If you just bought a car in North Dakota but don’t have your metal license plates yet, you cannot legally drive without a temporary permit.
However, North Dakota has two very different temporary permits depending on where you live. Applying for the wrong one can lead to rejected applications or legal issues.
- You need the 30-Day Drive-Out Permit if: You are a non-resident who bought a vehicle in North Dakota and plan to title and register it in your home state.
- You need the 75-Day Temporary Registration if: You are a North Dakota resident waiting for your official plates to arrive.
Here is the breakdown of how to get the right permit, the costs involved, and how to print it immediately.
Option 1: 30-Day Drive-Out Permit (Non-Residents Only)
This permit is strictly for non-residents who purchase a vehicle in North Dakota and need to legally drive it back to their home state. It gives you a 30-day window to travel and complete your registration elsewhere.
Eligibility Checklist
- You must not be a resident of North Dakota.
- The vehicle must generally be purchased from a private party or a dealer who did not issue a permit.
- The vehicle must be “non-junked” and “non-salvaged.”
How to Apply Online
You can apply and print this permit instantly through the NDDOT online portal.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the NDDOT Temporary Registration page.
- Enter Vehicle Details: Have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), Make, Year, and purchase date ready.
- Pay the Fee: The fee is typically $5.00 (subject to change based on vehicle type).
- Print: You must have a printer ready. The permit must be displayed clearly in your rear window.
Warning: This permit is valid for 30 days only. It cannot be renewed. If you fail to register your vehicle in your home state within this window, you risk fines.
Option 2: 75-Day Temporary Registration (North Dakota Residents)
If you live in North Dakota, do not apply for the 30-day permit. You are legally required to title and register the vehicle in ND. While your paperwork is processing, you will receive a 75-Day Temporary Registration.
If you bought from a dealership, they usually handle this for you. If you bought from a private party, you may need to apply for this yourself if you can’t get metal plates immediately.
- Validity: 75 days (formerly shorter, but extended to account for processing delays).
- Requirement: You must carry proof of ownership (Bill of Sale or Title) and proof of insurance in the car with you.
If you are new to the state and need to get your permanent documents sorted, check our guide on North Dakota DMV Appointment to schedule your title transfer.
Special Case: Temporary Workers (Non-Resident Professionals)
Are you working in North Dakota temporarily (e.g., oil fields, medical contracts) but keeping your permanent residence in another state?
You do not need a 30-day drive-out permit. Instead, you need a Temporary Registration Permit for non-resident workers.
- Duration: Issued for 6 months or 12 months.
- Cost: Fees vary by vehicle weight (e.g., approx. $120 for 12 months for a standard pickup).
- Rule: You must maintain valid registration in your home state to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The 30-Day Drive-Out Permit is specifically designed to allow you to drive the vehicle from North Dakota to your home state. However, always carry your Bill of Sale and proof of insurance to show law enforcement if stopped.
If you are a resident and your 75-day permit is about to expire, check your North Dakota driving record or contact the NDDOT immediately. Do not drive on an expired permit; you can be ticketed.
Yes. North Dakota law requires valid liability insurance to operate any vehicle on public roads, regardless of whether it has permanent plates or a temporary permit.
You must update your address immediately to ensure your metal plates are delivered to the right location. Use our guide on ND Drivers License Address Change to see how to update your details with the DOT.
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