How To Register a Car in Nebraska
Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state in conjunction with county treasurer offices. Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicles operated on Nebraska's public roads and highways. This requirement applies to Nebraska residents, new residents, and specific categories of non-residents operating vehicles within the state.
Nebraska's comprehensive motor vehicle regulations are governed by Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 60, which establishes the legal framework for all vehicle registration requirements.
New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing Nebraska residency. According to Nebraska Statute Section 60-366, individuals who have resided in Nebraska for 30 or more continuous days are considered residents for vehicle registration purposes. Newly purchased vehicles must be registered and sales tax paid within 30 days of the purchase date.
Military personnel stationed in Nebraska who maintain legal residence in another state may be exempt from Nebraska registration requirements under certain circumstances. Active duty military members, their spouses, and dependents can use their domicile state's license plates in Nebraska. Military personnel may qualify for military exemptions from registration fees upon receipt of satisfactory proof of active duty status and out-of-state residency.
Students attending Nebraska educational institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state are generally exempt from Nebraska registration requirements, provided they maintain their out-of-state residency and do not establish permanent residence in Nebraska.
Temporary visitors and tourists may operate properly registered out-of-state vehicles in Nebraska without obtaining Nebraska registration. Non-residents shall not be prevented from operating motor vehicles during periods within which they may lawfully remain in the state, provided their home state registration remains valid.
Business fleets and commercial operators must register each vehicle used for business purposes in Nebraska. Companies with vehicles based in Nebraska or regularly operating in the state must maintain proper Nebraska registration for each vehicle according to commercial registration requirements.
Licensed dealers may operate vehicles under dealer plates for specific business purposes, including demonstrations, testing, and transportation to customers, subject to applicable regulations and restrictions.
Interstate commercial operators may utilize the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, allowing proportional registration based on miles operated in participating jurisdictions. IRP registration permits quarterly or annual renewal at the operator's discretion.
What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Nebraska
Nebraska requires registration for various vehicle categories operated on public roads:
- Passenger cars including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons
- Light trucks and pickup trucks used for personal or commercial transportation
- Sport utility vehicles and vans used for personal or business purposes
- Motorcycles including standard motorcycles, motor scooters, and autocycles
- Commercial trucks exceeding 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
- Truck tractors used for pulling trailers and semitrailers
- Buses used for public transportation, school transportation, or commercial passenger service
- Recreational vehicles including motor homes, travel trailers, and cabin trailers
- Utility trailers exceeding 2,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
- Boat trailers and equipment trailers used for commercial or personal purposes
- All-terrain vehicles and minibikes when operated on designated public roads
- Classic motor vehicles originally manufactured more than 30 years prior to application
- Assembled vehicles incorporating major components from multiple vehicles
- Special interest vehicles collected, preserved, or restored as leisure pursuits
Nebraska classifies vehicles by weight and purpose, with different registration requirements for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles based on gross vehicle weight, and specialty vehicles. Farm-plated trucks follow specific registration schedules based on gross vehicle weight and agricultural use designation.
Specialty registration programs are available through Nebraska's Historical Plates Program for vehicles 30 years old or older.
Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Nebraska
Several vehicle categories are exempt from Nebraska registration requirements:
Agricultural implements including tractors, combines, and farm equipment operated exclusively for farming purposes are exempt when used solely for agricultural operations or traveling between fields and service facilities.
Government vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, county, or municipal governments are exempt from registration fees, though they may display government identification plates.
Military tactical vehicles including tanks, armored vehicles, and specialized military equipment operated by armed forces in official capacity are exempt from civilian registration requirements.
Off-highway vehicles designed exclusively for off-road use, including dirt bikes, ATVs not street-legal, and specialized recreational vehicles, are exempt from road registration when operated solely on private property or designated off-road areas.
Golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles operated exclusively on golf courses, private property, or in authorized low-speed vehicle zones may be exempt from standard registration requirements.
Vehicles operated exclusively on private property including industrial equipment, construction vehicles, and farm machinery that never enter public roadways are exempt from registration requirements.
Film vehicles used exclusively for motion picture or television production may qualify for special six-month registration at reduced rates under specific circumstances.
Some exempt vehicles may utilize alternative registration programs or receive temporary permits for limited public road use during specific events, transportation needs, or emergency situations.
What Do You Need To Register a Car in Nebraska
Registering a vehicle in Nebraska requires specific documentation, inspections, and fee payments:
Required Documents:
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title available from county treasurer offices
- Proof of ownership including previous title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or court order
- Valid identification such as driver's license, state ID card, or passport
- Proof of financial responsibility (insurance) meeting Nebraska's minimum coverage requirements
- Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old
- Lien holder information if applicable, including signed security agreements
- Power of attorney if someone other than the owner is completing the transaction
Vehicle Inspection Requirements: VIN inspections are required for all vehicles, ATVs, minibikes, and trailers brought into Nebraska from out-of-state. Assembled vehicles and vehicles with salvage titles also require inspection. The inspection verifies the VIN plate, manufacturer's federal sticker, odometer reading, and title documentation. County sheriff departments conduct these inspections for a $10 fee. Out-of-state vehicle inspections must be completed and approved before registration can proceed.
Safety and Emissions Requirements: Nebraska does not require periodic safety inspections or emissions testing for most passenger vehicles. However, VIN inspections serve as title verification rather than safety examinations. The state may perform inspections to confirm ownership and record odometer readings but does not conduct physical examinations of roadworthiness for registration purposes.
Fees and Taxes: Nebraska vehicle registration involves multiple fees and taxes:
- Sales tax at 5.5% state rate plus local taxes typically 1-2% additional, totaling 6.5-7.5% depending on location.
- Title fees of $10 for standard titles or $17 when liens are noted.
- Registration fees of $15 for passenger and leased vehicles.
- Motor vehicle tax based on manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) with rates varying by vehicle age and value.
- Additional fees include $0.50 for Emergency Medical System Operation Fund, $2.00 for Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund, $1.50 for State Recreation Road Fund, and $1.50 county general fund fee ($5.00 for non-residents).
- License plate fees of $4.10 per plate when new, duplicate, or replacement plates are issued.
Alternative fuel vehicles pay additional fees: $150 for electric or hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles and trucks, $75 for plug-in electric vehicles and electric motorcycles.
Registration must be completed within 30 days of establishing Nebraska residency or purchasing a vehicle.
Where to Register Your Vehicle in Nebraska
Nebraska operates vehicle registration through county treasurer offices located in all 93 counties throughout the state. Each county treasurer's office provides complete vehicle titling and registration services for county residents, while the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles handles driver licensing services.
Major County Treasurer Offices:
Douglas County Treasurer
1819 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(402) 444-7103
Douglas County Treasurer
Lancaster County Treasurer
625 North 46th Street, Lincoln, NE 68503
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
(402) 441-7497
Lancaster County Treasurer
Sarpy County Treasurer
1102 E 1st Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(402) 593-2148
Sarpy County Treasurer
Hall County Treasurer
200 S Sycamore Street, Grand Island, NE 68801
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(308) 385-5030
Hall County Treasurer
Adams County Treasurer
500 West 4th Street, Room 106, Hastings, NE 68901
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(402) 461-7124
Adams County Treasurer
Buffalo County Treasurer
1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68848
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(308) 236-1259
Buffalo County Treasurer
A complete directory is available at the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles county treasurers page.
Nebraska also operates satellite offices in Douglas County with multiple locations throughout Omaha to provide additional convenience for residents. Some county offices offer mail-in registration services for eligible renewals and transactions.
Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Nebraska?
Nebraska provides limited online vehicle registration services through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles online portal for eligible transactions:
Available Online Services:
- Registration renewals for vehicles with current, valid registration
- Address changes for existing vehicle registrations
- Duplicate registration documents and certificate replacements
- Specialty license plate orders and applications
- Driving record requests and verification services
- Motor carrier services for commercial operators
Online Service Limitations: Initial vehicle registration, title transfers, and out-of-state vehicle transfers require in-person processing at county treasurer offices. These transactions involve document verification, VIN inspections, and fee calculations that cannot be completed remotely.
New vehicle purchases, used vehicle purchases, and registrations involving liens must be processed in person to ensure proper documentation verification and ownership confirmation.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Services: Vehicles must have no outstanding violations, no administrative holds, and current insurance verification on file with the county treasurer. Registration must not have changes to vehicle information, owner name, or address. Insurance coverage must be current and verifiable through the state's insurance verification system.
The Nebraska DMV online services portal provides secure access to eligible services 24 hours daily at dmv.nebraska.gov. County treasurer offices also provide online renewal options through the state system for qualifying registrations.
Online services accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for payment processing. Convenience fees of 2.35% may apply to online transactions depending on the service type and payment method selected.
When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Nebraska
Nebraska vehicle registration follows a monthly staggered expiration system based on the month of initial registration or vehicle purchase. Registration periods are typically annual, with specific expiration dates determined by when the vehicle was first registered in the state.
Expiration Date System: Vehicle registration expires on the first day of the month one year from the month of issuance. The registration expiration date is determined by the month the vehicle was purchased rather than VIN digits or owner information. For example, a vehicle registered in March expires on March 1st of the following year. Renewal becomes due on the expiration date and becomes delinquent on the first day of the following month.
Registration Certificates and Decals: Nebraska issues validation decals that must be affixed to license plates displaying the expiration month and year. Registration certificates must be carried in the vehicle showing the complete registration period, vehicle information, and owner details. Both the decal and certificate serve as proof of current registration.
Validity Requirements: Registration remains valid only when financial responsibility (insurance) coverage meets Nebraska minimum requirements and address information is current with the county treasurer's office. Expired registration immediately invalidates the legal operation of the vehicle on public roads.
Consequences of Expired Registration: Operating a vehicle with expired registration results in traffic citations and penalties under Nebraska motor vehicle laws. Late registration may incur additional penalties and fees depending on how long the registration has been expired.
Special Registration Schedules: Commercial vehicles and IRP-registered vehicles may follow different expiration schedules with quarterly or annual renewal options based on operational requirements and registration type. Permanently registered vehicles and certain specialty plate vehicles may have different renewal requirements or exemptions.
Renewal Notifications: County treasurer offices may provide renewal notices approximately 30 days before expiration to registered owners at their address of record. Online account holders using the state's electronic notification system may receive email reminders for eligible renewal services and upcoming expiration dates.
