North Dakota Car Bill of Sale: Form SFN 2888 + Requirements

North Dakota car bill of sale — Form SFN 2888, DOT title transfer, sales tax, free template. What's required and what's optional in ND.

PublishedMay 11, 2026
UpdatedJune 5, 2026
Read2 min

North Dakota Car Bill of Sale: Form SFN 2888 + Requirements

North Dakota is one of 16 US states that require a bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer. The state publishes Form SFN 2888 (Bill of Sale). Notarization is not required.

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Is a bill of sale required in North Dakota?

Yes. ND requires a signed bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.

Notarization

Not required.

State-specific form

Form SFN 2888 (Bill of Sale) is North Dakota's standard bill of sale form. Available at dot.nd.gov.

The form must include:

  • Seller's full legal name, address
  • Buyer's full legal name, address
  • Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
  • Odometer reading
  • Sale price
  • Date of sale
  • Both signatures

Sales tax implications

North Dakota Motor Vehicle Excise Tax: 5% of the sale price. The buyer pays at the DOT at title transfer.

State-specific seller disclosures

  • Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
  • No statewide emissions testing: ND doesn't require periodic emissions inspection
  • Salvage title disclosure: required if branded

Where to file

The buyer files at any North Dakota DOT office within 30 days of sale.

For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a bill of sale in ND?

Yes. North Dakota requires a signed bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.

Does ND require a notarized bill of sale?

No.

What's the sales tax on a private car sale in ND?

5% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax of the sale price.

What form do I use?

Form SFN 2888 (ND Bill of Sale), available at dot.nd.gov.

Where do I file the bill of sale in ND?

At any ND DOT office, with the signed title. Within 30 days of sale.

Does ND require emissions testing?

No.

What if I lost the title in ND?

Apply for a duplicate at the ND DOT.

Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?

The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.

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