Transfer a car title after a death in North Dakota

A successor can transfer a vehicle using NDDOT's version of the small estate affidavit (SFN 2916), signed before a notary at least 30 days after the death, stating the whole estate, minus liens, is $100,000 or less and no personal representative has been appointed.

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in North Dakota

A successor can transfer a vehicle using NDDOT's version of the small estate affidavit (SFN 2916), signed before a notary at least 30 days after the death, stating the whole estate, minus liens, is $100,000 or less and no personal representative has been appointed. If a personal representative was appointed, the representative signs the title.

Law: N.D.C.C. sec. 30.1-23-01; NDDOT SFN 2916

Agency
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Motor Vehicle Division
Form
SFN 2916 Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of the Decedent (4-2026)
Waiting period
30 days after the death
Fee

NDDOT charges its title fee.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Counts

Vehicles in the person's name count. NDDOT accepts its own version of the affidavit (SFN 2916).

Law: N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-01; NDDOT SFN 2916

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Counts

Boats, mobile homes and other personal property in the person's name count.

Law: N.D.C.C. 30.1-23-01

Related pages

Free help in North Dakota

A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.