How to Get a Nebraska Vehicle Title

To get a Nebraska vehicle title, apply in person at your County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office with proof of ownership, a completed title application, an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 model years old, and (if applicable) a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles; pay the title fee and any taxes or lien-recording fees. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide covering new purchases, private-party sales, out-of-state transfers, and special cases such as inherited or salvage vehicles.

Where and When to Apply

In Nebraska, titles are issued through your County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office, not the state DMV headquarters. New residents must title (and register) their vehicles within a short window after establishing residency—counties generally align to a 30-day expectation—while buyers should title soon after purchase to avoid penalties and ensure lawful operation. While many people title and register in a single visit, you can title a vehicle without immediately registering it; registration requires proof of insurance.

What You Need to Bring

The following checklist outlines the most common documents you’ll need to obtain a Nebraska title. Requirements can vary by transaction type and county, but these are the statewide essentials.

• Proof of ownership:
  

  • New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO), properly assigned.
  • Used vehicles: The current title, properly assigned to you by the seller.

• Completed title application (provided at the County Treasurer’s office; some counties also post a printable form).
• Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 model years old (federal rule; typically 2011 and newer at present).
• Government-issued photo ID for the applicant.
• VIN inspection for vehicles last titled in another state (performed by law enforcement or designated inspectors in Nebraska).
• Lien information or lien release:
  

  • If you’re financing: provide the lienholder’s legal name and address for lien notation.
  • If a prior lien was paid off: provide a lien release from the lienholder.

• Bill of sale or purchase agreement (especially important to document price for tax purposes).
• Sales/use tax documentation if the dealer did not collect Nebraska tax; proof of tax paid may be required for certain out-of-state purchases.
• Name change/correction documents if your legal name differs from the ownership documents (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).

Having these documents in order helps avoid repeat trips, processing delays, or tax disputes, especially if the vehicle came from out of state or has a lien history.

Step-by-Step: Standard Nebraska Title Application

This sequence covers the most common scenarios—private-party purchases within Nebraska, Nebraska dealer sales, and out-of-state transfers—so you can plan your visit and streamline processing.

1. Confirm your transaction type: Nebraska purchase, out-of-state purchase/transfer, gifted, inherited, or salvage/rebuilt.
2. Gather documents listed above, paying special attention to a properly assigned title (or MCO) and odometer disclosure if required.
3. Obtain a Nebraska VIN inspection if the vehicle was last titled out of state (complete before you visit the County Treasurer’s office).
4. Visit your County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office and complete the title application provided.
5. Present your ownership documents, odometer disclosure (if applicable), VIN inspection (if applicable), and lien details or release.
6. Pay the title fee, plus lien notation fees (if financing) and any sales/use tax that hasn’t already been collected.
7. Decide whether to register at the same time; if so, provide proof of Nebraska insurance and pay registration-related taxes and fees.
8. Receive your registration/plates if you register; the title is typically issued by the state’s central system and mailed. If a lien is recorded, Nebraska uses an electronic lien and title (ELT) system; a paper title is issued after the lien is released.

Most customers complete the office visit in one trip; titles are centrally issued and mailed, while registrations and plates can be issued in person the same day when all requirements are met.

Costs, Taxes, and Timing

Understanding what you’ll pay and when you’ll get your title helps you plan your budget and schedule.

• Title fee: A standard fee is charged statewide for issuance of a certificate of title.
• Lien notation fee: Additional fee applies if a lien is recorded on the title.
• Sales or use tax: If a Nebraska dealer didn’t collect tax at the time of sale—or you bought from a private seller or out-of-state—you’ll generally pay sales/use tax at titling/registration based on the purchase price and applicable local rates.
• VIN inspection fee: Applies for out-of-state vehicles; collected by the inspecting agency.
• Registration fees and motor vehicle taxes: Separate from titling; due when you register plates.
• Processing time: Paper titles are typically mailed after processing; if a lien is recorded, the title is held electronically until lien release.

Exact amounts can vary by county and transaction details; bring a payment method your county office accepts and be prepared for both state and local components of tax and registration.

Special Situations and How to Handle Them

Out-of-State Transfers

When you move to Nebraska or buy a vehicle titled elsewhere, there are added steps to validate the vehicle and convert the title into Nebraska’s system.

• Get a Nebraska VIN inspection before applying for a title.
• Bring the out-of-state title (or registration if the title is being held by a lienholder).
• Be prepared to pay Nebraska sales/use tax if it wasn’t previously collected in a way Nebraska recognizes for credit.
• If a lien exists, provide accurate lienholder information for ELT recording.

Completing the VIN inspection first and having clear lienholder details are the two most common keys to a smooth out-of-state transfer.

Private-Party Purchases in Nebraska

Buying from an individual requires careful documentation to prove ownership and mileage, and to calculate tax.

• Ensure the seller signs and assigns the Nebraska title to you, including odometer disclosure when required.
• Obtain a bill of sale stating purchase price, VIN, date, and both parties’ names.
• Check for any active liens on the title and require a lien release if present.
• Apply for your title at the County Treasurer’s office and pay taxes/fees.

Verifying lien status and completing odometer disclosure at the time of sale prevents delays or rejected applications later.

New Vehicles from Dealers

Dealers typically handle much of the paperwork, but you should confirm what the dealer has filed and what remains for you to do.

• Dealers often submit title applications and collect sales tax on your behalf.
• If you’re responsible for titling, bring the MCO/MSO, dealer purchase agreement, and any odometer disclosure to the County Treasurer.
• If financed, the lienholder will be recorded via ELT.

Ask your dealer for a checklist of what they submitted and what you must present, so you don’t duplicate efforts or miss deadlines.

Inherited, Gifted, or Estate Vehicles

Title transfers without a traditional sale require legal documents showing the lawful transfer of ownership.

• Inherited: Provide probate documents or an applicable Nebraska affidavit for small estates, plus the existing title.
• Gifted: Provide the properly assigned title and a gift affidavit or bill of sale noting “gift” if required by your county; taxes may differ for gifts.
• Name changes/corrections: Bring legal proof (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) to align your ID with ownership documents.

Consult your County Treasurer’s office in advance for the right affidavit or probate documentation to avoid multiple trips.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Titles (Duplicate Title)

If the original title cannot be produced, Nebraska allows you to request a duplicate so ownership can be proven and transferred.

• Apply for a duplicate title at your County Treasurer’s office; only the titled owner or lienholder may request it.
• Provide ID and vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model).
• Pay the duplicate title fee; if there’s an active lien, the duplicate may be issued electronically under ELT.

Secure the duplicate title before attempting to sell or transfer; a buyer cannot complete a Nebraska title without a valid, assignable title.

Salvage, Rebuilt, or Assembled Vehicles

Vehicles with non-standard histories require additional inspections and brand disclosures to ensure roadworthiness and transparency.

• Salvage/rebuilt vehicles typically require inspection by the Nebraska State Patrol and supporting receipts for major parts.
• Assembled or kit vehicles need detailed bills of sale and component documentation, plus inspections.
• Titles will carry appropriate brands (e.g., Salvage, Rebuilt) as required by law.

Start early with State Patrol inspection scheduling and keep meticulous records; these cases take longer than standard titles.

Practical Tips to Avoid Delays

A few preventative steps can significantly shorten your time at the counter and reduce processing hiccups.

• Double-check seller signatures and that the buyer section is complete and legible.
• Match the VIN on all documents (title, bill of sale, VIN inspection) exactly.
• Confirm odometer disclosure is completed if the vehicle is under 20 model years old.
• Call your County Treasurer’s office about accepted payment methods and office hours before visiting.
• If registering at the same time, bring proof of Nebraska insurance and be ready for plate and tax decisions.

A quick pre-visit phone call and a document review at home are often the difference between a one-trip success and a follow-up visit.

Summary

To get a Nebraska vehicle title, visit your County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office with proof of ownership, a completed application, odometer disclosure (for newer vehicles), and a VIN inspection if the vehicle came from out of state. Be prepared to pay the title fee, any lien-recording fee, and applicable sales/use tax. If registering at the same time, bring proof of insurance. Special cases—out-of-state transfers, inherited or gifted vehicles, and salvage/rebuilt—require extra documents and, in some cases, inspections. Planning ahead with the right paperwork ensures a faster, smoother title issuance, with paper titles mailed after processing or held electronically until a lien is released.

What do I need to title a vehicle in Nebraska?

To obtain a Certificate of Title you must submit a completed Application for Certificate of Title signed by all parties whose names are to appear on the title. The only exception to this are titles to be held by married couples, in which case either, acting as an agent for the other, may sign the application.

How do I get a copy of my car title in Nebraska?

To obtain a duplicate title, you must submit a completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title to any County Treasurer’s office. All person(s) whose name(s) appear on the face of the title must sign the completed application.

Is it legal to sell a car without a title in Nebraska?

Except as provided in section 60-137, 60-138, 60-142, or 60-142.01, no person shall sell or otherwise dispose of a vehicle without (1) delivering to the purchaser or transferee of such vehicle a certificate of title with such assignments thereon as are necessary to show title in the purchaser and (2) having affixed to …

Is Nebraska an electronic title state?

Nebraska is an Electronic Lien Titling State
Certificate of Title or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, properly assigned to the new owner if the vehicle is a new purchase and a completed Application for Certificate of Title.