Properly signing your North Dakota vehicle title is one of the most important parts of a legal sale. Use the steps below as your guide. If you're working with a dealer, ask them how they want the title handled before you sign.
1. Verify Your Title
Start by confirming that the title is in your name and contains no mistakes. If the title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, request a duplicate through the North Dakota DOT Motor Vehicle Division before going any further.
2. Notarization Is Not Required
In a standard private sale, North Dakota does not require notarization of the seller's signature on the title. Both parties simply need to sign the title itself. Notarization is generally only needed in unusual cases, such as when a representative is signing under a Power of Attorney — contact the NDDOT if you're uncertain.
3. Complete the Seller Information on the Back of the Title
Flip the title over to find the seller information section, which needs to be filled out without errors:
- Seller's Signature: Sign in the box labeled for the seller's signature. All owners listed on the title must sign.
- Printed Name of Seller: Print your name exactly as it appears on the title.
- Buyer Information: Provide the buyer's full name and address in the designated section.
- Odometer Reading: Provide the vehicle's accurate mileage at the time of sale, ensuring this information is filled in correctly without errors. It is important to not guess this number, and record an exact mileage number.
Important: Avoid making corrections, using white-out, or crossing out information, as this will invalidate the title.
4. Address Liens
Got a lien on the title? You'll need the lienholder's permission before transferring ownership. They can either sign the title directly or issue a lien release letter. The transfer isn't legal until the lien is officially cleared.
5. Consider Multiple Owners
Multiple owners on a title? The connector between names tells you whether one or both signatures are required:
- "AND": Both owners are required to sign.
- "OR": Only one owner needs to sign.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization is not required for a standard private sale.
- Ensure all signatures match exactly as they appear on the title.
- Address any existing liens before proceeding.
Follow these steps and your North Dakota title transfer should go through without issue. For full official guidance, visit the North Dakota DOT Motor Vehicle Division page.
Verified May 2026