How to Transfer a Car Title in Nebraska?

Transferring a Nebraska vehicle title needs to be done correctly, and this becomes especially important in private-party car transactions. This title transfer guide gives you all the details you need to know when signing over an auto title in Nebraska.

A car title transfer makes the buyer the new owner of the vehicle. A title transfer is divided into two stages:

1. The seller and buyer meet in person. The buyer pays the seller for the car. Both fill out the physical title certificate and sign it. The buyer is now the legal owner of the purchased car.
2. The buyer registers the newly-bought vehicle with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the DMV updates their records to establish the buyer as the titled owner.

The first step (the seller signing over the title) is the critical transfer of ownership. The second step is a necessary formality.

As the car seller, you transfer ownership of the car by signing the title over to the buyer. You’ll take off your plates and be done with the car.

As the buyer, you become the legal owner as soon as the seller transfers the title to your name. You will finalize with the Nebraska DMV to get a title and registration in your name. You’ll also get your own license plates and car insurance.

When signing a Nebraska certificate of title, always keep the following in mind.


Front of the Title
The front of a Nebraska title has a section for sellers (red), buyers (teal), and lienholders (green).

You’ve done the deal and are the proud owner of a new-to-you vehicle. Your work is not done yet. There are still steps you need to take to finalize your vehicle's title transfer with the State of Nebraska. You also need to get new license plates and register the car with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Registration in Nebraska costs $15. To apply for a Nebraska license plate, you must have a valid Nebraska car registration card from the Nebraska DMV. To register your vehicle, you will first need to transfer the title.

You will need to submit the following items to your local DMV office:

In the state of Nebraska, titling and registration are done at the same time. When purchasing a used car, you will need to provide your local Nebraska DMV office with the following:


How Much are Nebraska License Plates?
Nebraska standard license plates cost $8.20, while message plates cost $40.

If you want specialized license plates, be prepared to pay more.

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Here are the steps to selling your car in Nebraska:

1. Gather the required paperwork for selling a vehicle in Nebraska
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Vet incoming offers
6. Choose a buyer
7. Schedule a meeting
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid, instantly
10. Transfer car title