title shows 'OR,' only one owner must sign. If the title shows 'AND,' 'AND/OR,' or no conjunction, all listed owners must sign.

What if there is a lienholder on my North Dakota title?

If a lienholder is listed on a North Dakota title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred. The lien release may appear directly on the title or be provided as a separate lien release document from the lender.

How do I replace a lost or damaged North Dakota title?

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged North Dakota title, you must apply for a duplicate title through the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Fees apply and all owners listed on the title must sign the application.

Do I keep my license plates after selling a car in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota license plates stay with the seller and should be removed before releasing the vehicle.

North Dakota Vehicle Title Guide | How to Sign, Transfer & Replace a Car Title

Q: Where do I sign a North Dakota vehicle title?

North Dakota vehicle titles are signed on the front of the title in the section labeled 'Signature of Seller' or 'Signature of Seller/Transferor.' Sellers must sign using blue or black ink exactly as their name appears on the title.

Signing Your North Dakota Vehicle Title

North Dakota title signing is straightforward, but accuracy is critical. Use blue or black ink only and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title. Any mistakes may require you to obtain a duplicate title.

What Will Void a North Dakota Title

Signing in the wrong section
Name mismatch between the signature and the printed name on the title
Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over errors
White-out or correction fluid
Tears, rips, or damaged titles
Using pencil, marker, or ink colors other than blue or black

If any of these issues occur, the North Dakota DOT will require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be sold.

Where to Sign a North Dakota Title

Sign the front of the title where it is labeled “Signature of Seller” or “Signature of Seller/Transferor.”

Print your name on the front of the title where it states “Hand Printed (Not Typed) Name(s) of Seller(s)”.

Do not sign anywhere else unless instructed by the North Dakota DOT.

Vehicles With Multiple Owners

Signature requirements depend on how the owners are listed on the title:

Owner 1 OR Owner 2 – Only one owner must sign
Owner 1 AND/OR Owner 2 – Both owners must sign
Owner 1 AND Owner 2 – Both owners must sign
No conjunction listed – Both owners must sign

Titles Showing a Lienholder

If a lienholder is listed on the North Dakota title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred.

Lien release signed directly on the title, or
Separate lien release document from the lender

Without a lien release, the DOT will not process the title transfer.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged North Dakota Title

If your North Dakota title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, you must obtain a duplicate title before selling the vehicle.

Duplicate titles are issued through the North Dakota Department of Transportation
All listed owners must sign the duplicate title application
Processing times and fees may apply

Official duplicate title information is available here:

http://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/mv/vehicleinfo.htm

After Selling Your Vehicle in North Dakota

Once the sale is complete, keep a copy of the signed title for your records. The buyer is responsible for submitting the title to the DOT to complete the transfer.

For additional titling guidance, visit the North Dakota DOT:

http://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/mv/docs/faq-duplicatetitles.pdf