North Dakota Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for North Dakota.

Title Required

❌ No

Registration only

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

5.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in North Dakota

North Dakota does not issue titles for recreational boats. Instead, vessels are registered with the state. The registration certificate and bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

North Dakota does not title boats. Register with ND Game & Fish within 15 days. Sales tax is collected at registration.

Lien Search in North Dakota

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

North Dakota Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

North Dakota requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by North Dakota

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in North Dakota

North Dakota charges 5.00% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local North Dakota agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in North Dakota

North Dakota is landlocked. USCG documentation does not apply.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, North Dakota may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →

Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota

Does North Dakota require a boat title?▾

No — North Dakota does not issue titles for recreational boats. You register the vessel instead.

What is the boat sales tax rate in North Dakota?▾

The sales tax rate on boats in North Dakota is 5.00%.

Is a bill of sale required in North Dakota?▾

Yes — North Dakota requires a bill of sale to transfer boat ownership.

How do I search for liens on a boat in North Dakota?▾

Use the official North Dakota lien search at https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/mv/mv.htm. For USCG-documented vessels, also check the NVDC at nvdc.uscg.mil.