State guide
North Dakota
North Dakota uses a business-performed inspection model instead of limiting VIN checks to DMV staff or law enforcement. The state’s current forms require inspections to be completed by a qualified business registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State that offers motor vehicle repair to the public.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- When a VIN verification is required
- North Dakota publishes VIN or inspection forms for newly constructed/kit cars, modified vehicles, antique restorations, salvage rebuilt/repaired vehicles, untitled vehicles, low-speed/off-highway vehicles, and homemade trailers; the out-of-state title instructions found do not impose a general VIN inspection for ordinary out-of-state title transfer.
- Who can do it
- A qualified business may perform the inspection if it is registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State and offers motor vehicle repair services to the public; law enforcement may be used to locate and verify a VIN for assigned-VIN work.
- Official form
- SFN 61999 Certificate of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection; SFN 2486 Certificate of Motor Vehicle Inspection; SFN 58953 Certificate of Low-Speed, Off-Highway Vehicle and Trailer Inspection; SFN 60467 Application for North Dakota Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Fee
- Not published by an official source we could verify. Ask the office.
- Official instructions
- Official page →
Official resources in North Dakota
Official VIN-inspection form showing who may perform the inspection and what must be certified.
Official inspection form for newly constructed/kit cars, modified vehicles, antique restorations, salvage rebuilt/repaired vehicles, and untitled vehicles.
Official inspection form for low-speed vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and trailers including homemade trailers.
Explains that customers should contact local repair shops and restates who qualifies to inspect.
Lists NDDOT motor vehicle branch locations, addresses, and phone numbers for title services.
Key facts for North Dakota
- SFN 61999 says a VIN inspection must be performed by a qualified business registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State.
- NDDOT says customers needing an inspection for a regular certificate of title should contact local motor vehicle repair shops.
- SFN 2486 covers newly constructed/kit cars, modified motor vehicles, antique restorations, salvage rebuilt/repaired vehicles, and untitled vehicles.
- SFN 58953 covers low-speed, off-highway, and trailer inspections and notes that a VIN inspection requires SFN 61999.
- SFN 60467 says North Dakota will issue an assigned VIN for a vehicle or trailer with no VIN attached.
- North Dakota's out-of-state title instructions published by NDDOT list title, tax, and fee items, but the page found does not add a general VIN inspection requirement.
Official VIN inspection locations in North Dakota
| Location | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck Motor Vehicle office | Bismarck | 701-328-2725 | Title issuing branch at the NDDOT Building East Doors; appointment-based. |
| Fargo Motor Vehicle office | Fargo | 701-282-5070 | Title issuing branch; walk-ins are available but appointments take priority. |
| Williston Motor Vehicle office | Williston | 701-713-3410 | Title issuing branch; walk-ins are available but appointments take priority. |
| McKenzie County Motor Vehicle office McKenzie | Watford City | 701-444-3616 | Title issuing branch in the McKenzie County Courthouse; appointment-based with walk-ins accepted. |
| Qualified business inspection program | Not published* | Not published* | NDDOT directs customers to local motor vehicle repair shops that meet the qualified-business standard. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Before paying a shop, confirm it is registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State and offers repair services to the public.
- If your vehicle is rebuilt, kit-built, modified, untitled, or homemade, bring both the appropriate inspection certificate and SFN 61999 if a VIN inspection is needed.
- Make your title appointment separately with a Motor Vehicle office after the inspection paperwork is complete and legible.
Not seeing your location or county?
Not every location publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from North Dakota's population center, for comparison only):
- DVS Inspection Unit - Fergus Falls, Minnesota · about 180 miles
- Rebuilt vehicle inspection program, South Dakota · about 210 miles
- South Dakota Motor Vehicle Division, South Dakota · about 210 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.SFN 61999 Certificate of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection
Website →Phone not shown: use the contact page on the official website above.Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the North Dakota page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.