39-05-03. Department not to license vehicle until application is made for a certificate of title

39-05-03. Department not to license vehicle until application is made for a certificate of title. The department may not register or renew the registration for license of any vehicle unless an application is made for an official certificate of title for the vehicle, satisfactory evidence is presented that a certificate of title for the vehicle has been issued previously to the lienholder or owner by the department, or the vehicle is regularly engaged in interstate commerce of persons or property, is registered in accordance with the international registration plan, and has a currently effective certificate of title that has been issued in another state that has a reciprocal excise tax agreement with this state.