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.
The Process of Transferring a Car Title in Nebraska
The Process of Transferring a Car Title in Nebraska
A car title transfer makes the buyer the new owner of the vehicle. A title transfer is divided into two stages:
- 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.
- 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.
Sign the Nebraska Title Correctly
Sign the Nebraska Title Correctly
When signing a Nebraska certificate of title, always keep the following in mind.
- Mistakes make the document invalid.
- Do not erase anything or use white-out.
- Only use black or blue ink. Any other color will void the title.
- Write neatly.
- Only use legal birth names.
Front of the Title
The front of a Nebraska title has a section for sellers (red), buyers (teal), and lienholders (green).
Finalize Ownership Transfer with the Nebraska DMV
Finalize Ownership Transfer with the Nebraska DMV
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:
- Proof of valid Nebraska auto insurance policy
- The application for vehicle registration (Form VP222)
- A valid Nebraska driver’s license or documents that prove your identity (identification card and passport)
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Payment for the registration fee: $15
- Payment for the Nebraska vehicle sales tax: 5.5%
Nebraska Vehicle Title Transfer Requirements
Nebraska Vehicle Title Transfer Requirements
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:
- The original title signed and dated by both the buyer and seller
- Completed application for certification of title (Form RV-707)
- Evidence of insurance card
- The current odometer reading recorded on the original title
- Payment for the title transfer fee: $10
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.
Buy or Sell a Vehicle Online With PrivateAuto
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If you’re looking to buy a car, browse our selection of used cars for sale.
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Here are the steps to selling your car in Nebraska:
- Gather the required paperwork for selling a vehicle in Nebraska
- Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
- List your car
- Set your terms
- Vet incoming offers
- Choose a buyer
- Schedule a meeting
- E-sign documents
- Get paid, instantly
- Transfer car title
Nebraska Car Title Transfer FAQ
How much does registration renewal cost in Nebraska?
Nebraska car registration renewal costs $30. Registration must be renewed every two years.
To avoid the $10 late fee, renew your registration before it expires. If you are pulled over with an expired sticker, you may receive a ticket or a fine. So, renewing on time saves money and keeps you out of trouble with the law.
What kind of insurance does my used car need?
Used cars, just like new cars, are required to have liability auto insurance at a minimum. Every insurance company will have different rates, so shop around.
Nebraska requires you to carry evidence of your auto insurance in your car.
Liability insurance is mandatory in Nebraska. You can consider purchasing collision, comprehensive, and gap insurance, but these are not required.
How does joint ownership work when titling a vehicle in Nebraska?
Joint ownership of the vehicle allows two or more people to own the same Nebraska title. Both owners must sign to transfer the title. Upon the death of one owner, the surviving joint owner becomes the sole owner.
To complete the vehicle title transfer, you will need to submit the following to the Nebraska DMV:
– A completed title application (Form RV-707)
– The original vehicle title certificate
– The death certificate of the deceased individual
– Payment for the vehicle titling fee: $10
How do I get a duplicate title in Nebraska?
If your current Nebraska vehicle title is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must apply for a duplicate.
To obtain a duplicate vehicle title (Form RV-707a) you must complete the duplicate Nebraska vehicle title. Be ready to pay the Nebraska duplicate vehicle title fee of $14.
The county treasurer’s office will process the duplicate title request and provide you with a new title to replace the lost, damaged, or stolen one.
How do I transfer a salvaged vehicle title in Nebraska?
Salvage vehicle titles require a vehicle identification number inspection by law enforcement and a $10 inspection fee when applying for a rebuilt title after repairs.
To transfer a salvaged vehicle title in Nebraska and apply for a rebuilt title after repairs, follow these steps:
- Get a VIN inspection of the vehicle by law enforcement and pay the $10 inspection fee. This certifies the VIN matches the salvaged title and confirms repairs were completed.
- Transfer ownership with the salvaged title signed over to you as the buyer.
- Submit the title application, salvaged title, VIN inspection, and fees to your county treasurer. This includes the title fee, vehicle tax, registration fees, etc.
- The county treasurer will process a new rebuilt title in your name if the inspection confirms a proper VIN and completed repairs.
- Insure the vehicle before operating it on public roads.
What identification do I need when transferring a title in Nebraska?
When transferring a Nebraska title, you’ll need a valid Nebraska driver’s license or two alternate forms of ID, like a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card.
How do I title and register an out-of-state vehicle in Nebraska?
Bring the out-of-state title, bill of sale, VP222 form, proof of insurance, VIN inspection, ID, and fees to your county treasurer within 30 days.
What does the VIN number mean?
Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are unique codes that identify individual motor vehicles. A VIN number acts like a car’s fingerprint and is used to register, title, and insure a vehicle.
VINs are made up of a series of letters and numbers that contain information about the vehicle. The first digit represents the country of origin, the following digits identify the manufacturer and vehicle type, the middle digits are the unique serial number, and the last digits represent the model year, plant, and production number.
VINs are used by law enforcement to identify stolen or abandoned vehicles. VINs are used by insurance companies to track claims associated with specific vehicles. VINs are used by auto dealers and DMVs to properly register and title vehicles. Overall, the VIN distinguishes your vehicle from every other vehicle on the road.
Which vehicle inspections are required for vehicle registration in Nebraska?
The vehicle inspections required for registration in Nebraska are:
– Emissions testing is required in the Nebraska counties of Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Lancaster, and Cass. Every two years, vehicles must pass an emissions test before their registration can be renewed.
– VIN inspection is required when titling a rebuilt/salvage vehicle to confirm VIN matches title and repairs were completed. Also needed for home-assembled vehicles to verify VIN and ownership.
– Safety inspections are not required for registration purposes in Nebraska. However, in order to legally operate on roads, vehicles must still meet safety and equipment standards.
Brad Parker
Contributing Author
Brad Parker is the CEO and co-founder of PrivateAuto, where his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership are driving the transformation of the automotive industry….