How to Gift a Car in Nevada in 2026

Vehicle gifts in Nevada constitute the transfer of motor vehicle ownership from one person to another without the exchange of consideration. In Nevada, gifting follows the same ownership transfer procedures as private-party sales, with the notable exception that sales tax does not apply to bona fide gift transactions. The donor must assign the certificate of title to the recipient, and the recipient must then complete vehicle registration within 30 days of acquisition if the vehicle will be driven on public roads.

How Does Gifting a Car in Nevada Work?

In Nevada, a gifted vehicle is handled through the standard title and registration system used for all transfers of motor vehicle ownership. The process begins when the current owner signs the vehicle's certificate of title exactly as the owner's name appears on the front of the document. The recipient then becomes the new owner as recorded on the title. To register the vehicle in Nevada, the recipient must visit a Nevada DMV office and submit the completed title along with other required documents within 30 days of acquisition.

Nevada Car Gifting Rules You Should Know

Title Status

Most motor vehicles in Nevada must have a valid certificate of title before they can be registered. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or earlier may be exempt from the odometer disclosure requirement, but the title is still required for registration in most cases. The recipient's name must appear exactly as it is listed on the recipient's driver's license, Nevada identification card, or business license. The original certificate of title is required for the gift transfer; a duplicate title cannot be used for vehicles with model year 2011 or newer.

License Plates

Nevada provides that the donor retains ownership of the vehicle's license plates and must remove them from the vehicle before the transfer is complete. The donor must either use these plates on another vehicle or surrender them to the Nevada DMV within 60 calendar days of the gift transfer for standard plates or within 30 calendar days for specialty plates. If the donor wishes to allow the recipient to use the existing plates, the donor must complete a License Plate Release (SP-67), and the recipient must submit this form when obtaining the original registration. The recipient may apply for new plates through the standard registration process.

Taxes and Fees

A gift transfer in Nevada is not subject to sales tax under state law. However, the recipient must pay title, registration, and applicable governmental service taxes upon placing the vehicle into service. A complete change of ownership in Nevada carries a title fee of $28.25. The registration fee varies by vehicle type and weight. Nevada also assesses a Governmental Services Tax based on the vehicle's original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depreciated in accordance with statutory schedules. This tax is calculated at 4% of the depreciated valuation. Some counties also impose a Supplemental Governmental Services Tax. Certain individuals, including disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and the blind, may qualify for tax exemptions on government services if approved by the county assessor.

Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in Nevada

Step 1: Ensure the vehicle title is available and properly held.

If the donor holds the title, proceed to the next step. If the vehicle is financed, the lienholder must release the lien first, and a lien release document must be obtained. If the title is held by a financial institution, contact the lienholder to arrange for title delivery before initiating the gift. Do not attempt to gift a vehicle without first obtaining the physical title.

Step 2: Complete the odometer reading on the title.

For any vehicle with a model year of 2011 or newer, the donor must enter the current odometer reading in the title's Odometer Reading section at the time of transfer. The reading must be entered exactly as shown on the vehicle's odometer, without tenths. The donor must also complete the odometer declaration by checking the appropriate box indicating whether the reading is actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or is neither.

Step 3: Sign the title and assign it to the recipient.

The donor must sign the title exactly as it appears on the face of the document. The donor then enters the recipient's name in the buyer section of the title, using the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on the recipient's driver's license, Nevada identification card, or business license. If there are co-owners joined by "AND," each co-owner must sign. If joined by "OR," only one owner needs to sign.

Step 4: Complete a bill of sale for record-keeping.

Although not required by the Nevada DMV for registration purposes, the donor should complete a Bill of Sale (VP 104) and retain a copy as proof of the gift transfer date. The bill of sale should clearly indicate that the vehicle is being transferred as a gift with no consideration being paid.

Step 5: Obtain Nevada liability insurance.

The recipient must obtain Nevada liability insurance from a licensed Nevada insurance carrier in the exact name that will appear on the vehicle registration and title. The effective date of the insurance policy must be equal to or prior to the date of registration. Out-of-state insurance policies are not accepted. The recipient must present proof of Nevada liability insurance to the DMV at the time of registration.

Step 6: Surrender or transfer the license plates.

The donor must remove the license plates from the vehicle before the recipient takes possession. The donor may either use these plates on another vehicle or surrender them to the Nevada DMV. Standard plates must be surrendered or transferred within 60 calendar days; specialty plates within 30 calendar days. Plates may be surrendered at any DMV office or by mail to the Nevada DMV Central Services Division, 555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711-0700.

Step 7: Obtain a VIN inspection if required.

If the vehicle has never been registered or titled in Nevada, the recipient must obtain a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection. A VIN inspection is conducted at any Nevada DMV office and involves verification of the vehicle's identification number against the title. No appointment is required for a VIN inspection at larger DMV offices.

Step 8: Complete emissions testing if required.

Most gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, model year 1968 or newer, registered in Las Vegas and Reno are subject to emissions testing requirements. The emissions inspection must have been completed within 90 days prior to registration, or within 180 days if the vehicle was purchased from a Nevada dealer. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, and new vehicles on their first registration are exempt from emissions testing.

Step 9: Register the vehicle within 30 days.

The recipient must complete vehicle registration at a Nevada DMV office within 30 calendar days of acquiring the vehicle. The recipient may drive the vehicle for three days after acquisition without a registration permit if carrying proof of ownership and proof of insurance, but a movement permit is required for any driving beyond three days. The recipient should make an appointment at the nearest DMV office to complete registration.

Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in Nevada

The documents required to complete a motor vehicle gift in Nevada include the following:

• Vehicle Certificate of Title – The current, original title signed by all owners as required (both co-owners if joined by "AND"; one if joined by "OR")
• Odometer Reading Disclosure – Completed on the title for vehicles model year 2011 or newer, indicating current mileage and odometer status
• Nevada Evidence of Insurance – Proof of liability coverage from a Nevada-licensed carrier in the recipient's name, with an effective date equal to or prior to registration
• Bill of Sale (VP 104) – Optional but recommended for the donor's records to document the transfer date and that no consideration was exchanged
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection Certificate (VP 015) – Required if the vehicle has never been registered or titled in Nevada
• Nevada Emissions Vehicle Inspection Report – Required for gasoline and diesel vehicles model year 1968 and newer in designated areas unless exempt
• Application for Vehicle Registration (VP 222) – Completed by the recipient or third-party registrant, if registering on behalf of the recipient
• Current Odometer Reading – Documented at the time of registration

If the vehicle has a lien or security interest, a Lien Release signed by the lienholder must be provided. If the donor is transferring the vehicle to a family trust, a Trustee Appointment and Powers Affidavit (VP 188) or court-certified trust documents must accompany the title.

Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in Nevada

A gift transfer in Nevada is not subject to sales tax under state law. However, the recipient must pay the following fees and taxes upon registration.

The Governmental Services Tax is calculated based on the vehicle's original manufacturer's suggested retail price. The DMV applies a depreciation formula: the MSRP is multiplied by 35% to establish the DMV Valuation (which does not change over the life of the vehicle). The DMV Valuation is then depreciated at 5% in the first year and 10% annually thereafter, until reaching a minimum floor of 15% of the original DMV Valuation. The Governmental Services Tax is then calculated as 4% of the depreciated valuation.

Certain individuals may qualify for exemptions from the Governmental Services Tax. These include disabled veterans, surviving spouses of deceased veterans, and the blind. Tax exemptions must be claimed at the time of registration; they cannot be applied retroactively. Exemptions require approval by the county assessor in the county where the vehicle will be registered. Active duty military members who are residents of another state but stationed in Nevada qualify for a full exemption on the Governmental Services Tax.

Contact Information

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4810
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles