How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Nebraska From Out of State
Registering a vehicle from another state in Nebraska involves several financial obligations administered by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Individuals establishing residency in Nebraska must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of relocating to the state. This registration requirement applies regardless of whether the new resident has obtained a Nebraska driver's license, though a valid driver's license from any state must be presented during the transaction.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial requirements for registering an out-of-state vehicle in Nebraska encompass multiple components administered by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. These costs include registration fees determined by vehicle specifications, certificate of title charges, and motor vehicle taxes calculated based on vehicle value and age.
Standard State Fees
Nebraska calculates registration fees according to vehicle weight and classification. The state employs a structured fee schedule that varies based on whether the vehicle serves personal or commercial purposes. Specific fee amounts are detailed in the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles fee schedule.
Registration Fees by Vehicle Type:
| Vehicle Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles and leased vehicles | $15.00 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $12.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (3 tons or less) | $18.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (over 3 to 4 tons) | $25.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (over 4 to 5 tons) | $35.00 |
| Commercial vehicles (over 5 to 6 tons) | $60.00 |
| Commercial vehicle (over 6 to 7 tons) | $85.00 |
| Commercial vehicle (over 7 tons) | $85.00 + $25.00 per ton over 7 tons |
| Farm trucks (up to and including 5 tons) | $18.00 |
| Farm trucks (over 5 tons to 16 tons) | $22.00 |
| Farm trucks (over 16 tons to 17 tons) | $40.00 |
| Farm trucks (over 17 tons to 20 tons) | $40.00 + $5.00 per ton over 17 tons |
| Farm trucks (over 20 tons) | $65.00 + $10.00 per ton over 20 tons |
Additional Registration Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| License plate fee (per plate set) | $4.10 |
| County General Fund | $1.50 |
| Emergency Medical System Operation Fund | $0.50 |
| Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund | $2.00 |
| State Recreation Road Fund | $1.50 |
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees:
According to Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,191, the following alternative fuel fees apply annually:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Electric or hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles and trucks | $150.00 |
| Plug-in electric passenger vehicles and trucks | $75.00 |
| Electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or plug-in electric motorcycles | $75.00 |
Motor Vehicle Fee:
The motor vehicle fee is calculated based on vehicle type and age according to the Motor Vehicle Tax Fee Chart:
| Vehicle Type | Years 1-5 | Years 6-10 | Years 11+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, trucks, vans (MSRP under $20,000) | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Cars, trucks, vans (MSRP $20,000-$39,999) | $14.00 | $20.00 | $7.00 |
| Cars, trucks, vans (MSRP $40,000+) | $21.00 | $30.00 | $10.50 |
| Motorcycles and autocycles | $7.00 | $10.00 | $3.50 |
| Cabin trailers and recreational vehicles | $7.00 | $10.00 | $3.50 |
| Trucks over 7 tons | $21.00 | $30.00 | $10.50 |
| Semi-trailers | $21.00 | $30.00 | $10.50 |
| Other trailers | $7.00 | $10.00 | $3.50 |
Title Fees
Nebraska requires certificate of title applications for all motor vehicles operated on public roadways.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title application (standard) | $10.00 |
| Duplicate certificate of title | $14.00 |
| Notation of lien | $17.00 |
| Salvage branded title | $10.00 |
Motor Vehicle Tax
Nebraska assesses a motor vehicle tax on vehicles titled in the state. This tax functions as a personal property tax replacement and is calculated based on the vehicle's MSRP using the Motor Vehicle Tax Fee Chart. Base tax amounts range from $25.00 to $1,900.00, depending on MSRP value, with depreciation applied based on vehicle age as specified in Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,185.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Nebraska imposes sales and use tax obligations on vehicles brought into the state from other jurisdictions. The Nebraska Department of Revenue administers tax collection for vehicle transfers and out-of-state purchases.
State Sales Tax
The state sales tax rate for motor vehicles applies uniformly across all Nebraska counties as the base state obligation. Complete tax information is available through the Nebraska Department of Revenue motor vehicle sales tax page.
State Motor Vehicle Tax Rate:
| Tax Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 5.5% |
| Motor vehicle use tax | 5.5% |
Credit provisions exist for sales tax paid to another state on the same vehicle. Nebraska grants credit for taxes paid to the previous state of registration, reducing the Nebraska tax obligation by the amount previously paid, not to exceed the Nebraska tax due.
Local Sales Taxes
City and county jurisdictions within Nebraska levy additional local sales taxes on motor vehicle purchases as authorized by Nebraska Revised Statute 77-27,142. These local rates supplement the state sales tax and vary depending on the municipality where the vehicle owner resides. Local tax rates range from 0.5% to 2.0% depending on jurisdiction.
Vehicle owners should verify applicable local tax rates through the Nebraska Department of Revenue local tax rate finder.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Nebraska mandates vehicle inspections for all vehicles brought into Nebraska from out of state.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage brands or rebuilt from salvage designation must complete an inspection before receiving standard title status. The Nebraska State Patrol conducts these specialized inspections at designated inspection stations throughout the state.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection | $10.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2281
Official Website: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles oversees all vehicle titling and registration activities conducted through county treasurer offices. The department establishes standardized procedures, fee schedules, and regulatory requirements applied uniformly across all Nebraska counties.
Nebraska County Treasurer Offices
Nebraska administers vehicle registration and titling services through county treasurer offices in all 93 Nebraska counties. The following offices serve the state's most populous jurisdictions and process the highest volume of vehicle transactions. Complete county office information is accessible through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles county treasurers directory.
Douglas County Treasurer
1819 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183
Phone: (402) 444-7103
Official Website: Douglas County Treasurer
Lancaster County Treasurer
625 N 46th St., Lincoln, NE 68503
Phone: (402) 441-7497
Official Website: Lancaster County Treasurer
Sarpy County Treasurer
1102 E. 1st Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 593-2148
Official Website: Sarpy County Treasurer
Hall County Treasurer
200 South Sycamore Street Suite 2, Grand Island, NE 68801
Phone: (308) 385-5025
Official Website: Hall County Treasurer
Buffalo County Treasurer
1512 Central Avenue, Suite 202, Kearney, NE 68847
Phone: (308) 236-1259
Official Website: Buffalo County Treasurer
Lincoln County Treasurer
301 North Jeffers Street, Room 19, North Platte, NE 69101
Phone: (308) 534-4350
Official Website: Lincoln County Treasurer
Madison County Treasurer
1313 North Main Street, Madison, NE 68748
Phone: (402) 454-3311
Official Website: Madison County Treasurer
Scotts Bluff County Treasurer
1825 10th Street, Gering, NE 69341
Phone: (308) 436-6617
Official Website: Scotts Bluff County Treasurer
Dodge County Treasurer
435 North Park Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025
Phone: (402) 727-2750
Official Website: Dodge County Treasurer
Dakota County Treasurer
1601 Broadway, Dakota City, NE 68731
Phone: (402) 987-2131
Official Website: Dakota County Treasurer
