How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Nebraska?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Nebraska residents to maintain legal operation of motor vehicles on public roadways. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while county treasurer offices administer registration services and collect registration fees, motor vehicle taxes, and related assessments on behalf of the state.
Nebraska Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Nebraska vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing motor vehicle registration:
- Valid Vehicle Liability Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Nebraska minimum requirements as established under Nebraska Revised Statute 60-501
- Vehicle Identification Information: Registration renewal notice, Nebraska license plate number, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Government-Issued Identification: Current Nebraska driver's license, state-issued identification card, or other acceptable identification document
- Payment for All Applicable Fees: Motor vehicle tax, motor vehicle fee, registration fee, and additional statutory assessments
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Renewal Period: Registration renewal may be processed during the month indicated on the registration certificate or during the month preceding the expiration month
- Grace Period: Nebraska law does not provide a statutory grace period after registration expiration; operating a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a violation subject to citation
- Late Renewal: Expired registrations may be renewed at any time by paying all applicable current-year fees; no additional late penalties are assessed for registration renewal
- New Residents: Individuals establishing Nebraska residency must register vehicles within 30 days of residency establishment as required by Nebraska Revised Statute 60-301
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Nebraska in 2025?
2025 Nebraska Vehicle Registration Fee Structure
Nebraska assesses vehicle registration costs using a comprehensive fee structure consisting of three primary components: motor vehicle tax based on manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), motor vehicle fee based on vehicle value and weight, and base registration fees. The total registration cost varies significantly based on vehicle age, original purchase price, and weight classification.
Motor Vehicle Tax
Motor vehicle tax is assessed annually on vehicles until they reach 14 years of age or older, calculated as a percentage of the base tax amount assigned to the vehicle's MSRP range. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles publishes the Motor Vehicle Tax and Fee Chart containing complete base tax amounts for all MSRP ranges.
Motor Vehicle Tax Assessment Method:
- Base tax amount is determined by the vehicle's MSRP as established by the manufacturer
- MSRP remains constant throughout the vehicle's life and cannot be changed
- Base tax percentage applied decreases as the vehicle ages according to statutory depreciation schedule
- Vehicles 14 years old or older are exempt from motor vehicle tax
Motor Vehicle Tax Depreciation Schedule:
| Vehicle Age | Percentage of Base Tax Applied |
|---|---|
| First year (initial registration) | 100% of base tax |
| Second year | 90% of base tax |
| Third year | 80% of base tax |
| Fourth year | 70% of base tax |
| Fifth year | 60% of base tax |
| Sixth year | 50% of base tax |
| Seventh year | 40% of base tax |
| Eighth year | 30% of base tax |
| Ninth year | 20% of base tax |
| Tenth year | 10% of base tax |
| Eleventh through thirteenth years | 5% of base tax |
| Fourteen years and older | Exempt from motor vehicle tax |
Example Motor Vehicle Tax Calculation:
A passenger vehicle with an MSRP of $35,000 is assigned a base tax of $700.00 according to the statutory chart. During the vehicle's third year of registration, the motor vehicle tax assessed is $560.00 (80% of $700.00 base tax).
Motor Vehicle Tax Revenue Distribution:
After 1% retention by the county treasurer and 1% allocation to the Vehicle Title and Registration System Replacement and Maintenance Cash Fund established under Nebraska Revised Statute 60-1505, remaining motor vehicle tax proceeds are distributed according to Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,186:
- 22% allocated to the county
- 60% allocated to the local school system or school district
- 18% allocated to the city or village (with specified exceptions for certain jurisdictions)
Motor Vehicle Fee
Motor vehicle fee is assessed annually based on vehicle value, weight, and intended use, with fee amounts adjusted as vehicles age. The Motor Vehicle Tax and Fee Chart published by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles contains complete motor vehicle fee schedules for all vehicle classifications.
Motor Vehicle Fee Assessment Factors:
- Original MSRP or vehicle value
- Gross vehicle weight
- Vehicle classification (passenger, commercial, farm)
- Vehicle age (depreciation applied annually)
Motor Vehicle Fee Depreciation:
Motor vehicle fees decrease annually as vehicles age, following a depreciation schedule similar to motor vehicle tax. Fee amounts for passenger vehicles typically range from several hundred dollars for newer vehicles to minimal amounts for vehicles exceeding 10 years of age.
Motor Vehicle Fee Revenue Distribution:
After 1% retention by the county treasurer, motor vehicle fee proceeds are distributed according to Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,190(6)(a):
- 50% to county treasurers in proportions matching Highway Allocation Fund distributions
- 50% to municipal treasurers in proportions matching Highway Allocation Fund distributions
Base Registration Fees
Nebraska assesses base registration fees according to vehicle classification as established under Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 60, Article 3:
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Registration Fee | Statutory Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles and leased vehicles | $15.00 | NRS 60-3,143 |
| Motorcycles | $10.00 | NRS 60-3,144 |
| Commercial trucks and truck tractors | Weight-based fee schedule | NRS 60-3,147 |
| Farm trucks and truck tractors | Weight-based fee schedule | NRS 60-3,146 |
| Trailers and semitrailers | $5.00 to $16.00 based on weight | NRS 60-3,148 |
Commercial Truck and Truck Tractor Registration Fees (Gross Vehicle Weight):
| Gross Vehicle Weight Range | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 7,000 pounds | $15.00 |
| 7,000 to 16,000 pounds | $30.00 |
| 16,001 to 20,000 pounds | $60.00 |
| 20,001 to 24,000 pounds | $100.00 |
| 24,001 to 26,000 pounds | $150.00 |
| 26,001 to 28,000 pounds | $200.00 |
| 28,001 to 32,000 pounds | $300.00 |
| 32,001 to 36,000 pounds | $400.00 |
| 36,001 to 40,000 pounds | $500.00 |
| 40,001 to 45,000 pounds | $600.00 |
| 45,001 to 54,000 pounds | $700.00 |
| 54,001 to 60,000 pounds | $800.00 |
| Over 60,000 pounds | Contact county treasurer |
Farm Truck and Truck Tractor Registration Fees (Gross Vehicle Weight):
| Gross Vehicle Weight Range | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 7,000 pounds | $15.00 |
| 7,000 to 16,000 pounds | $30.00 |
| 16,001 to 26,000 pounds | $75.00 |
| 26,001 to 42,000 pounds | $150.00 |
| Over 42,000 pounds | $225.00 |
Registration fee revenue is deposited in the Highway Trust Fund as specified under Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,141.
Additional Mandatory Fees
Nebraska law requires collection of the following additional fees for every motor vehicle registration issued, as established under Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,156 and related statutes:
| Fee Component | Amount | Revenue Distribution | Statutory Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical System Operation Fund fee | $0.50 | Department of Health and Human Services | NRS 71-51,103 |
| Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund fee | $2.00 | Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles | NRS 60-1513 |
| State Recreation Road Fund fee | $1.50 | Nebraska Department of Transportation | NRS 39-1390 |
| County General Fund processing fee | $1.50 | County general fund ($5.00 for non-residents) | NRS 60-3,141 |
| License plate fee (when new plates issued) | $4.10 per plate | Highway Trust Fund | NRS 60-3,102 |
Total Additional Fees for Standard Registration Renewal: $5.50 (resident) or $9.00 (non-resident), excluding license plate fees which apply only when new, duplicate, or replacement plates are issued.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees
Nebraska assesses alternative fuel fees on electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to compensate for motor fuel tax revenue not collected from vehicles not using traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. Alternative fuel fees are established under Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,191 and credited to the Highway Trust Fund.
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Alternative Fuel 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 |
Alternative fuel fees are assessed at initial registration and annually at each registration renewal.
Local and County Fees
Some Nebraska localities collect additional local fees and taxes authorized under local ordinances and state enabling legislation. Local fee amounts vary significantly by jurisdiction and may include infrastructure assessments, road maintenance fees, or other transportation-related charges.
Vehicle owners should contact their county treasurer office to determine specific local fees applicable in their jurisdiction. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles does not maintain a comprehensive database of local fee amounts due to frequent changes in local fee ordinances.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Nebraska
Online Renewal Platform
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles provides online vehicle registration renewal services through Nebraska eDMV. Online registration renewal offers convenient 24-hour access to renewal services without visiting county treasurer offices.
Online Renewal Availability:
Online registration renewal is available for most standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light trucks registered in Nebraska. Certain vehicle classifications and registration circumstances may require in-person renewal at county treasurer offices.
Online Renewal Restrictions:
The following registration types are not eligible for online renewal and must be processed at county treasurer offices:
- Commercial vehicles requiring weight declarations or Interstate Registration Plan (IRP) participation
- Vehicles with suspended or revoked registration status
- Vehicles with outstanding tax liens or legal holds
- Initial registration of newly purchased vehicles or out-of-state transfers
- Registration renewals requiring government fleet processing
- Registration renewals with expired credentials exceeding system time limitations
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm eligibility for online registration renewal by verifying the following conditions:
- Vehicle registration is not suspended, revoked, or subject to legal holds
- Vehicle is not classified as commercial fleet or requiring special registration processing
- Current proof of insurance is in effect and verifiable through Nebraska insurance verification systems
- Payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) is available
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Collect the following information before beginning the online renewal process:
- Nebraska license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current vehicle odometer reading
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Payment method information (credit card, debit card, or checking account information for electronic check)
- Registration renewal notice (if available, though not required for online renewal)
Step 3: Complete Application
Access the Nebraska eDMV and complete the online renewal application:
- Enter vehicle identification information (license plate number or VIN)
- Verify vehicle and owner information displayed by the system
- Enter current odometer reading as required by Nebraska law
- Confirm insurance coverage (system automatically verifies insurance through electronic verification systems)
- Review calculated registration fees, taxes, and assessments
- Enter payment information and authorize payment processing
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Upon successful payment processing, the system provides immediate confirmation:
- Electronic receipt emailed to address provided during application process
- Registration renewal confirmation number for reference
- New registration certificate and validation stickers mailed to registered owner's address within 7 to 10 business days
- Registration renewal is effective immediately upon payment confirmation; registration certificate and validation stickers serve as documentation for law enforcement verification until physical credentials arrive
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Vehicle owners may renew registration by mail by submitting the following documents to their county treasurer office:
- Completed registration renewal notice received by mail from county treasurer
- Check or money order payable to the county treasurer for the total registration amount
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of registration certificate and validation stickers (recommended but not required in all counties)
Mail renewal notices to the county treasurer office address printed on the renewal notice. Processing time for mail-in renewals typically requires 10 to 15 business days from receipt by the county treasurer office.
In-Person Renewal
Vehicle owners may renew registration in person at their county treasurer office by presenting:
- Registration renewal notice (if available)
- Current government-issued photo identification
- Proof of current liability insurance coverage
- Payment for all applicable registration fees (cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card accepted at most county treasurer offices; payment methods vary by county)
Locate county treasurer offices using the Nebraska DMV County Treasurer Directory. Office hours, accepted payment methods, and appointment requirements vary by county; contact the county treasurer office directly to confirm service availability and requirements.
Contact Information
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3918
Official Website: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
County Treasurer Offices
Vehicle registration services are administered by county treasurer offices in each of Nebraska's 93 counties. Locate your county treasurer office using the Nebraska DMV County Treasurer Directory.
