North Dakota Car Taxes & Fees (2026)
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | 5%North Dakota charges a flat 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax on the price (less trade-in) for both dealer and private-party purchases, with no local sales-tax add-on. |
| Trade-in tax credit | YesA $10,000 trade-in on a $35,000 car saves $500 in tax. |
| Doc fee | No state cap (calculator default $499)No state cap on doc fees |
| Title fee | $5 |
| Registration fee | $49-$274 based on weight and age |
| Inspection & emissions | No safety inspection · no emissions testingNo safety or emissions inspection is required to register; only a VIN inspection is required for out-of-state or previously-untitled vehicles. |
Full fee reference with negotiation tips: North Dakota car buying costs
North Dakota OTD Price Questions
What is the sales tax on a car in North Dakota?
Vehicle purchases in North Dakota are subject to a 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. North Dakota charges a flat 5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax on the price (less trade-in) for both dealer and private-party purchases, with no local sales-tax add-on. On a $35,000 purchase that works out to $1,750 at the statewide rate.
Does North Dakota give a trade-in tax credit?
Yes. North Dakota taxes the selling price minus your trade-in value. Trading in a $10,000 vehicle on a $35,000 purchase cuts the taxable amount to $25,000 and saves $500 in Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.
What is the doc fee cap in North Dakota?
North Dakota has no state-mandated cap on dealer documentation fees. No state cap on doc fees
How much are taxes and fees on a $35,000 car in North Dakota?
Using 2026 statewide figures — $1,750 in Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, a $5 title fee, about $161.50 in registration, and a typical $499 doc fee — taxes and fees add about $2,415.50 (6.9%), for an out-the-door total of roughly $37,415.50. Local taxes can move that number.
Do I need a vehicle inspection or emissions test in North Dakota?
No safety or emissions inspection is required to register; only a VIN inspection is required for out-of-state or previously-untitled vehicles.
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Sources & Data
North Dakota tax, title, registration, and doc fee data compiled from state DMV and Department of Revenue publications; last reviewed . Estimates use the statewide rate — local taxes and value-based fees vary by address and vehicle. Always confirm against your dealer's written, itemized quote.
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