In order to successfully transfer a vehicle title in Nevada, you are required to submit specific documentation. First, the seller of the vehicle needs to assign the title to the buyer and obtain a lien release, if applicable. You need to have an emissions inspection performed and a VIN inspection (if required) before you can transfer the title of a vehicle in Nebraska.

Once you complete the appropriate application form, you must provide proof of identity and have a valid NV vehicle insurance policy. All required paperwork and payments must be submitted to the NV Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Smog Certification/Vehicle Inspection

In Nevada, residents of this state are required to submit their vehicle(s) to emissions tests before every yearly vehicle registration renewal and initial vehicle registration in this state.

Nevada Smog Check Requirements

Trucks, passenger cars, RVs, trucks, and motorhomes are required to endure a smog check. If you have a vehicle that falls into one of the following categories, you must have a smog check performed on the vehicle:

  • Vehicle owners that reside in the urban areas of Washoe or Clark County
  • Gasoline vehicles (regardless of weight or size)
  • Diesel vehicles that do not exceed 14,000 pounds
  • Vehicles that were made in the 1968 model year or later
  • New vehicles that are being registered for the third time (Hybrids are exempt from emissions testing for 5 years, and the first and second years are exempt from all other new vehicles)

Nevada Smog Check Exemptions

There are certain categories that your vehicle can fall into that will cause them to be exempt from smog checks. If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, it is exempt from smog checks:

  • New motor vehicles on their first and second registration
  • New hybrid-electric vehicles for the first 5 model years
  • Vehicles made in the 1967 model year or older model year
  • Motorcycle or Moped
  • Vehicles based in remote areas of Clark and Washoe counties and all other Nevada counties
  • Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV)
  • Diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 14,001 pounds or greater
  • Transfer of ownership/registration if the vehicle owner completed the last test within 90 days before the current transfer
  • Transfer of ownership/registration between husband and wife
  • 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
  • Vehicles registered as a Classic Rod, Classic Vehicle, or Old Timer and driven 5,000 miles or less per year
  • Vehicles registered with a Replica registration

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) controls the Nevada Emissions Control Program, including determining which vehicles require testing, how to complete a vehicle inspection and more. Be advised that each smog check requirement also applies to new residents of Nevada.

If you are a new resident of Nevada, you may be required to have a smog and emissions test before you can register your vehicle. You have 30 days to register your vehicle once you establish residency in Nevada. Out-of-state emissions or smog tests are not valid in Nevada if your vehicle is going to be registered in Nevada.

How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in Nevada?

When you move to Nevada, you should consider transferring your vehicle’s title with the NV DMV. Although transferring your vehicle’s title to the state of Nevada is not required, it’s recommended to help avoid confusion and stress if you decide to sell or trade your vehicle in the future.

Vehicle titling and registration occur simultaneously in the state of Nevada. Keep in mind, you have 30 days after you establish residency to register your vehicle with the Nebraska DMV.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When Buying or Selling a Vehicle in Nevada

The responsibilities for transferring the ownership of a Nevada vehicle vary based on if you are buying a vehicle from a dealership, purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, or selling your vehicle to another individual.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When Buying a Vehicle From a Dealer in Nevada

When you purchase a vehicle from a dealership in Nevada, the dealer must submit the vehicle titling paperwork to the DMV within 30 days. Your vehicle title will arrive in the mail. If your vehicle is financed, the vehicle title will be sent to the lien holder. Be advised that you are still required to visit the NV DMV to complete the vehicle registration process.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When Buying a Vehicle From a Private Party

When you purchase a vehicle from another person in Nevada, you must obtain the following documents from the vehicle’s seller:

  • The original vehicle title (must be signed over to you with the proper signatures from all listed vehicle owners)
  • Proof of a lien release (if applicable) Be aware the vehicle can’t be sold until the lien has been satisfied
  • Proof of emissions testing (if an emissions test was completed within the last 90 days) If the vehicle has not been tested, you will be required to do so before titling and registering it.

When you have the necessary documents, submit them to your local NV DMV office with the following documents and payment(s):

  • Proof of a valid Nevada vehicle insurance policy
  • Proof of a VIN inspection (only required if the vehicle is being titled for the first time in the state of Nevada)
  • A completed Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222)
  • Proof of identity
  • Payment for all applicable vehicle title and registration fees

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title When Selling a Vehicle in Nevada

If you are selling a vehicle in Nevada, there are specific steps you are required to take, including completing certain paperwork and paying all applicable fees.

As the seller of a vehicle in Nevada, you are required to:

  • Remove the license plates from the vehicle (you can keep or surrender the plates at your local NV DMV)
  • Assign the vehicle title over to the new owner (if the vehicle title is marked with “and”, all owners listed on the vehicle’s title are required to sign the title. If the vehicle title is marked with “or”, a single vehicle owner can sign the vehicle title.
  • Complete a bill of sale (Form VP104) and keep with your records
  • Provide the vehicle’s buyer with proof of a lien release (if applicable). You can’t sell a vehicle that still has a lien on it.
  • Notify the DMV of the sale of the vehicle

Make sure you have the above-listed documentation to avoid delays with the vehicle titling process.

How to Transfer a Car Title When the Owner is Deceased?

When the owner of a vehicle passes away, if you are the beneficiary, and you plan on keeping the vehicle, you need to transfer the title of the vehicle. As the joint-owner, surviving spouse, or beneficiary, you have the legal authority to transfer the vehicle’s title to someone else when the vehicle’s owner passes away.

In this scenario, you need to know if the vehicle is part of a probated estate. The process you will follow to transfer the vehicle’s title depends on whether the vehicle’s title was in the individual’s name or joint ownership. If the vehicle’s title is solely in the descendant’s name, you need to know if the estate is being probated.

The probate process occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse listed on the will. This legal process proves the last will and testament are legitimate. During this process, the deceased individual’s estate is administered based on their will.

If the vehicle in question is part of a probated estate, you need to follow these steps to correctly transfer the vehicle title of a deceased individual:

Contact an Attorney or Probate Court

The executor or administrator of the deceased individual needs to contact an attorney or Probate Court to determine the next steps in the probate process. A vehicle’s title can’t be transferred until the probate process is completed. When the probate process is complete, the heir will gain possession of the vehicle. If the executor was given the vehicle, they can choose to sell it to someone else.

Gather the Necessary Documentation

The necessary documentation required to transfer the vehicle title of a deceased person varies by state. However, in the state of Nevada, you need the following documents and payment to successfully transfer the title of a vehicle in this scenario:

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

Visit the Title Office

As the beneficiary of the vehicle or the administrator of the deceased individual’s estate, you can visit your local NV title office with the above-listed documentation to begin the vehicle title transfer process.

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title Without Probate

In Nevada, the deceased person’s property can’t exceed a certain amount and a specific amount of time needs to have passed since the individual passed away before the transfer of the vehicle’s title can be initiated. Be advised, if you are listed as the beneficiary, spouse, administrator, or joint-owner of the vehicle, you may only be required to provide a death certificate and the vehicle’s title at your local NV title office where they will retitle the vehicle for you. Attorneys and court orders are not required in this situation.

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title If You Inherit a Vehicle

If you inherit a vehicle, there are specific steps you need to take in order for the vehicle title transfer process to be valid. If you inherited a vehicle in Nebraska, take the following steps:

  • Remove the license plates from the vehicle
  • Provide your driver’s license and vehicle plates to your local Nevada DMV office
  • Provide the death certificate at your local NV DMV office
  • Complete a Transfer on Death – Beneficiary’s Affidavit for Title Form (Form VP239) if the original vehicle title is lost or if there is no vehicle title. If you have the original vehicle title, submit it to your local NV DMV office
  • Pay the necessary vehicle title transfer fees

Make sure you have the necessary paperwork and payment(s) to successfully complete the vehicle title transfer of an inherited vehicle in Nevada.

Transferring a Title After a Lease Buyout

You paid off your vehicle loan! That’s definitely something to celebrate. Now that you’ve paid off your vehicle loan, the lien holder needs to send you the vehicle title that reflects the satisfaction of the lien. You need to complete the “lien” section on the vehicle title and write “none” in the lien holder section.

If the lien holder does not have the vehicle title, they can complete a Lien Release Form (Form VP186) and send it to you.

You need to submit all the required documents along with the $20 fee for transferring the vehicle’s title to your local Nevada DMV office. If you choose to send the documents and payment by mail, mail everything to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Title Processing
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711

How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in Nevada?

The state of Nevada requires you to obtain a correctly signed-off vehicle title in order to transfer ownership of the vehicle. The sign-off of the vehicle’s title prevents the vehicle’s buyer from unknowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle.

If the vehicle in question is less than 10 years old, and the vehicle’s seller has lost or damaged the vehicle title, they must apply for a duplicate vehicle title. Only the individual listed on the vehicle’s title can request and apply for a duplicate vehicle title, and only the vehicle owner on record can sell the vehicle.

To apply for a duplicate NV vehicle title (Form VP-012), you need to visit your local NV DMV and provide your state-issued photo ID and the vehicle’s proof of registration.

Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?

If you’re going to gift a vehicle to a relative, you will follow the same process you would if you were selling a vehicle. Make sure you put “gift” in the space provided for entering the sales price of the vehicle.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title

If you have moved from a different state to Nevada or purchased a vehicle out-of-state to operate on the roads and highways of Nevada, you are required to transfer the vehicle’s title. Nevada vehicle title transfers must be requested within 30 days of establishing residency in this state.

As a resident of Nevada, you must provide the following documents and payment(s) at your local Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles:

  • Proof of a valid NV vehicle insurance policy
  • Emissions inspection report (if required)
  • Current vehicle registration and license plates
  • The vehicle’s title
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
  • Application form
  • Payment for all applicable taxes and fees

Be advised, depending on your unique circumstances, you may be required to provide additional documentation.

Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Nevada

If you need to request a duplicate Nevada vehicle title, there are specific steps you are required to take. You can request a duplicate vehicle title in person or by mail.

To apply for a duplicate NV vehicle title, you need to follow the provided steps:

  • 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 vehicle title fee of $20 (you can pay by check or money order)

If you are mailing the duplicate vehicle title application and payment, mail it to the following address:

Nevada DMV
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711

If your vehicle is titled in a state other than Nevada, the titling fee is $35. The duplicate vehicle title fee in Nevada is $20. There is also an $8.25 vehicle title processing fee.

If you require an expedited duplicate vehicle title, you need to:

  • Complete the Application for Expedited Processing of Nevada Title (Form VP-265)
  • Pay the expedited vehicle title processing fee of $20

Make sure the form is complete and has all necessary signatures before submitting it to your local Nevada DMV branch or mailing it.

Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title With a Lien Holder

If there is a lien on your vehicle title, you are required to ask the lien holder to approve the change to the vehicle title. The lien holder needs to apply for the new vehicle title and give you a letter that includes essential information, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), stating they will apply for a new NV vehicle title. Another option you have is to pay off the lien and take the signed vehicle title to your local Nevada DMV.

How Much Does a Title Transfer Cost in Nevada?

When you’re purchasing a vehicle in Nevada, the vehicle title transfer fees start at $29.95. Keep in mind, this fee only covers the cost to transfer the ownership on the certificate of title. You are also responsible for paying the registration and plate fees, and the sales tax that is due when you are applying for a vehicle title transfer. You may be required to pay additional fees depending on your circumstances.

Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Nevada?

There are multiple DMV locations in the state of Nevada where you can transfer your vehicle’s title.

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)

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)

How to Fill Out the Nevada Title and Title Transfer Forms

Filling out the Nevada vehicle title and title transfer forms correctly are essential for transferring a vehicle’s title correctly. Make sure you have a bill of sale that discloses specific information regarding the vehicle, such as its model, year, make, and color of the vehicle. Also, be sure to include the vehicle’s VIN.

If you sold a vehicle instead of gifting it, make sure you add the proper sales tax to the vehicle’s total price. You also need to provide an odometer reading in the section of the vehicle title named “transfer of title by seller”. Make sure the recipient of the vehicle signs the vehicle title in the provided spaces.

Be advised that you may be required to provide additional documentation or submit additional payments based on your current circumstances. The documentation you may be required to present includes a valid NV vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum vehicle coverage limits and a government-issued photo ID. If you don’t have a government-issued photo ID, you can use a foreign passport as proof of identification.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

If you purchased a vehicle that has a signed title, but the title was never transferred, this means the seller of the vehicle didn’t transfer ownership of the vehicle or register it in their name. Without transferring the vehicle’s title, the title will be considered an open title. With this type of vehicle title, the seller of the vehicle isn’t held accountable for anything that pertains to the vehicle, such as taxes and fees.

If you or the seller of the vehicle have lost the vehicle’s title, you can request a duplicate Nevada vehicle title (Form VP-012). If the seller has lost the title for the vehicle, they can apply for a duplicate vehicle title. The individual who is listed as the owner on the vehicle’s title is responsible for requesting a duplicate vehicle title, then they can sign the vehicle over to you, and you can put the vehicle in your name.

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