This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code regarding the application process for obtaining a new vehicle certificate of title and the conditions under which a new title may be issued. It specifies that an application must include a full description of the vehicle, including the manufacturer and identification number, and allows the department to assign a vehicle identification number if one cannot be located. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the department may require an inspection of the vehicle before issuing a title and mandates that the owner's legal name must be verified through valid identification.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the procedures for a transferee to obtain a new certificate of title when the original cannot be obtained. It introduces new provisions for different types of transferees, including insurers, tax-exempt organizations, licensed motor vehicle dealers, and individuals, with specific requirements for each category. Notably, it distinguishes between vehicles based on their age, with different proof of ownership requirements for vehicles less than and more than forty years old. The bill also allows the department to establish procedures for determining ownership in cases where the legal owner of record is unclear and provides a mechanism for appealing department decisions regarding vehicle ownership.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 39-04-36, 39-05-20
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Thomas: 39-05-05, 39-05-20
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 39-05-05, 39-05-20