How To Sell a Car in Nevada

Selling a motor vehicle in Nevada requires adherence to statutory provisions established by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, which govern title assignment, bill of sale documentation, odometer reporting, vehicle registration procedures, and post-sale obligations. Private-party sellers must possess a valid title, satisfy any outstanding liens, and provide properly executed transfer documents to the purchaser.

What You Need To Know Before Selling a Car in Nevada

Title Law and Ownership Requirements

Sellers must own the vehicle shown on the certificate of title to complete a valid sale. Under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 482, when multiple parties hold joint title with names separated by "AND," all co-owners must endorse the title assignment. When co-owners are identified by "OR," either owner may execute the transfer without requiring the other's participation. The seller must provide a properly executed and signed-off title to the purchaser as part of the transaction.

Vehicles Exempt From Title Requirements

Certain classes of vehicles are excluded from Nevada's titling mandate. Mopeds, off-highway recreational vehicles, and vehicles with specified gross vehicle weight ratings may operate without formal title registration. Antique vehicles registered with specialized license plate designations and classic vehicles meeting prescribed mileage restrictions may qualify for alternative registration categories. Trailers and certain equipment designed exclusively for agricultural purposes or light utility transport may be exempt from titling requirements.

Satisfying an Existing Lien

If a security interest or financial claim is recorded against the vehicle, the seller must discharge the obligation and obtain release documentation before offering the vehicle for sale. The lienholder must furnish either a lien release instrument or satisfy the obligation through Nevada's Electronic Lien and Title system. The seller should retain written confirmation of lien discharge prior to executing the sale.

Inspection, VIN Verification, or Emissions Requirements

For vehicles being registered in Nevada for the first time, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection conducted at a Nevada DMV office is mandatory. This inspection documents the VIN match between the vehicle and ownership documentation.

Emissions testing requirements depend upon the vehicle's location and model year. Gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1996 or newer registered in the urban areas of Clark or Washoe Counties require emissions certification within 90 days before initial registration. New vehicles are exempt from emissions testing during their first three registrations. In private transactions, the purchaser is responsible for obtaining emissions certification where mandated; dealers are required to provide passing emissions test results for their sales in Clark or Washoe counties.

Documents Required To Sell a Car in Nevada

Certificate of Title

The motor vehicle title serves as proof of ownership and must be transferred to the purchaser. The seller completes the assignment section on the reverse of the title document by entering the purchaser's full legal name and address, the date of sale, and the transaction price.

For vehicles manufactured in model year 2011 or later, the seller must record the current odometer reading on the title at the time of transfer. For vehicles manufactured in model year 2010 or earlier, the seller may mark the exempt box. All owners listed on the title must execute the assignment in the designated signature field. The buyer must countersign the acquisition section exactly as the buyer's name will appear on the new title. Any alterations, erasures, or corrections render the title unacceptable for processing.

Bill of Sale

Although statutory law does not mandate a separate bill of sale upon title transfer, completing the Bill of Sale (Form VP-104) is strongly recommended for private transactions. The bill of sale documents the transaction and serves as proof of sale for both parties. The form requires complete disclosure of the seller's name and identification number, the buyer's name and identification number, the full vehicle description, including the vehicle identification number and model year, the transaction date, and the total consideration. Both parties must execute the bill of sale, and each should retain a signed copy.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

For motor vehicles manufactured in the 2011 model year or later, the seller must document the current odometer reading directly on the title certificate in the designated Odometer Reading section at the time of sale or transfer. The seller certifies whether the stated mileage represents the actual vehicle miles, whether the mileage exceeds the instrument's mechanical capability, or whether the reading does not reflect actual mileage. Vehicles manufactured in 2010 or earlier may have the odometer reading exemption selected.

Vehicle Resale Notification

The seller should complete the MyDMV Registration Cancellation & Vehicle Resale Notification online to record the vehicle transfer with the Nevada DMV. This notification protects the seller from liability and generates a registration fee credit upon the department's receipt.

How To Transfer a Car Title in Nevada

Step 1: Review the Title Before the Sale

The seller must verify possession of a current, valid certificate of title and confirm that the seller's name exactly matches the owner designation on the title document. The seller should examine the front of the title to confirm whether any liens, security interests, or third-party claims are recorded. If the title is missing or damaged, the seller must apply for a Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form VP-012) from the Nevada DMV before proceeding with the sale.

Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment

The seller executes the title assignment by entering the purchaser's full legal name and address, the sale date, and the purchase price in the designated assignment fields on the reverse of the title. For vehicles with a model year of 2011 or later, the seller enters the current odometer reading in the Odometer Reading section and either certifies its accuracy or notes any discrepancy.

All owners whose names appear on the title must countersign in the seller's signature block with signatures matching their printed names. The purchaser must execute the buyer's signature section using the exact name that will appear on the new title. No corrections, erasures, or alterations are permitted.

Step 3: Prepare the Bill of Sale and Disclosure Paperwork

The seller and purchaser jointly complete the Bill of Sale (Form VP-104), entering the seller and purchaser information, complete vehicle description, vehicle identification number, model year, transaction date, and sale price. Both parties execute the bill of sale.

If applicable, the seller completes the Vehicle Resale Notification through the MyDMV portal to record the transfer and obtain any applicable registration fee credit.

Step 4: Deliver the Documents to the Buyer

At the time of sale, the seller delivers the following to the purchaser: the original executed certificate of title, a signed copy of the bill of sale, and proof of any lien discharge. The seller must remove the vehicle's license plates prior to delivery or possession. Within 60 days of the sale, the seller must either affix the plates to another vehicle or surrender them to a Nevada DMV office for cancellation. Failure to remove or surrender the plates within the prescribed period may subject the seller to liability for violations or damages arising from the former vehicle's use.

Step 5: Buyer Submits Application Through a Local Office

The purchaser must present the executed title, bill of sale, proof of liability insurance, and required fees to a Nevada DMV office within 30 days of the purchase date to complete registration and titling. The DMV issues the new certificate of title and registration in the purchaser's name once all requirements are satisfied.

Title Transfer Fee Schedule in Nevada

These title-related fees are paid by the buyer at the time of application:

The emissions testing fees are for private testing stations. Registration fees for the new vehicle vary and depend on the vehicle type, model year, gross vehicle weight rating, and county of residence. Purchasers should use the Online Registration Fee Estimator to calculate anticipated charges.

Sales Tax on Private Vehicle Sales

Nevada imposes no sales tax on private-party vehicle sales, family sales, or gifts. The purchaser pays registration fees, emissions testing fees where required, and title fees but incurs no sales tax liability on the purchase price.

What To Do After Selling Your Car in Nevada

Remove License Plates

Nevada requires the seller to remove license plates from the vehicle at the time of sale. Plates remain the seller's property and do not transfer to the purchaser. The seller must keep the license plates and either use them on another vehicle or turn them in for cancellation. The seller must complete this action within 60 days for standard plates or within 30 days for specialty plates.

The seller may complete a License Plate Release (Form SP-67) if the seller wishes to transfer plates to the purchaser; however, registration fee credits do not transfer with plates. If plates remain affixed to a sold vehicle, the seller may file a Lost, Stolen or Mutilated License Plate Affidavit (Form VP-202) to document the loss and prevent continued liability.

Report the Vehicle Sale to the Nevada DMV

The seller should submit the Vehicle Resale Notification through the MyDMV portal to notify the Nevada DMV of the sale. This notification provides evidence of sale, protects the seller from future liability, and, when processed, generates a registration fee credit. The notification information is shared with law enforcement agencies and recovery services to assist in identifying abandoned or improperly discarded vehicles.

Cancel Automobile Insurance

The seller should cancel the vehicle's liability insurance policy or terminate coverage as of the sale date. Maintaining active insurance on a vehicle no longer owned by the seller is not required. The seller should provide the insurance carrier with the date of sale and bill of sale documentation to support the cancellation request.

Retain Copies of All Sale Documents

The seller should preserve the executed bill of sale, the vehicle resale notification confirmation, any lien release documentation, and the plates' surrender receipt. These documents establish proof of sale and protect the seller against subsequent liability claims or disputes regarding the vehicle's ownership or condition.

Contact Information

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (702) 486-4368
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles