North Dakota License Plate Lookup
Buying a used vehicle sometimes requires extra steps to avoid getting scammed and buying problematic vehicles. Our North Dakota license plate lookup enables you to quickly perform background checks of the vehicle’s history and condition. Decode any ND plate number within seconds.
Table of Contents
Why Conduct a North Dakota License Plate Lookup?
In the 1980s, a buyer and a dealer in North Dakota had a case. David and Estella Garcia bought a Cadillac Seville from Overvold Motors. Even after repairs, the car had persistent issues like engine leaks, steam emissions, and body defects.
On October 26, the dashboard allegedly fell out, leading the Garcias to return the car and request a refund, which Overvold Motors denied. The Garcias sued for breach of contract, warranty, fraud, and misrepresentation. The trial court ruled in Overvold Motors’ favor, and the Garcias appealed.
That is why it is important to get valid vehicle documentation to avoid the same mistake. A license plate lookup helps you obtain the vehicle’s legitimate document. It shows crucial details like the odometer reading, service and maintenance history, previous owners, accident records, etc.
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Can I Get a Free North Dakota License Plate Lookup?
Yes, you can get a free license plate lookup. However, the report generated from the free license plate lookup service will differ from the paid service.
For your reference, here’s the information you will be getting from our free service.

What is the Difference Between the Free and Paid License Plate Lookup?
The main difference between the free and paid license plate lookup is the price (of course) and the information unlocked on the vehicle history report. If you get the basic information on the free report, our paid vehicle history report will get you the full information and records about the vehicle.
Here is the information provided in a full vehicle history report:
Vehicle Specifications:
Verify the car’s year, make, model, trim, and engine details to confirm authenticity and ensure it meets your needs.
Accident History:
Check records of past accidents, including damage and repairs, to understand the vehicle’s condition.
Ownership History:
Learn about previous owners, how long they kept the car, and how well they maintained it.
Sales Records:
Review past ownership changes and transaction details to accurately track the vehicle’s history.
Auction History:
Find out if the car was sold at auction, which may reveal market interest or quality concerns.
Title Status:
Confirm the title type (clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or branded) to assess its legal and physical condition.
Lien Records:
Check for unpaid loans or liens to ensure smooth ownership transfer.
Open Recalls:
Identify unresolved recalls or defects to address potential safety issues.
Theft Records:
Confirm the vehicle wasn’t reported stolen to ensure legitimacy and security.
Odometer Reading:
Validate mileage for accuracy and assess the car’s usage and wear.
Service and Maintenance History:
Review past repairs and maintenance to gauge how well the car was cared for.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow this step to get your report in less than five minutes.
Video: How to Lookup a North Dakota License Plate
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
License Plate Regulations in North Dakota
The North Dakota Century Code §39-04-11 governs license plate placement in North Dakota. The law mandates that most motor vehicles display their license plates on both the front and back. However, motorcycles and trailers are exempt from this requirement.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) oversees license plate issuance and regulations. Upon vehicle registration, the NDDOT provides the necessary plates, ensuring they are mounted securely and always visible.
Types and Design of the North Dakota License Plate
The standard plate of North Dakota was introduced in 2016 and features a unique design: a blue sky, golden plains, and wheat stalks, symbolizing the state’s agricultural roots and wildlife. The slogan “Peace Garden State” emphasizes the state’s commitment to the community. The plate format consists of ABC 123 (three letters followed by three numbers) to identify the vehicle easily.
License Plate Types in North Dakota
Aside from the standard type, North Dakota also offers different license types to cater to the resident’s needs.
Standard License Plates
The standard license plate features a blue sky and golden plains with bison and wheat stalks, symbolizing North Dakota’s agricultural heritage. It includes the slogan “Peace Garden State” and follows a six-character format (three letters followed by three numbers), although a maximum of seven characters is allowed.
Specialty License Plates
These plates cater to various interests, including military personnel, veterans, and organizations. They often feature unique designs that honor service or support specific causes.
Personalized License Plates
Vehicle owners can create custom combinations of up to seven characters, provided they adhere to state guidelines.
Antique/Collector Plates
These are available for vehicles at least 35 years old, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their classic cars.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Before you decide to purchase the car, make sure to verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota law (ND Century Code 39-04-11) demands that vehicles have two visible license plates. This means keeping them clear of anything that might block them, like mud, ice, or snow.
New North Dakota residents have a 60-day grace period to use their non-commercial driver’s license from their previous state.
Unlike Ohio, where vehicle inspections are tied to initial registration, North Dakota does not require inspections for passenger cars. A one-time VIN inspection is necessary for first-time vehicle registration for new Oklahoma residents.
Due to privacy laws, you can only look up license plate information in North Dakota, but not the owner’s name or personal details. The state limits access to license plate data to certain law enforcement purposes.