North Dakota VIN Lookup
Table of Contents
- VIN Verification
- North Dakota Car Ownership and Driving Information
- North Dakota DMV
- Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
- Buying a Used Car in North Dakota
- Reasons to Do a VIN Check in North Dakota
- How to Lookup a VIN Number in North Dakota
- VIN Replacement in North Dakota
- New Vehicle Registration in North Dakota
- How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in North Dakota
- What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in North Dakota
- How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?
- Vehicle Inspections in North Dakota
North Dakota has many used car dealers, allowing residents to invest in pre-owned vehicles. However, buyers are encouraged to perform a VIN check before purchasing used vehicles. The VIN check provides information about the car's history so the buyer understands the car's risks.
North Dakota is mostly a farming community with vast rural areas throughout the state. Most residents prefer using reliable and durable vehicles like pickup trucks to carry farm produce and equipment, tow other vehicles, and handle the harsh winter conditions in the state. Additionally, residents prefer using SUVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles to move around, from the town to the rural areas.
A person should always perform a VIN check to purchase a car. In North Dakota, potential buyers can request this information from the state's Online Title Search on the Department of Transportation's website. They can also use the NMVTIS database, NHTSA VIN Decoder, and NHTSA Recall Lookup to check its recall, salvage, and flood status. Lastly, potential buyers can use free and paid services to check a car's identification number to get its history.
VIN Verification
VIN verification is the process of ensuring that the VIN aligns with the one on the title documents. Authorities in various states require individuals to take their cars through VIN verification multiple times, such as when registering and titling cars.
In North Dakota, VIN verification is needed if the car owner is applying for a salvaged title. Residents may also need VIN verification for antique vehicles and when registering out-of-state vehicles. Furthermore, a VIN inspection is necessary before title transfers.
A qualified business may carry out the inspection process. The company must be registered with the North Dakota Secretary of State. In addition, the business must offer motor vehicle repair services to the public.
Depending on the vehicle, the inspector will either fill out a Form SFN 2486 (Certificate of Vehicle Inspection) or Form SNF 58593 (Certificate of Vehicle Inspection Off-Highway/Low-Speed Vehicles). The inspector usually checks the VIN's presence and the vehicle parts to ensure they work. In addition, the inspector may also note the status of the car, such as antique, homemade, rebuilt, or modified.
North Dakota Car Ownership and Driving Information
High Car Ownership Rate
North Dakota has a relatively high car ownership rate, with 94.9% of households reporting access to at least one vehicle. The average number of cars per household is 2.8.
Average Annual Mileage
The average annual mileage a driver in North Dakota records is 17,671 miles, corresponding with the high ownership rate.
Popular Car Makes in North Dakota
The best-selling vehicle in North Dakota is the Chevrolet Silverado. Other popular car makers in the state include the Ford F150, Dodge Ram 1500, and GMC Sierra.
Car Accidents
In 2022, there were 10,734 crashes in North Dakota, resulting in 98 fatalities.
Speeding Related Crashes
In 2022, North Dakota recorded 96 fatal crashes involving speeding or aggressive driving. This was 31% of all crashes that year.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Alcohol was a factor in 36 fatal crashes in 2022. It resulted in 35 fatalities.
Teen Safety
In 2022, teen driver involvement resulted in 1,706 crashes, a 16% decrease from the previous year.
North Dakota DMV
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) oversees motor vehicle services in the state. The following are some of their key services:
- Driver's Licenses: Issuance of driver's licenses for residents, renewal and replacement of driver's licenses, and updating information on driver's licenses.
- Vehicle Registration: Registering and titling vehicles, renewing vehicle registrations, and transferring vehicle ownership.
- License Plates: Issuing and renewing license plates and personalized and specialty license plates at the request of vehicle owners.
- Identification Cards: Issuing identification cards for non-drivers.
- Motorcycle Licensing: Issuing motorcycle permits and licenses.
- Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL): Issuing CDLs for commercial drivers and CDL renewal and testing.
- Driving Records: Providing driving records upon request.
- Vehicle Inspections: Overseeing vehicle inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Online Services: Offering various online services for license renewals, address changes, and more.
- Road Safety Programs: Implementing road safety initiatives and programs.
Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
To ensure federal law compliance and promote environmental quality, drivers in North Dakota can refer to various resources and regulations. Here are key points:
- North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ): The NDDEQ website provides information on air quality, water quality, waste management, and other environmental programs.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Drivers can find information on air quality regulations and initiatives on the EPA's website.
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA): Drivers transporting hazardous materials must comply with federal regulations outlined by the administration.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Regulates safety and environmental standards for commercial drivers and carriers.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Enforces federal traffic safety laws, provides information on vehicle safety, and manages recalls.
- U.S. Department of Energy: The department provides drivers with information on fuel efficiency and alternative fuels.
Buying a Used Car in North Dakota
Buying a used car in North Dakota requires buyers to go through various steps. They ensure proper legal exchange and hassle-free purchasing. Key considerations include:
North Dakota Lemon Laws
Unfortunately, the North Dakota Lemon Laws do not apply to used cars. They only apply to new cars, so unless a warranty is included in the 'as is' purchase, the buyer is responsible for all repairs. Additionally, these cars should only be designed for carrying people and weigh less than 10,000 pounds.
On the other hand, the law does not apply to motorcycles or motorhomes.
Title Transfer and Registration
Buyers who purchase a car with a North Dakota title must sign and date the title as required. The seller must also fill in the required fields. Individuals must complete and sign the Purchaser's Certification and Application, and if the vehicle is over 9 years old, the seller must complete an SFN 18609 Damage Disclosure Statement. If the buyer purchases a vehicle with an out-of-state title, sellers and buyers must complete the title.
Conducting a VIN Check
Because the Lemon law does not protect used cars, buyers must conduct a VIN check to ensure the vehicle is available for legal purchase and does not have extensive damage.
Sales Tax
In North Dakota, buyers are subject to a 5% sales tax on all motor vehicle purchases, new or used, in or out of the state. However, depending on the county tax laws in the state, the sales tax might increase to 8.5%.
Reasons to Do a VIN Check in North Dakota
Performing a VIN check in North Dakota is crucial when considering purchasing a used car. Here are several reasons why it is important:
- Vehicle Identity Verification: VIN checks help verify that the vehicle you are considering buying matches the information provided by the seller.
- Title Verification: The VIN check verifies the vehicle's title status. It can reveal whether the car has a clean title, a salvage title, or has been reported as a total loss due to an accident or other reasons.
- Vehicle History Information: A VIN check provides a comprehensive vehicle history report detailing the car's past, including accidents, title information, odometer readings, and more.
- Odometer Fraud Detection: VIN checks can help identify instances of odometer fraud by comparing reported odometer readings with historical data.
- Negotiation Tool: If the VIN check reveals issues with the vehicle's history, a potential buyer can use the information to lower the buying price or negotiate repairs before finalizing the deal.
How to Lookup a VIN Number in North Dakota
North Dakota residents can look up a vehicle's VIN in several ways before buying it. They include:
Option 1: Using the North Dakota Online Title Search
The state has an online Title Status Search portalthat allows people to look up a car's information using its VIN. During the search, a person can get undisclosed issues with the vehicle, such as salvage status, rebuilt, or odometer rollbacks.
Option 2: Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website
Additionally, potential buyers looking to purchase vehicles in North Dakota can use the NHTSA database to look up its details. They can use the NHTSA VIN Decoder to verify if a vehicle's VIN matches the details on the title. The NHTSA Recall lookup also provides VIN check services, showing if a car was recalled, salvaged, or flooded.
Option 3: Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
Residents in North Dakota can also use the NMVTIS database to look up VINs and find vehicle information before purchasing. The NMVTIS is a record that holds all vehicle details in the country.
Option 4: Using InfoTracer to Lookup a North Dakota VIN Number Online
North Dakota residents can also use the InfoTracer database to check a vehicle's VIN. InfoTracer is a website that holds all public records, including car information.
VIN Replacement in North Dakota
The North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division handles the replacement of VINs in the state. To get a state-issued VIN, a person has to provide the following:
- Proof of identity using a valid North Dakota driving license or identification card.
- Certificate of Title.
- A completed Application for North Dakota Assigned Vehicle Identification Number form.
- Any replacement fee.
New Vehicle Registration in North Dakota
The state requires new vehicle owners and new residents to register their cars within 90 days after purchasing or moving to North Dakota. The DOT is responsible for issuing vehicle registrations in the state.
To register a new vehicle in the state, a person should have the following:
- Proof of car ownership, either a title or registration certificate.
- Proof of identity, either a North Dakota driving license or identification card.
- A completed vehicle registration application.
- Proof of insurance.
- Payment of registration fees.
Once the DOT approves the registration application, a person will receive a certificate, a license plate, and a decal.
How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in North Dakota
A Certificate of Title is used to prove a car's ownership. After purchasing a used car in North Dakota, a person must title it under their name. The state's DOT transfers titles and car details, including the VIN.
To transfer titles in North Dakota, the state requires a person to have:
- Complete the vehicle title certificate application with both the signatures of the buyer and seller.
- A bill of sale.
- A North Dakota identification card or a driver's license as proof of identity.
- A completed Certificate of Title Application and Registration - Form SFN 2872.
- A completed Damage/ Salvage Disclosure Statement - Form SFN 18609.
- Proof of sales tax payment.
- Payment of title transfer fees.
The State of North Dakota does not require a person to perform an emissions inspection to transfer a car title.
What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in North Dakota
A vehicle history report includes comprehensive information about a specific vehicle's past. It may include information such as the title status, odometer readings, reported accidents and damage, lien information, and the accuracy of the VIN.
How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?
Individuals use third-party providers and online services to find a car's VIN using its license plate.
Vehicle Inspections in North Dakota
North Dakota requires an annual vehicle safety inspection for cars in the state. The inspection checks for the brake systems, body, chassis, electrical systems, glass and mirrors, horn, lighting, odometer, and suspension systems.
What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in North Dakota?
A vehicle inspection report in North Dakota provides a comprehensive overview of a vehicle's condition based on a thorough inspection. It details the vehicle's safety and emissions components, ensuring compliance with state regulations.