North Dakota Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

North Dakota requirements

• The NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division issues titles in North Dakota. The transfer runs on the assigned certificate of title, with the odometer disclosure completed on the title itself (N.D.C.C. 39-05-05 and the federal Truth in Mileage Act).
• North Dakota publishes form SFN 2888 (Seller's Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale); NDDOT guidance notably accepts it as proof of ownership when no certificate of title is available. Our template is a general purpose alternative for documenting the sale.
• NDDOT guidance we reviewed does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for a routine private sale.
• A 5 percent motor vehicle excise tax is due when the buyer applies for a North Dakota certificate of title.
• Dated proof of the sale, such as a dated bill of sale, is what NDDOT looks to when questions arise about when ownership changed.
• Apply for title promptly after purchase and confirm current deadlines and fees with the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division.

Frequently asked questions

Does North Dakota have an official bill of sale form?

Yes, SFN 2888 (Seller's Certificate and Vehicle Bill of Sale). It matters most when no title is available, since NDDOT can accept it as proof of ownership. For an ordinary sale, any complete bill of sale documents the deal.

Where is the odometer reading recorded in a North Dakota sale?

On the certificate of title. The seller completes the odometer disclosure on the title, and the Motor Vehicle Division will refuse to transfer ownership without it when disclosure is required.

Official sources

• https://www.dot.nd.gov/motor-vehicle
• https://www.dot.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Motor%20Vehicle%20Services/registration-manual.pdf