All Roll Calls
Yes: 188 • No: 0
North DakotaSB 22472025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 39-05-05 and section 39-05-20 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obtaining a new vehicle certificate of title, an application for a certificate of title, and the removal of number plates on a vehicle.
Sponsored By: Paul J. Thomas (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Faster clear titles for insurers and dealers
Insurers that paid a total-loss claim can get a new state title free of recorded liens, without using Title 35 procedures. A licensed dealer that held a claim vehicle at an insurer’s request for over 30 days can get clear title after sending at least two certified letters to the owner of record and any known lienholder asking to remove the vehicle. In both cases, the Department may cancel the old title and issue a new, lien‑free title.
Remove plates when you transfer a vehicle
When you transfer or assign ownership of a vehicle registered under chapters 39-04, 39-18, or 39-29.2, you must remove its number plates. You do not have to remove them if the plates have had no valid registration for ten years.
Charities must file affidavit for donated cars
If a 501(c)(3) charity receives a donated vehicle, it must provide an affidavit stating it was a donation. The Department needs this affidavit as part of the proof before it issues the title.
Get a new title without seller's title
If you cannot get the seller's assigned title, you can apply for a new North Dakota title. The Department may cancel the old title and issue you a new one, but any existing lien stays. For vehicles under 40 years old, you must show you paid and send at least two certified letters to the owner of record and any known lienholder asking for the title. For vehicles over 40 years old, a bill of sale or a statement of ownership is enough; if you show a bill of sale, the sale price is used for value, otherwise the Department may ask for an appraisal. Any vehicle with a VIN can be titled this way once ownership is verified, but not a manufactured home that has a recorded affidavit of affixation.
How the state decides title disputes
By default, your proof for a new title must follow the steps in Title 35 unless a specific rule says otherwise. The Department can set procedures to decide who owns a vehicle and whether a lien on a title is valid when it cannot find the legal owner of record. If asked, anyone whose interest was ended or transferred without their choice must mail or deliver the old certificate; giving it up does not waive their rights, and a new title does not finally decide those rights. Anyone harmed by an ownership decision may appeal to district court under chapter 28-32.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Paul J. Thomas
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Jim Grueneich
Republican • House
Dan Ruby
Republican • House
David A. Clemens
Republican • Senate
Claire Cory
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/26/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
Yes: 47 • No: 0
House vote • 3/20/2025
Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 94 nays 0
Yes: 94 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/20/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
Yes: 47 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 04/03
4/4/2025HouseSigned by Governor 04/02
4/3/2025SenateSent to Governor
3/31/2025SenateSigned by President
3/31/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
3/31/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
3/26/2025SenateConcurred
3/26/2025SenateReturned to Senate (12)
3/21/2025SenateSecond reading, passed as amended, yeas 94 nays 0
3/20/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
3/19/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 11 0 3
3/18/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 09:00
3/13/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Transportation Committee
2/25/2025HouseReceived from Senate
2/21/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
2/20/2025SenateAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/18/2025SenateReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 5 0 1
2/17/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 09:00
1/31/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Transportation Committee
1/20/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
FIRST ENGROSSMENT with House Amendments
INTRODUCED
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Thomas
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