North Dakota regulates nonbank consumer-finance activity through its money-broker framework and the Department of Financial Institutions. The official materials reviewed do not provide a separate general title-loan rate chart. Before putting a vehicle at risk, verify the lender’s status, the applicable rate authority, complete lien terms, and all default provisions.
Last reviewed: August 14, 2026. General consumer information, not legal advice.
Are title loans legal in North Dakota?
Do not rely on a product label alone. North Dakota DFI licenses and regulates money brokers, deferred-presentment providers, and other listed non-depository financial services. The Department’s consumer materials direct residents to NMLS Consumer Access to determine whether an entity is licensed in North Dakota. For non-regulated lenders, DFI publishes a monthly usury ceiling; the limit has exceptions, including loans from regulated or government-funded lending institutions.
Sources: North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions, DFI usury-rate guidance, and NDCC Chapter 13-04.1, Money Brokers.
North Dakota consumer-finance checks
| Topic | North Dakota rule or consumer check |
|---|---|
| Regulator | DFI licenses and regulates money brokers, deferred-presentment providers, money transmitters, and other listed services. |
| Money broker license | DFI states that NDCC 13-04.1-02 requires a money-broker license for money-brokering activity with a North Dakota borrower. |
| License lookup | DFI directs consumers to NMLS Consumer Access to see whether an entity or individual is licensed in North Dakota. |
| Usury rule | DFI publishes a monthly maximum rate for non-regulated lenders; it is 5.5 percentage points above the stated Treasury-bill benchmark and may not be below 7%. |
| Usury exceptions | DFI lists exceptions, including certain business loans, loans over $35,000, regulated or government-funded lending institutions, and bona fide pawn transactions. |
| Vehicle collateral | A vehicle title or lien can place transportation at risk. Obtain the security agreement and lien details before signing. |
| Rate authority | Ask the lender which North Dakota law and license authority permit the proposed rate, fee, and loan structure. |
| Online offer | Do not assume an online lender is authorized. Verify the business through NMLS and preserve the offer terms. |
| Complaint scope | DFI handles complaints about entities within its jurisdiction but says it is a regulatory agency, not a court or personal lawyer. |
| Other complaint route | DFI directs complaints about non-depository entities to the CFPB where appropriate and links to the Attorney General’s consumer resources. |
Before signing
Request the lender’s legal name, North Dakota license status, APR, finance charge, total of payments, payment schedule, lien/security documents, payoff information, and repossession terms. Do not sign blank documents or a title transfer that does not clearly state whether it is a lien or a sale. Keep every version of the agreement.
Default and vehicle risk
If a payment problem develops, request a written accounting and payoff figure promptly. Preserve all notices, payment records, title documents, and communications. Consult a lawyer quickly if repossession is threatened; DFI notes it cannot act as a court or give legal advice for private disputes.
Alternatives and help
- Call 211 for local food, housing, utility, and transportation resources.
- Ask a bank or credit union about a personal loan, hardship option, or payment plan.
- Use DFI’s complaint process for regulated entities and license-verification help.
- Use the CFPB for appropriate non-depository consumer-finance complaints.
Cities we serve in North Dakota
Local pages remain subject to lender-relationship and quality review. This statewide hub is the North Dakota consumer-finance reference until individual destinations are validated.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether a North Dakota lender is licensed?
DFI directs consumers to NMLS Consumer Access to verify whether a company or individual is licensed in North Dakota.
Does North Dakota publish a usury rate?
Yes. DFI publishes a monthly maximum for non-regulated lenders and lists the statutory exceptions.
Can DFI resolve every private dispute?
No. DFI states it is a regulatory agency and may not have authority to provide remedies that directly benefit a consumer.
What should I preserve if my car is collateral?
Keep the complete agreement, title and lien papers, notices, payment history, and written payoff information.
