How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Nebraska in 2025
Nebraska vehicle registration costs vary significantly based on your vehicle type, value, age, and location within the state. Registration fees in Nebraska include state-mandated charges, local fees that differ by county, and specialized taxes that fund transportation infrastructure and local services.
Base Registration Fees
Nebraska assesses standard registration fees for all vehicles regardless of location:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles and leased vehicles | $15.00 |
| Trucks - 3 tons | $18.00 |
| Trucks - 4 tons | $25.00 |
| Trucks - 5 tons | $35.00 |
| Trucks - 6 tons | $60.00 |
| Trucks - 7 tons | $85.00 |
| Trucks over 7 tons | $25.00 per ton |
| Trailers | $1.00 per 1,000 lbs |
| Cabin trailers - 1,000 lbs or less | $9.00 |
| Cabin trailers - 1,001 to 2,000 lbs | $12.00 |
| Cabin trailers - over 2,000 lbs | $15.00 |
| Recreational vehicles - 8,000 lbs or less | $18.00 |
| Recreational vehicles - 8,001 to 12,000 lbs | $30.00 |
| Recreational vehicles - over 12,000 lbs | $42.00 |
All registration fees are distributed to the Highway Trust Fund as mandated by Nebraska Statute 60-3,141.
Local/County Fees
Douglas County (Omaha Area) Wheel Tax
An example of how Douglas County collects the local registration fee under Omaha's wheel tax ordinance:
| Vehicle Type | Wheel Tax Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | $50.00 |
| Trucks - 4 tons or less | $69.00 |
| Trucks - 5 tons | $87.00 |
| Trucks - 6 and 7 tons | $139.00 |
| Trucks - 8 tons or more | $175.00 |
| Motorcycles | $28.00 |
| Camper trailers | $69.00 |
The wheel tax applies to vehicles registered in Omaha tax districts and funds local road maintenance and infrastructure projects. College students and active-duty military personnel may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.
Remaining Nebraska Counties
The remaining 92 Nebraska counties do not charge local registration fees beyond the standard state-mandated amounts. This includes major counties such as Lancaster (Lincoln), Sarpy (Bellevue/Papillion), and Hall (Grand Island).
Mandatory Processing Fees
Nebraska collects additional administrative fees with every vehicle registration:
| Fee Type | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| County General Fund | $1.50 | County operations (residents) |
| County General Fund | $5.00 | County operations (non-residents) |
| Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund | $2.00 | DMV operations |
| State Recreation Road Fund | $1.50 | Department of Roads |
| Emergency Medical System Operation Fund | $0.50 | Health and Human Services |
These fees totaling $5.50 for residents ($9.50 for non-residents) are collected with every registration and renewal as specified in Nebraska Statute 60-3,156.
Motor Vehicle Fee
Nebraska imposes a motor vehicle fee based on vehicle type and value:
| Vehicle Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Cars, trucks, utility vehicles under $20,000 MSRP | $5.00 |
| Cars, trucks, utility vehicles $20,000-$39,999 MSRP | $20.00 |
| Cars, trucks, utility vehicles $40,000+ MSRP | $30.00 |
| Motorcycles | $10.00 |
| Recreational vehicles and cabin trailers | $10.00 |
| Trucks over 7 tons | $30.00 |
| Buses | $30.00 |
| Trailers | $10.00 |
This fee is reduced as vehicles age: 100% for years 1-5, 70% for years 6-10, and 35% for year 11 and beyond. The motor vehicle fee funds road, bridge, and street improvements through the Motor Vehicle Fee Fund.
License Plate Fees
Nebraska issues new license plates every six years, beginning with plates issued in 2023:
- Standard plates: $4.10 per plate ($8.20 per set)
- Plate fees are assessed only when new, duplicate, or replacement plates are issued
- Funds are remitted to the Highway Trust Fund per Nebraska Statute 60-3,102
Special Requirements by Region
Vehicle Inspections
Nebraska requires vehicle inspections only for specific situations:
- Out-of-state vehicles brought into Nebraska
- Assembled vehicles
- Vehicles with salvage titles
- When requested by DMV or County Treasurer
The inspection fee is $10.00 and covers VIN verification and odometer reading verification. Counties that provide inspection services include Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster, and most other county sheriff departments.
Alternative Fuel Fees
Electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are subject to additional fees:
| Vehicle Type | Alternative Fuel Fee |
|---|---|
| Full 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 motorcycles | $75.00 |
These fees are assessed at initial registration and each renewal to compensate for lost fuel tax revenue, with proceeds directed to the Highway Trust Fund per Nebraska Statute 60-3,191.
Title Fees
Vehicle title fees in Nebraska are separate from registration costs:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original certificate of title | $10.00 |
| Duplicate certificate of title | $14.00 |
| Lien notation | $7.00 |
| Title transfer | $10.00 |
Title fees are processed by county treasurers and may include additional notary fees depending on the transaction type.
Vehicle registration in Nebraska also includes motor vehicle tax (property tax) based on the vehicle's MSRP and age, which can range from $0 for vehicles 14+ years old to over $1,500 for new luxury vehicles.
