How to Transfer a Title in Nevada

A certificate of title proves ownership of a vehicle, and transferring it correctly is critical when a car is sold. Here’s how to transfer the title correctly when buying or selling a used car in Nevada.

Quick links:

What is the Nevada title transfer process?

How to fill out the Nevada certificate of title form?

How to finalize with the Nevada DMV

Title transfer fees in Nevada

Is an emissions inspection required in Nevada?

Do I need new license plates in Nevada?

Does Nevada require a bill of sale?

From how to fill out the actual fields in the title certificate to what to do at the DMV after you have the title, this title transfer guide covers everything you need to know about transferring a car title in Nevada.

A car title transfer makes the new owner of a vehicle the buyer. A title transfer has two stages:

1. The seller and buyer have a face-to-face meeting. The buyer pays the seller for the car. The seller and buyer both sign the physical certificate of title. The buyer is now the legal owner of the vehicle.

2. The buyer registers the vehicle with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and formally transfers the title into their name.

The first step (the meeting between the seller and the buyer) is the most important. The second step is a legal requirement.

• As the seller, you’ll formalize the whole transaction when you transfer ownership of the car by signing the title over to the buyer. You'll take off the license plates and be done with the vehicle.
• As the buyer in a private car sale, you become the legal vehicle owner as soon as the seller transfers the title to your name. You’ll finalize with the Nevada DMV to get title and registration in your name. You’ll also get new Nevada license plates as well as Nevada auto insurance.

It's time to transfer ownership to the buyer. This is an important step in the process of buying a car, right after the buyer pays for the car. When signing a Nevada title, there are multiple important factors to consider.

Essential Info for Signing a Nevada Vehicle Title

Always keep the following information in mind while filling out the certificate of title:

• Write neatly.
• Never use nicknames.
• Never use white-out or erase anything.
• Any spelling mistakes void the document.
• Only use blue or black ink. Any other color ink will void the title.

Front of Title

The back of the title has sections for the seller (red), lien holder (green), and buyer (teal). Here is the process for filling out the back of a Nevada title.

1. The lienholder will release the lien by entering the required information in the green field above.

2. In the teal-colored rectangle, the buyer enters their name, address, city, state, and zip code.

3. The seller enters the exact odometer reading and signs and prints their name in the red field marked “3”.

4. The buyer checks the box stating they are aware of the odometer certification and signs and prints their name.

Back of the Title

On the front of a Nevada vehicle title, there is a place for lienholders. The lienholder will fill out the required information.

1. If applicable, the buyer will enter the name, street address, city, state, and zip code of the lienholder to appear on the new title and the lien amount.

When buying a used car from a private seller in Nevada, you will have to complete the title transfer at your local Nevada DMV office location.

To apply for a vehicle title transfer in Nevada, you need to:

• Complete application for vehicle registration (Form VP-222)
• Provide proof of a valid Nevada vehicle insurance policy
• Provide proof of a VIN inspection
• Provide proof of identification and date of birth
• Payment for all applicable vehicle title and registration fees

Vehicle title fees may vary depending on the Nevada county you reside in. Standard fees for vehicle titling in Nevada are as follows:

• Vehicle title application: $28.25.
• Duplicate title fee: $20.
• Nevada sales tax of 8.1%
• Vehicle title processing fee: $8.25.

Nevada requires a smog certificate (emissions test) for most vehicles.

Vehicles that require a smog check:

• Car owners that reside in the urban areas of Washoe or Clark County
• Gasoline cars
• Diesel cars that do not exceed 14,000 pounds
• Cars made in the 1968 model year or later
• New vehicles that are being registered for the third time

Smog Check Exemptions in Nevada

If your car falls under one of the following categories, you are exempt from emissions testing:

• New motor vehicles on their first and second registration.
• Vehicles made in the 1967 model year or older model year.
• New hybrid-electric cars for the first 5 model years.
• Cars based in remote areas of Clark and Washoe counties and all other Nevada counties.
• Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
• Diesel cars with a gross vehicle weight of 14,001 pounds or more.
• Transfer of ownership/registration if the vehicle owner completed the last test within 90 days before the current transfer.
• Transfer of ownership/registration between companies whose principal business is leasing vehicles if there is no change in the lessee or operator of the vehicle.
• Transfer of ownership/registration between husband and wife.
• Car registered as a Classic Rod, Classic Vehicle, or Old Timer and driven 5,000 miles or less per year.
• Car registered with a Replica registration.

Some states will allow you to keep the license plates on the car when it is sold. Sadly, Nevada requires that the plates be removed from the car. As the buyer, you’ll need to apply at your local DMV office for new plates and pay the $3.50 Nevada license plate fee.

Nevada requires a bill of sale for private car transactions. A bill of sale is always a good idea anyway. In case either party ever wants to contest the transaction, the bill of sale proves that it was legal.

These are the components that must be in a bill of sale:

• Your full name and signature
• The other party’s full name and notarized signature
• Price of the car
• A description of the car
• The make, model, and year of the car
• Date of the transaction
• A warranty disclaimer stating the car is being sold as-is

PrivateAuto includes a bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the right stage in the transaction, both the buyer and seller will be encouraged to electronically sign the Nevada bill of sale from within our app.

The whole deal, including the bill of sale, can be done in just a few minutes when you meet to test drive the car and agree to buy it. It’s fast, simple, and convenient. You can always check your PrivateAuto account to see the electronic bill of sale as proof that the transaction was legal.

PrivateAuto simplifies the process of buying a used vehicle from a private party. We keep your personal information private and secure, we allow you to make offers on used cars for sale, and we allow you to pay for the car instantly with PrivateAuto Pay (with no fees). Whether you’re shopping for a Nissan GTR, a Jeep, or a family SUV, we’re here to give you a better car-buying experience.

Shop used cars for sale.

10 Simple Steps for Selling Your Car with PrivateAuto

PrivateAuto makes selling your used car easy and safe. The sales process consists of a 10 simple steps:

1. Acquire the required paperwork

2. Sign in to PrivateAuto and get verified

3. List your car

4. Set your terms

5. Vet through incoming offers

6. Choose the buyer

7. Schedule a test drive

8. E-sign documents

9. Get paid instantaneously

10. Transfer ownership

Sell your used car with PrivateAuto today!

How to transfer an out-of-state title?

If you are transferring the title of an out-of-state vehicle in Nevada, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of a valid NV car insurance policy
• Emissions inspection report
• Current car registration and license plates
• The original title
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
• Payment for all applicable taxes and fees

How to request a duplicate vehicle title in Nevada?

In the state of Nevada, you can apply for a duplicate in person or by mail.

To apply for a duplicate NV vehicle title by mail or in person, you need to do the following:

• Submit an application for duplicate nevada certificate of title (Form VP-012) This form must be notarized, and it must be notarized before you submit it at your local NV DMV office
• Payment for the NV duplicate title fee of $20

Mail it to the following address:

Nevada DMV

555 Wright Way

Carson City, NV 89711

Nevada offers expedited duplicate vehicle titles. To apply for an expedited duplicate title, you need the following:

• Complete the application for expedited processing of Nevada title (Form VP-265)
• Payment for the expedited vehicle title processing fee of $20

How to transfer a car title when the owner is deceased?

If you want to keep a vehicle once the owner passes away and you’re the surviving spouse or personal representative, you need to transfer the title.

You will need the following documentation in order to transfer deceased owner's vehicle title of in Nevada:

• Death certificate
• Order from Probate Court to transfer the vehicle’s title
• Certificate of title
• Odometer disclosure statement
• Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee

What safeguards should you take when buying a car privately?

To keep you safe when buying a car privately, we recommend the following procedures:

1. Never give out your contact information

2. Deal with verified sellers only

3. Have a bill of sale to legally validate the transaction

4. Send the payment through PrivateAuto Pay

Buying a vehicle privately on a secure platform with these features (such as PrivateAuto) is the most effective method of protection. Get started today!

How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Nevada?

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for vehicle registration.

For passenger cars, reconstructed, or specially constructed passenger cars, regardless of weight or number of passenger capacity, the Nevada registration fee is $33.

What is the safest method of payment when selling a Nevada car?

The best and safest way to transfer funds when selling a car used to be cash. PrivateAuto Pay offers all the advantages of cash, with none of the disadvantages. Transfer up to $1 million instantly with no fees, any time of day, 365 days per year. It's truly revolutionary.

Neither the buyer nor the seller has to give out their contact or banking information during the process of buying a car, so both parties can feel safe when exchanging funds.

Where can I go to transfer a vehicle title in Nevada?

If you bought a car in Nevada and you’re transferring the vehicle’s title, you can do a car title transfer at a Nevada DMV office. A couple of Nevada DMV hours and office locations are listed below.

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

4110 Donovan Way

North Las Vegas, NV 89030

(702) 486-5655

Monday-Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

8250 W Flamingo Rd

Las Vegas, NV 89147

(702) 486-4368

Monday-Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)

Saturday (8 AM to 4 PM

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