Like all other states in the US, Nevada requires that all vehicles have a title that shows who owns a vehicle. When that vehicle is bought, sold, gifted or inherited, ownership changes. Thus, the title must be transferred to the new owner, which requires some specific steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer a car title in Nevada.
If you’re buying a car
If you’re buying a car from a dealership, you can relax. The dealership will handle the whole process and you don’t need to do anything. If you’re buying from a private seller, though, the following steps must be completed:
Make sure that the seller provides you with the original title, with all the applicable information. Note that all named owners must sign this.
If there was a lien on the car, a lien release is required. Note that Nevada does NOT allow a title to be transferred if there’s currently a lien on the car.
If you live in Clark or Washoe Counties, you’ll need to have the emissions inspection completed.
Have the car insured and provide proof of insurance.
Complete the Application for Vehicle Registration.
Bring all of this information, as well as proof of your identity and the title transfer fee and registration fees to the local DMV office. Title registration costs $21, and there is an $8.95 processing fee. The registration fee can range from $33 to $48.
Common mistakes
- Not getting a lien release
If you’re selling a car
For vehicle sellers, there are additional steps that have to be completed. Note that it is illegal to sell a car with an active lien on it in the state of Nevada.
- Give the buyer a lien release.
- Complete the back of the title.
- Create a bill of sale (keep this for your records).
Take your license plates off the car.
Let the state government know that the car has been sold through the Online Vehicle Resale Notification website.
Common Mistakes
- Not giving the buyer a lien release
Gifting or inheriting a car in Nevada
If you’re gifting a car, or receiving a car as a gift, you’ll follow the same process as listed above. If you’re inheriting a car, you’ll need to:
- Take the license plates off the car.
- Give the original owner’s driver’s license and plates to the DMV office.
Show the death certificate.
Complete the Transfer on Death – Beneficiary’s Affidavit for Title if the original title is lost or if there is no title. If the original title is in your possession, provide it to the DMV.
Pay for the title transfer fee.
Note that you can handle this all at the local DMV office, or you can mail it in. If you choose to mail it, send it to this address:
Department of Motor Vehicles Title Processing 555 Wright Way Carson City, NV 89711
For more information about how to transfer a car title in Nevada, visit the state’s DMV website.
