SB 2247 North Dakota Senate · 69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

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.

SB 2247 amends North Dakota's vehicle title procedures by updating sections 39-05-05 and 39-05-20 of the Century Code. It changes how vehicle owners and dealers apply for new title certificates and remove license plates when selling or disposing of vehicles. The bill directly affects anyone transferring vehicle ownership within North Dakota. Key changes streamline the application process for title certificates and clarify requirements for plate removal during vehicle transactions.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Mar 2025

Signed into Law

Apr 2025

Introduced Jan 20, 2025 Signed Apr 3, 2025

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What changed between versions

FIRST ENGROSSMENT → Enrollment · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends vehicle title laws to update application requirements and clarify procedures for obtaining new titles when old ones are lost or damaged. Key changes include adding model year to vehicle descriptions, requiring photo documentation for VIN verification, and adding appeal procedures for ownership disputes. The bill also clarifies valuation rules for older vehicles and exempts certain transfers from specific statutes.

Scope change

The bill maintains the same scope of vehicle title administration but modifies specific requirements and procedures for title applications and ownership disputes.

REQUIREMENT

Added model year requirement to vehicle descriptions on title applications

Changed VIN verification process to require applicant photo of the VIN instead of vehicle inspection

Added appeal procedures allowing aggrieved parties to challenge ownership decisions in district court

Clarified that older vehicle transfers (40+ years) are exempt from specific valuation statutes

Added requirement for appraisal only when bill of sale is not presented for older vehicle transfers

Floor votes · Senate Mar 26, 2025 · House Mar 20, 2025

How they voted

47–0

Passed

Total votes 47

Mar 26, 2025

D Democratic5

5 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican42

42 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 4, 2025

Introduced

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/03

legislature

Apr 3, 2025

Signed into law

Signed by Governor 04/02

upper

Mar 26, 2025

Upper · Passed

Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

upper

Mar 26, 2025

Upper · Passed

Concurred

upper

Mar 20, 2025

Lower · Passed

Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 94 nays 0

lower

Mar 19, 2025

Lower · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

lower

Mar 18, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 11 0 3

lower

Mar 13, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee Hearing 09:00

lower

Feb 25, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Transportation Committee

lower

Feb 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0

upper

Feb 18, 2025

Upper · Passed

Amendment adopted, placed on calendar

upper

Feb 17, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 5 0 1

upper

Jan 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

Committee Hearing 09:00

upper

Jan 20, 2025

Introduced

Introduced, first reading, referred Transportation Committee

upper

1 primary · 4 co-sponsors