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
What is a North Dakota License Plate Lookup?
The North Dakota license plate lookup is a service you can use to look up the license plate number and get the vehicle history report. This service should be done by both sellers and buyers to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before buying the vehicle by examining the information on the report.
By entering the license plate number on the form above, you’ll get a report that details the vehicle’s past, like accidents, recalls, warranty, auction history, past ownership, real odometer reading, and you can get the detailed information on the specifications..
Can I Get a Free North Dakota License Plate Lookup?
Yes, you can get a free license plate lookup to get the basic specifications of the vehicle, which is important to examine before you decide to buy the vehicle.
For your reference, here’s the information you will be getting from our free license plate lookup.
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- 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
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 documents. It shows crucial details like the odometer reading, service and maintenance history, previous owners, accident records, etc.
Information You’ll Get Through North Dakota License Plate Lookup
The North Dakota license plate lookup can help you do a self-background check from anywhere you want is a good thing to perform because the whole process won’t take you longer than a minute. Curious about what you will be getting through the ND license plate lookup? Here’s what information you’ll be getting through the report.
Vehicle Specification
Verify the vehicle’s complete specifications, like the engine type and capacity, fuel type, drive type, standard seating, MSRP, country of origin, and more. See if the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Accident History
Review records of previous accidents, including damage and repairs, to get a clear picture of the vehicle’s condition. See the date and the location of the accident.
Ownership History
Check details about past owners, how long they kept the car, where the car was registered, and the year of purchase.
Sales Records
Look into past ownership transfers and sales transactions to trace the vehicle’s entire transaction history, as you can examine the condition, status, and the final price of each sales record.
Auction History
See if the car was ever sold at auction, which may highlight market demand or possible quality issues. In this section, you will see the location and the date of the auction, the final price of the vehicle, and get up to ten pictures that show the vehicle’s real condition during the auction.
Title Status
Verify the title type (clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or branded) to understand its legal and physical standing. Ensure that the vehicle’s condition is clean before you decide to purchase the vehicle.
Lien/Loan Records
Confirm whether there are any unpaid loans or liens tied to the vehicle that could affect ownership transfer. In this case, ensure that the lien/loan records are cleared off by the previous owners.
Open Recalls
Identify unresolved recalls or manufacturer defects that may impact safety or reliability. If the vehicle had a recall record, you can see the date, causes, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to solve the recalls.
Theft Records
Ensure the vehicle hasn’t been reported stolen to confirm its legitimacy. You can verify the date, location, and data source of the vehicle.
Odometer Reading
Check mileage accuracy to evaluate the car’s actual usage and wear. You may examine the date with recorded mileage, and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Service and Maintenance History
Review service logs such as the date and the location, repairs, and routine maintenance to understand how well the vehicle has been cared for.
Warranty Coverage
See if the vehicle is still covered by existing warranties such as basic, corrosion, powertrain, maintenance, and roadside assistance. Check the months and mileage limit of each warranties.
Reasons Why You Need a Dakota License Plate Lookup
A buyer was about to pay for the down payment for a 2010 BUICK ENCLAVE, then he decided to run the North Dakota license plate lookup and get the report. Here’s what he saw on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 1 auction record
- 1 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- The vehicle had never been in an accident
- Had zero recall records
- Never been sold in an auction
- Used privately
Actual Condition
- Look up the license plate and get the report to ensure that the vehicle’s condition fits the seller’s claim
Outcome
- The buyer did not continue the buying process because the vehicle was in an accident and had damage records
How Does the North Dakota License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow these steps to get your vehicle history report in less than a minute.
Provide the Plate Number
Locate the vehicle’s license plate and type the number into the form above..
Confirm Details and Checkout
Once you submit, you’ll see the available vehicle details. Review them, then continue with the payment process.
View and Save Your Report
Your full vehicle history report will be generated right away. You can open it online, download it, or print it for your records.
License Plate Regulations in North Dakota
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.
Aside from the standard type, North Dakota also offers different license types to cater to the residents’ needs. Here’s the type of license plates that you can choose from:
Types of License Plates in North Dakota'
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.
License Plates Costs in North Dakota
- Standard License Plates: $5
- Personal Plates: $25 (annual)
- Blackout Plate: comes with an added fee, and choosing a personalized version costs an extra $25.
How to Register a Vehicle in North Dakota
Confused about how to register a vehcile in North Dakota? Here’s a quick guide on how it can be done easily.
Get Your Documents Ready
- Vehicle title signed by the seller or previous owner
- Proof of North Dakota insurance
- Proof of residency (like a utility bill)
- Completed application form (SFN 2872)
Pay Taxes and Fees
- 5% excise tax on the vehicle’s purchase price
- Title, registration, and plate fees
Go to the NDDOT
- Submit your application and documents at an NDDOT office or self-service kiosk
- Pay all required taxes and fees
- You’ll receive your registration card and license plates to place on your vehicle
How to Transfer License Plates in North Dakota
In North Dakota, license plates can usually be transferred from one vehicle to another as long as both vehicles are registered in the same name. To complete a transfer, you’ll need to visit a North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) office.
Steps to transfer plates:
If you are buying a used vehicle from a dealership, they can often handle the license plate transfer paperwork for you, making the process faster and easier.
Privacy and the DPPA in North Dakota
North Dakota license plate lookup services must comply with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), a federal law that limits access to sensitive information linked to vehicle records. Under this law, personal details such as a driver’s full name, home address, phone number, Social Security number, or driver’s license number cannot be released without the owner’s permission.
The DPPA, established in 1994, was designed to stop state motor vehicle agencies from selling or sharing private data with marketers or unrelated third parties. Instead, access is only granted in specific, legally approved situations, including:
- Law enforcement needs, such as criminal investigations
- Court orders and legal cases
- Insurance claims, underwriting, and antifraud activities
- Vehicle recalls or manufacturer safety notifications
By following the DPPA, North Dakota ensures that driver privacy remains protected while still allowing necessary vehicle-related data to be used in lawful and essential cases.
Fun Facts about North Dakota
- North Dakota began issuing license plates in 1911, shortly after the state first required vehicle registration.
- The state is known for its “Legendary” license plate slogan, which highlights North Dakota’s tourism brand.
- North Dakota has experimented with several plate materials in the past, including embossed aluminum and even early versions made from painted steel.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
Our license plate lookup service covers other states, as listed below.
North Dakota License Plate Lookup FAQs
Q. Is it illegal not to have a front license plate in North Dakota?
A. 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.
Q. How long do I have to change my license plate after moving to North Dakota?
A. New North Dakota residents have a 60-day grace period to use their non-commercial driver’s license from their previous state.
Q. Does North Dakota require a vehicle inspection?
A. 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.
Q. Can I perform an ND license plate owner lookup?
A. 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.
Q. Is a license plate lookup anonymous?
A. Yes. When you perform a license plate lookup, your search remains private. Only authorized agencies, such as law enforcement or the DMV, have access to the personal information tied to a plate. For more details, you can review the specific rules on your state’s DMV website.
Q. Can you find out where a license plate is registered?
A. Yes, you can. A license plate lookup lets you access details tied to a vehicle’s registration by entering the plate number along with the state where it was issued. This method is especially useful if the VIN is missing, unreadable, or not available. By running a search with the plate and state, you can still generate a vehicle history report that includes key information about the car.
