Registering a Vehicle in Nebraska

Vehicle registration in Nebraska happens at the county treasurer's office in the county where the vehicle is garaged. Unlike states that operate a central state DMV counter for plates and tabs, Nebraska delegates the entire title-and-registration transaction to local treasurers, who collect the state sales tax, the annual motor vehicle tax tied to vehicle value, and the registration fee in a single visit.

30-day deadline

Nebraska law gives new residents and new vehicle owners 30 days from the date of purchase or move-in to title and register a vehicle. Late registration adds a penalty of $25 plus interest on any unpaid sales tax, calculated from day 31. New residents bringing a vehicle from another state must also have the vehicle's VIN inspected at the county treasurer or by an authorized peace officer before titling.

Documents required

Bring the following to the county treasurer:

• The signed title from the seller, with the odometer disclosure section completed (or out-of-state title for newly relocated vehicles).
• Completed Nebraska Form 6 (Application for Certificate of Title).
• Completed Nebraska Form RV-7 (Registration application).
• Proof of Nebraska auto insurance meeting 25/50/25 minimums.
• Bill of sale showing purchase price (the treasurer uses this to calculate sales tax).
• Lien-holder information if the vehicle is financed.
• Photo ID of the registrant.
• VIN inspection certificate for vehicles bought from outside Nebraska.

Sales tax

Nebraska charges a state sales tax of 5.5% on the purchase price of a vehicle, plus any local option tax adopted by the city or county. The combined rate averages around 6.95% statewide, though it ranges from 5.5% in counties that have not adopted a local option to roughly 7.5% in the largest cities. Vehicles brought in by new residents who already paid sales tax in another state may receive a credit for that tax against the Nebraska liability.

Title fee and registration fee

The Nebraska title fee is $10, paid one time when a vehicle changes hands. The base registration fee is roughly $15 for passenger cars and trucks, but the headline number on the renewal notice each year is the Motor Vehicle Tax — an annual property-style tax computed from the vehicle's MSRP and a depreciation schedule. New high-value vehicles can pay several hundred dollars in motor vehicle tax during the first year, dropping each year as the depreciation schedule applies.

Motor Vehicle Fee

In addition to the sales tax and motor vehicle tax, Nebraska charges a Motor Vehicle Fee at registration, calculated using the same depreciation schedule but at a smaller rate. The combined "tax + fee" amount is what most drivers see when they receive an annual renewal notice from the county treasurer.

License plates and stickers

The treasurer issues new plates if needed and a sticker dated for the current year. Nebraska currently uses the "Sower" base plate as its standard issue, with optional specialty plates for veterans, university alumni, and several charitable organizations — full list on the other vehicle registrations page. Personalized plates carry an additional fee.

Inspection requirement

Nebraska does not require an annual safety inspection or emissions test for personal passenger vehicles. The only common inspection is the VIN inspection required when a vehicle is being titled in Nebraska for the first time after coming from another state. The inspection is a brief verification that the VIN on the body matches the VIN on the title, and can be performed at the county treasurer or by a Nebraska peace officer.

Out-of-state transfers

A vehicle being moved into Nebraska needs a VIN inspection, the out-of-state title, proof of Nebraska insurance, and proof of any sales tax already paid. The owner has 30 days from establishing residence to complete the transfer. After the transfer, future registration renewals can be completed online or at the county treasurer.

Registering a leased vehicle

Leased vehicles are titled in the leasing company's name; the lessee files a Form RV-7 and pays the registration fees and motor vehicle tax annually. Most leasing companies forward the title and a power of attorney to the lessee so the registration can be completed locally without sending paperwork back and forth.