Bill > HB1480

This bill modifies North Dakota's motor vehicle title procedures by establishing a new process for obtaining a certificate of title for a vehicle that has not been registered for an extended period (changed from 10 to 25 years). Under the new provisions, an individual who is not the legal owner of the vehicle must take specific steps to request a title, including sending a certified letter to the last-known registered address of the vehicle and publishing a notice of the title request twice in a local newspaper over a 30-day period (previously 14 days). If no response is received within 30 days (previously 14 days) and the individual can provide proof of completing these notification requirements, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be authorized to issue a certificate of title to the requesting individual. This bill appears designed to provide a clear, structured process for individuals seeking to obtain titles for long-unregistered vehicles while providing reasonable opportunity for the original owner to respond.