Nebraska Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Nebraska

New residents in Nebraska have 30 days to obtain a Nebraska title and register their vehicles after arriving in the state. The process begins with completing a Nebraska-issued Certificate of Title and gathering necessary documents, including:

• Previous Certificate of Title
• Most recently issued registration certificate from the previous state of residence
• Signed lease agreement if the vehicle is leased
• Proof of current valid insurance

The vehicle must undergo an inspection before obtaining the Nebraska-issued Certificate of Title. The inspection will include comparing the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the car with the title presented, as well as examining and notating the odometer reading.

Most motor vehicle office locations, except for Douglas County, also have on-site inspection stations. Once the application is processed and fees are paid, the owners will receive a registration certificate, license plates, and validation tabs.

Although the registration certificate does not need to be visible from outside the vehicle, it must be carried in the vehicle at all times, along with proof of insurance.

Vehicle Registration for Non-Residents in Nebraska

Vehicle registration for non-residents in Nebraska varies depending on the duration of their stay and the type of vehicle they own. Non-residents visiting Nebraska for less than 30 days can operate their vehicles with valid out-of-state registration and license plates.

On the other hand, non-residents planning to stay in Nebraska for 30 or more continuous days must register their vehicles in the same manner as Nebraska's new residents. To start, they must gather first the specific documents, including:

• Nebraska title
• Registration application
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of identity and residency

Additionally, non-resident truck or bus owners do not need a Nebraska title if they are currently licensed in their home state.

Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with North Carolina and Wyoming, allowing non-residents from these states to use their home state plates until they expire.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Nebraska

Registering a vehicle purchased from a dealership in Nebraska is generally straightforward, as dealerships typically handle most of the paperwork on behalf of the owner. Additionally, some requirements differ significantly between buying from an in-state dealership and purchasing from an out-of-state dealer.

When purchasing a vehicle from a licensed Nebraska dealership, the dealership must provide a completed Form 6 or Nebraska Sales Tax and Use Form as proof of sales tax payment. Then, the dealership initiates the title transfer process with the NE DMV.

After the buyer obtains the documents, the vehicle must be registered within 30 days of purchase at their local county treasurer's office and submit the specific documents, including:

• Proof of insurance
• Proof of identity and residency (a valid driver's license or state ID)
• Proof of Nebraska address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)

On the other hand, purchasing a vehicle from an out-of-state dealership is slightly different. The buyer must simply provide the purchase contract on the dealer's letterhead or business form and obtain the bill of sale from the out-of-state dealership.

The registration process requires presenting the specific documents and visiting the county office. There, they will complete Form 6 using the purchase contract.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party in Nebraska

Registering a vehicle purchased from a private party in Nebraska involves several steps and careful attention to detail, as the buyer is responsible for handling much of the paperwork.

Initially, the buyer must gather all required documents, including:

• Original vehicle title, properly signed by the seller
• Bill of sale
• Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
• Purchase price
• Valid insurance card or policy declaration page

For vehicles less than ten years old, an Odometer Disclosure Statement is necessary.

Furthermore, proof of identity and residency is required, which means presenting a valid driver's license or state ID along with proof of Nebraska address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).

Once all documents are collected, the new owner must complete the vehicle registration application form. The completed application, all required documents, and payment must be submitted to the county treasurer's office.

Upon processing the application, the buyer will receive their Nebraska license plates and registration documents. If the seller hasn't paid sales tax, the buyer must cover this expense during registration.

Registration of Out-of-State Vehicles

When bringing an out-of-state vehicle into Nebraska, it is necessary to obtain a Nebraska Certificate of Title and register the vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. This applies to motor vehicles unless they fall into the category of Vehicles Exempt From Titling.

To register an out-of-state vehicle, the owner must gather all required documents, including:

• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
• Certificate of Title from the vehicle's previous state
• Bill of sale
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of identity and residency
• VIN inspection
• Application for Certificate of Title

After preparation, the owner must visit the local county treasurer's office with the required documentation. They will process out-of-state titles and issue a Nebraska title.

Once the application is processed, the owner will receive the Nebraska license plates and registration documents.

Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Nebraska

Military personnel are defined as individuals who are members of the armed forces of the United States serving in Nebraska in compliance with military or naval orders. Vehicle registration varies depending on whether they have established legal residency in the state.

Military members stationed in Nebraska who have not established legal residency have two options for vehicle registration.

First, military personnel can continue to operate their vehicle with current out-of-state license plates as long as the registration and insurance remain valid. Secondly, military members may choose to register their car in Nebraska and obtain Nebraska license plates.

To do so, they must provide the following documents to the county treasurer's office where the vehicle is primarily housed:

• A current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Legal evidence of ownership (Nebraska Certificate of Title, Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, Importer's Certificate, or License Registration Certificate)

Meanwhile, military members who have established legal residency in Nebraska must register their vehicle in Nebraska and obtain Nebraska license plates. The registration process is similar to that of any other resident, and must provide the specific documents, including:

• Proof of ownership
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of identity and residency
• VIN inspection
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title

Eligible military members can request a military exemption indicator for their Nebraska driver's license. To do so, they need to obtain Form 07-08 from the Nebraska DMV. The application process requires submitting a signed and dated request, along with a photocopy of their current Nebraska driver's license and a copy of their current military orders.

These documents can be sent by mail or fax.

License Plates in Nebraska

License plates in Nebraska, issued by the NE DMV, serve as an identifier for vehicles registered in the state. The standard Nebraska plate features a white background with blue lettering and a graphic of the iconic state capitol building. It is typically made of durable aluminum.

Most vehicles are required to have both front and rear plates, which must be securely fastened and clearly visible. A current registration sticker must be displayed on the rear plate to indicate valid registration.

Nebraska also offers a variety of specialty license plates that allow vehicle owners to express their interests or support specific causes. Popular options include:

• Military and Veteran Plates
• Collegiate Plates
• Organizational Plates
• Special Interest Plates

Most plates include a county number or code to indicate where the vehicle is registered. Replacement plates are available for lost, stolen, or damaged plates, and temporary plates can be issued for newly purchased cars or during registration transfers.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, personalized or vanity license plates are known as "Message Plates." To obtain one, an individual must first ensure they possess a Nebraska Certificate of Title in their name for the vehicle. If the vehicle is leased, the leasing company must hold the title.

Next, the individual must use the "Check Message Availability Online" to determine if the message is available. Following this, they should select a personalized message, keeping within character limitations and avoiding inappropriate or offensive language. The required fee, currently set at $40, must then be paid.

The DMV will review the application and message for compliance. Upon approval, the plates will be produced. Once the plates are ready, they can be picked up at the local county treasurer's office.

When submitting an application by mail, include a check or money order payable to the "Department of Motor Vehicles" for the specialty plate fee. A $30 fee applies to all returned checks.

Owner must mail the applications, along with the required fee, to:

Passenger Cars (Cars, SUVs, Vans)

• Base Registration Fee: $15
• Emergency Medical Services Operation Fund: $0.50
• Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund: $2
• State Recreation Road Fund: $1.50
• County General Fund: $1.50 (residents) or $5 (non-residents)
• Sales Tax: Varies by county and purchase price

Motorcycles

• Base Registration Fee: $4.50
• Additional Fees: (Same as passenger cars)
• Sales Tax: Varies by county and purchase price

Commercial Trucks

• Under 6,000 lbs: $18
• 6,001 - 12,000 lbs: $30
• 12,001 - 24,000 lbs: $84
• 24,001 - 48,000 lbs: $240
• 48,001 - 60,000 lbs: $450
• 60,001 - 70,000 lbs: $750
• 70,001 - 80,000 lbs: $1,080
• Over 80,000 lbs: $1,140

Trailers

• Utility trailers: $15 - $30
• Camp trailers: $15
• Boat trailers: $15

Other Vehicle Types

• Farm Trucks: Have a separate fee schedule based on GVW.
• Mopeds/Scooters: Typically registered as motorcycles.
• Recreational Vehicles (RVs): There may be specific registration requirements and fees.

Renew via Online

Renewing vehicle registration in Nebraska can be conveniently done online using the NE DMV Online Renewal System. This system allows vehicle owners to renew most registrations, order specialty plates, sign up for eNotice, and access other motor vehicle services.

Owners should provide the necessary vehicle information, including the license plate number and the last four digits of the VIN. After renewing online, the new registration and stickers can arrive in up to five days.

Note that individuals cannot renew online if their name or address has changed since the last renewal, if they are registering as a non-resident military member, or if their insurance is not on file in the state database.

A third-party vendor charges an online portal fee for this service. The fee is 3% of the total if paying with a credit or debit card, with a minimum fee of $2, or a flat $3 fee if paying by eCheck.

Renew by Mail

To renew vehicle registration by mail in Nebraska, individuals need to gather several important documents, including:

• Renewal notice
• Copy of the current insurance card or policy declaration
• A check or money order made payable to the county treasurer for the total renewal amount

Individuals should fill out any required information on the renewal notice, such as updated address or contact details. These requirements, along with the payment, should be mailed to the DC DMV Processing Center. The address is:

After mailing, owners should allow 7-10 business days for processing and up to 15 business days to receive their renewed registration.

Renew by County Office

To renew vehicle registration in person at a county treasurer's office in Nebraska, individuals need to bring several essential documents, including:

• Renewal notice or expiring registration
• Original insurance card or policy declaration page

Payment for the renewal fee, which varies depending on the vehicle type and county of residence, must also be provided. Most county treasurer's offices accept cash, checks, money orders, and debit/credit cards.

The clerk will calculate the exact renewal fee based on the vehicle and county, and the individual can then make the payment using their preferred method. After processing the payment, the clerk will issue a new registration document and sticker(s) for the license plate(s).

In-person renewal is available for all vehicle types and registration scenarios. This method typically allows for immediate processing, enabling individuals to receive their new registration and sticker(s) on the spot.