Expired Registration in Nevada
All vehicles operated on public roads and highways in Nevada must have a current and valid registration. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers vehicle registration programs and procedures throughout the state. The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety, implements registration laws on Nevada's roadways.
State Code Provisions in Nevada
Nevada's vehicle registration requirements are governed by Title 43 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, specifically Chapter 482 (Motor Vehicles and Trailers: Licensing, Registration, Sales and Leases). These provisions establish registration procedures, renewal requirements, display of license plates, penalties for violations, and enforcement mechanisms. NRS § 482.205 requires registration for certain vehicles, while NRS § 482.545 prohibits operation of unregistered vehicles. NRS § 482.555 establishes criminal penalties for violations of registration requirements.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Nevada
Registration Renewal System
Nevada operates an annual registration system for motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers. According to NRS § 482.280, the registration of every vehicle expires at midnight on the exact day specified on the registration receipt. If the expiration date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the registration expires at midnight on the next judicial day.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
- Registrations expire at midnight on the exact date listed on the registration certificate
- Vehicle owners may renew approximately 35 days before expiration
- Renewal notices are mailed approximately 30 days prior to expiration
- Registrations expire on the specific date shown, not at the end of the month
Nevada does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Owners are prohibited from operating their vehicles on public highways until their registration is renewed.
Special Vehicle Categories:
- Trailers may be registered for one year or three years pursuant to NRS § 482.2065
- Commercial vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan follow apportioned registration requirements
- Short-term lessor vehicles may follow special registration programs established under NRS § 482.2085
Penalties for Expired Registration in Nevada
Administrative Penalties
Nevada assesses late fees.-,Late%20Fees,-Nevada%20does%20not) for expired vehicle registrations. Vehicle owners with expired registration must pay:
- Full registration fees and taxes for the upcoming registration year
- Pro-rated Registration Fee, Governmental Services Taxes, and Supplemental Governmental Services Taxes for the period the vehicle was not registered
- $6.00 per month late penalty on the past-due Registration Fee
- 10% penalty on the past-due Governmental Services and Supplemental Governmental Services Taxes (calculated every 15 days, with a $6.00 minimum)
| Fee Component | Late Penalty |
|---|---|
| Past-due Registration Fee | $6.00 per month |
| Past-due Governmental Services Tax | 10% penalty (minimum $6.00) |
| Past-due Supplemental Governmental Services Tax | 10% penalty (calculated every 15 days) |
Note: Late fees are not assessed for any period during which the vehicle owner held a valid movement permit.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration constitutes a criminal violation under Nevada law.
Unlawful Operation
NRS § 482.545 makes it unlawful for any person to:
- Operate, or knowingly permit the operation of, upon a highway any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which is not registered
- Operate any vehicle that does not have attached and displayed the license plates assigned by the Department for the current period of registration
Criminal Classification
Under NRS § 482.555, violations of registration requirements are classified as misdemeanors. Any violation of Chapter 482 not specifically designated as a felony or gross misdemeanor constitutes a misdemeanor offense.
Penalties for Failure to Register
NRS § 482.385 establishes specific penalties for persons who become Nevada residents or accept employment in Nevada but fail to register their vehicle. Such persons are guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by:
| Offense | Standard Fine | Reduced Fine | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to obtain Nevada registration | $1,000.00 | $200.00 (with proof of valid registration at hearing) | Misdemeanor |
Government Agencies
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
Phone (Las Vegas Area): (702) 486-4368
Phone (Reno/Sparks/Carson City): (775) 684-4368
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Headquarters
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 687-5300
Official Website: Nevada State Police Highway Patrol
