How to Get a Nebraska Title for Your Car

Go to your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office with proof of ownership (assigned title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin), a completed title application, odometer disclosure (for applicable model years), a Nebraska VIN inspection if the vehicle was last titled out of state, and payment for title fees and motor vehicle sales tax; if there’s a lien, Nebraska issues an electronic title to the lienholder. In most dealer sales the dealer files the title paperwork for you, but private-party buyers and new residents usually submit documents themselves. Below is a step-by-step guide, the documents you’ll need, and how to handle special situations like out-of-state titles, liens, lost titles, and bonded titles.

Who needs a Nebraska title

Nebraska requires a state-issued certificate of title for almost all motor vehicles before registration can be completed. You’ll need a Nebraska title if you purchased a vehicle (private sale or from a dealer that did not process the title), moved to Nebraska with an out-of-state title, are replacing a lost or damaged Nebraska title, or you’re resolving ownership without a prior title via a bonded title process.

Where to apply

Titling is handled by your local County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office. You can find office locations and hours at the Nebraska DMV website (dmv.nebraska.gov). While many counties accept mail-in applications for simple situations, in-person visits are common—especially when a VIN inspection or identity verification is needed.

Step-by-step: Titling a car in Nebraska

The following steps outline the typical in-person process for a Nebraska resident titling a newly purchased vehicle. The sequence is similar for new residents transferring an out-of-state title.

1. Gather proof of ownership: the properly assigned title for used vehicles or the Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO) for new vehicles.
2. Complete the Application for Certificate of Title (available from your county treasurer or the Nebraska DMV website).
3. Obtain a Nebraska VIN inspection if the vehicle was last titled in another state; inspections are performed by county sheriffs or designated law enforcement for a small fee.
4. Ensure a compliant odometer disclosure for vehicles subject to federal rules (generally model year 2011 and newer under the extended 20-year requirement).
5. If there’s a lien, provide the lienholder’s complete name and address; Nebraska uses Electronic Lien and Title (ELT), so the paper title will be held electronically until the lien is released.
6. Submit documents at your county treasurer’s office and pay the title fee and motor vehicle sales/use tax (state rate 5.5% plus any applicable local option tax, based on purchase price less any qualifying trade-in).
7. Receive your title outcome: paper title if no lien, or an electronic title record if a lien exists. Most titles are issued and mailed within days; processing times vary by county.

Once your title application is accepted and taxes are paid, you can proceed to registration and plates. Proof of Nebraska insurance is required for registration, though not always for titling itself.

Documents you’ll need

The exact documents can vary slightly by situation and county, but most applicants will need the following items at the time of application.

• Ownership document: assigned title (used) or MCO/MSO (new).
• Bill of sale or purchase agreement showing price and trade-in, to calculate motor vehicle sales tax.
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title (county or DMV form).
• Odometer disclosure (on the title or secure form) when required by federal rules.
• Government-issued photo ID for the applicant(s).
• VIN inspection certificate if the vehicle was last titled out of state (obtained from the county sheriff or designated law enforcement in Nebraska).
• Lien information, if applicable (lienholder name/address; ELT participation is standard in Nebraska).
• Any supporting documents for special cases: power of attorney, proof of name change, executor/estate documents, divorce decree, or gift affidavit.

Bring originals (and any required notarizations) to avoid delays. If documents are in another language, a certified translation may be necessary.

Special situations and how to handle them

Purchased from a Nebraska dealer

Franchised dealers commonly submit your title application and collect taxes on your behalf. Confirm whether the dealer is filing electronically or providing you a packet to take to the county treasurer. Keep copies of everything you sign, including the buyer’s order and odometer disclosure.

Private-party purchase in Nebraska

Ensure the seller signs the title to you exactly as printed on the front, completes any required odometer disclosure, and includes lien releases if any lien is shown on the title. A bill of sale is strongly recommended to document price and date of sale.

Vehicle last titled in another state

Before you can title in Nebraska, obtain a Nebraska VIN inspection from the county sheriff or designated law enforcement. Bring the out-of-state title (or, if there’s an active lien, contact the lienholder so the Nebraska county can coordinate ELT transfer). You will pay motor vehicle sales/use tax in Nebraska unless you qualify for a specific exemption.

New residents

After establishing Nebraska residency, title and register your vehicle in Nebraska promptly (generally within 30 days) to avoid penalties. You’ll need a VIN inspection, your out-of-state title or lienholder information, and to pay any applicable sales/use tax not previously satisfied.

Lien on the vehicle

Nebraska uses Electronic Lien and Title. If you’re financing the vehicle, the title will be held electronically in the lienholder’s name until payoff. After the lien is released (electronically), you can request a paper title if desired.

Lost, damaged, or altered Nebraska title

Apply for a duplicate title at your county treasurer’s office. The titled owner(s) must sign the duplicate request; if a lien exists, the lienholder typically must be involved. Report any alterations or discrepancies, as the county may require additional verification.

No prior title or insufficient proof of ownership (bonded title)

If you lack a proper title but can demonstrate lawful ownership, Nebraska may allow a bonded certificate of title. This process generally involves a VIN inspection, an appraisal or value determination, obtaining a surety bond (often 1.5 times the vehicle’s value), and filing affidavits. Work closely with your county treasurer and follow Nebraska DMV guidance; do not start repairs on a potential salvage/rebuilt vehicle until you know the correct pathway.

Salvage and rebuilt vehicles

Vehicles determined to be salvage require a Nebraska salvage title before being rebuilt. After repairs, a post-repair inspection is required for a rebuilt title and appropriate branding. Keep detailed receipts and photos of repairs; consult the DMV or State Patrol for the latest inspection requirements.

Fees, taxes, and timing

Expect to pay a title fee and Nebraska motor vehicle sales/use tax at the time of titling. The state sales tax rate is 5.5%, with additional local option tax depending on your residence; tax is typically calculated on the purchase price minus any qualifying trade-in. VIN inspections carry a small fee. Title issuance commonly takes a few business days, with delivery by mail; timing varies by county and whether there’s a lien (ELT).

Tips to avoid delays

Following these tips can help you complete your Nebraska title efficiently and without surprises.

• Verify the VIN on all documents matches the vehicle exactly before you sign.
• If a lien is listed on the seller’s title, insist on a lien release in writing from the lienholder.
• Use your full legal name consistently across all forms; bring proof of name changes if applicable.
• Call your county treasurer in advance to confirm fees, acceptable payment methods, and whether appointments or mail-in processing are available.
• For out-of-state titles, schedule the Nebraska VIN inspection before visiting the treasurer to save time.

Spending a few minutes on verification and planning usually prevents repeat trips and processing delays.

How to get help

Your first stop is your County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office. For statewide rules, forms, and office finders, visit the Nebraska DMV: dmv.nebraska.gov. For VIN inspections and rebuilt/salvage questions, your county sheriff or the Nebraska State Patrol can advise on current inspection procedures.

Summary

To get a Nebraska title, bring proof of ownership, complete a title application, provide odometer disclosure where required, obtain a Nebraska VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles, and pay the title fee and motor vehicle sales/use tax at your county treasurer’s office. Dealers often file titles for you; private buyers and new residents typically apply themselves. Nebraska uses Electronic Lien and Title for financed vehicles, offers duplicate titles for lost documents, and provides a bonded title pathway when ownership proof is incomplete. Check with your county treasurer and the Nebraska DMV for the latest forms, fees, and any local requirements.