Car Registration Requirements for New Nebraska Residents

Persons moving to Nebraska with a vehicle registered in another state must obtain a Nebraska certificate of title and register the vehicle through their county motor vehicle office. Nebraska law requires completion of both titling and registration processes for vehicles operated on state roads and highways.

Timeline for New Nebraska Residents

Vehicles must be registered and sales tax paid, within 30 days of the date of purchase.

Establishing Nebraska Residency

Nebraska residency for vehicle registration is established when an individual relocates to the state with the intention of remaining. Factors indicating residency include employment within Nebraska, enrollment in educational institutions, establishment of a permanent address, and registration to vote.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Nebraska

New residents must present documentation to the county motor vehicle office in the county where they will reside to obtain a Nebraska certificate of title and registration.

Essential Documents

• Current certificate of title from the previous state showing current ownership
• Application for Certificate of Title (Form available online), completed and signed
• Proof of current valid insurance in the form of an original document (photocopies not acceptable)
• Most recent issued registration certificate (pink slip) from the previous state
• Vehicle inspection certificate from a county sheriff inspection station
• Payment for applicable fees and taxes (contact county motor vehicle office for estimate based on VIN)

Vehicle Inspection Requirement

Nebraska requires a Sheriff's Inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Most motor vehicle office locations have an inspection station on site. The inspection compares the VIN on the vehicle with the title and records the odometer reading. The fee for a Sheriff's Inspection is $10.00.

For vehicles not physically located in Nebraska, state police in the state where the vehicle is located may perform the inspection using the Nebraska Vehicle Inspection Form (NSP455). The completed form and $10.00 fee must be sent to:

Nebraska State Patrol
Auto Fraud Division
4600 Innovation Drive
Lincoln, NE 68521

Vehicles with Liens

If a lienholder or lessor holds the current title, contact the County Motor Vehicle Office to initiate a request for the out-of-state title. The office will send a letter to the lienholder requesting the title. Contact the lender or lessor to determine if they have a specific process or form for requesting the title.

Nebraska Insurance Requirements

Nebraska law mandates minimum automobile liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. Required minimum coverage amounts are:

Proof of insurance must be presented to the county motor vehicle office in the form of an original document during the registration process.

Application Submission Methods

In-Person Submission: Applications for title and registration must be submitted in person at the county motor vehicle office in the county of residence. Nebraska operates motor vehicle offices in each of its 93 counties. Vehicle inspections are conducted at or near these offices before the title application.

County treasurers administer motor vehicle titling and registration services. Contact the local county motor vehicle office to confirm acceptable payment methods and office hours before visiting.

Registration Fees and Costs in Nebraska

Nebraska registration fees and taxes are calculated based on vehicle type, age, and manufacturer's suggested retail price. New residents pay title fees, motor vehicle tax, motor vehicle fee, registration fee, and additional statutory fees.

Title Fees

• Certificate of title fee: $10.00
• Certificate of title with lien noted: $17.00

Motor Vehicle Tax

Motor vehicle tax is assessed on vehicles at initial registration and annually thereafter until the vehicle reaches 14 years of age or more. The tax is based on the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price). A Base Tax is assigned to the specific MSRP range according to Nebraska statutes. The percentage of the Base Tax applied is reduced as the vehicle ages.

Motor Vehicle Fee

Motor vehicle fee is based upon the value, weight, and use of the vehicle and is adjusted as the vehicle ages. The fee is calculated using a base fee multiplied by a fraction corresponding to the vehicle's age category.

Registration Fee

Registration fees are assessed as follows:

• Passenger and leased vehicles: $15.00 per § 60-3,143
• Commercial trucks and truck tractors: Based on gross vehicle weight per § 60-3,147
• Farm plated trucks and truck tractors: Based on gross vehicle weight per § 60-3,146

Additional Fees

Every motor vehicle registration issued includes the following additional fees:

• Emergency Medical System Operation Fund: $0.50 per § 60-3,156
• Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund: $2.00 per § 60-3,156
• State Recreation Road Fund: $1.50 per § 60-3,156
• County General Fund: $1.50 per § 60-3,141
• Plate fee: $4.10 per plate when new, duplicate, or replacement plates are issued per § 60-3,102

Alternative Fuel Fees

Alternative fuel fees are assessed per § 60-3,191:

• Electric or hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles and trucks: $150.00
• Plug-in electric passenger vehicles and trucks: $75.00
• Electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and plug-in electric motorcycles: $75.00

Fee Estimation

Nebraska provides a Motor Vehicle Tax Estimator online to calculate total registration costs. Contact the county motor vehicle office with the vehicle's VIN to obtain an accurate estimate of fees and taxes before visiting.

Contact Information

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3985
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles

Nebraska State Patrol
Auto Fraud Division (Vehicle Inspections)
4600 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521
Phone: (402) 471-3918
Nebraska State Patrol