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North Dakota car sales tax at a glance
| North Dakota | |
|---|---|
| Tax | motor vehicle excise tax |
| State rate | 5% |
| Counties and cities add tax | No |
| Trade-in lowers the tax | Yes, tax is on the price minus the trade |
| Leases | Tax on all the payments, due at signing |
Checked on the state's official sources on 2026-11-02. Rates change; the state's revenue department has the last word.
How to work out North Dakota sales tax on a car
Multiply the taxable price by the rate. In North Dakota the trade-in comes off first.
A $30,000 car with a $5,000 trade: $25,000 x 5% = $1,250 at the state rate.
5% excise on the purchase price at titling, instead of sales tax (NDCC 57-40.3-02); local sales taxes do not apply.
Trade-ins
When a motor vehicle is taken in trade as a credit or part payment, the trade-in value allowed is deducted from the total selling price to establish the purchase price (NDCC 57-40.3-01(5)).
Leasing a car in North Dakota
Tax on all the payments, due at signing. North Dakota: for leases of one year or more (vehicles 10,000 lbs or less), all lease receipts for the whole term are deemed paid and the 5% tax is collected at the first payment or registration (NDCC 57-40.3-02.1). The lease calculator uses North Dakota's method when you pick the state.
Dealer doc fees
No cap found.