RVbyOwner

North Dakota RV title transfer guide

Everything you need to buy or sell an RV privately in North Dakota — sales tax, registration, inspection requirements, and a step-by-step walkthrough.

Sales tax

5%

Rank #20 lowest

Registration

$49–$150/year

Inspection

Not required

Lemon law

Does not cover RVs

North Dakota — key facts

Flat 5% sales tax applies to private vehicle purchases. No annual safety inspection required. Motor vehicle excise tax collected at registration.

Requirements at a glance

Title requiredYes
Sales tax rate (state)5%
Registration fee range$49–$150/year
Safety inspection requiredNo inspection required
Lemon law covers RVsNo — most states do not cover RVs
Bill of sale requiredYes — required for title transfer
Odometer disclosureRequired (state law)

Private RV sale in North Dakota — step by step

1

Agree on price and arrange an inspection

Look up the RV on NADA Guides and compare active listings on RV Trader for North Dakota and nearby states. Budget for a certified inspection ($300–$600) — it's the best money you'll spend on a used RV.

2

Run a VIN check

Order a CARFAX or NMVTIS report on the VIN. Confirm there are no active liens, no salvage/rebuilt title history, and no odometer rollback flags. The VIN on the dash must match the title.

3

Complete a North Dakota bill of sale

Include: both parties' full names and addresses, make, model, year, VIN, odometer, sale price, date, and an as-is clause. Both parties sign. North Dakota requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Keep a copy for your records.

4

Complete the odometer disclosure

Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 16,000 lbs GVWR. Many states, including North Dakota, require it for heavier vehicles as well. The seller certifies the odometer reading on the title or a separate disclosure form.

5

Seller signs over the title

The seller completes the assignment section on the back of the title: buyer's name, sale price, date, and odometer (if applicable). Both parties typically sign. Do not accept a blank signed title or a title with alterations.

6

Visit the North Dakota DMV

Bring: signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Pay the title transfer fee and 5% sales tax based on the sale price. Apply for a new title in your name.

7

Register the RV and get plates

Registration fees in North Dakota run approximately $49–$150/year. You'll receive new plates and a registration certificate. The registration is annual unless you qualify for a multi-year or permanent option.

8

Get RV insurance

Most states require proof of liability insurance to register. Get a dedicated RV policy (not your auto policy) before driving the unit home. Good Sam and Progressive both specialize in RV coverage.

North Dakota RV sale — frequently asked questions

Is there sales tax on a private RV sale in North Dakota?

Yes — North Dakota charges 5% state sales tax on the sale price when you title the RV, due at the DMV, not to the seller.

Do I need a bill of sale to sell an RV privately in North Dakota?

Yes — North Dakota requires a bill of sale to complete the title transfer. It should list both parties' names and addresses, the VIN, sale price, date, and an as-is clause.

Does North Dakota require a safety inspection before titling an RV?

No — North Dakota does not require a safety inspection for private RV sales.

How much does RV registration cost in North Dakota?

Registration in North Dakota runs $49–$150/year, billed annually unless you qualify for a multi-year option. This is separate from any one-time sales tax due at titling.

Does North Dakota's lemon law cover RVs?

No — like most states, North Dakota's lemon law does not cover RVs. Private sales are as-is; a pre-purchase inspection is your main protection.

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