How to transfer a car title in Nevada
For private sellers and buyers in Nevada. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Nevada, the seller signs the title exactly as their name appears, writes the mileage for a newer car, and keeps the plates. The buyer gets Nevada insurance, registers at a DMV office or online, and pays the $28.50 title fee. Private sales pay no sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Nevada?
Seller
- Sign the title exactly as your name appears on it. For a 2011 or newer car, write the mileage in the odometer section.
- If the owners are joined by "and", both sign. If they are joined by "or", either can sign alone.
- Pay off any loan first. A car with a lien cannot be sold until the lien is satisfied.
- For a 2011 or newer car, give the buyer the paper title.
- Keep your plates. Use them on another car or surrender them.
- Cancel your registration and file a resale notification to protect yourself from liability.
Buyer
- Get a title in the seller's name. A bill of sale alone is not proof of ownership.
- Get Nevada liability insurance in the exact names that will be on the title.
- You can drive the car for up to three days with the signed title or a bill of sale and Nevada insurance. After that you need a movement permit.
- Register at a DMV office, or online with Rapid Registration for many private sales.
- No sales tax is charged on a private sale, a family sale or a gift.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.nv.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Nevada?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title.
Sign exactly as your name appears. Both owners sign if the names are joined by "and".
dmv.nv.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Write the mileage.
For a 2011 or newer car, fill in the odometer section on the title.
dmv.nv.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
Cancel the registration and file a resale notification.
It shows you no longer own the car.
dmv.nv.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Nevada requires a bill of sale. Check with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Nevada bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Nevada?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the title in the seller's name.
A bill of sale alone is not enough.
Step 2 · Buyer
Get Nevada insurance.
In the exact names that will be on the title.
Step 3 · Buyer
Register the car.
At a DMV office, or online with Rapid Registration for many private sales.
Step 4 · Buyer
Drive home within three days.
After three days you need a movement permit.
After Nevada DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Nevada guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Nevada?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee (change of ownership) | $28.50 | Buyer | dmv.nv.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | None on a private sale | Buyer | dmv.nv.gov Checked |
| Governmental services tax | Due when you register | Buyer | leg.state.nv.us Checked |
| Online movement permit, if needed (if it applies) | $1 | Buyer | dmv.nv.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $28.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Nevada Department of Taxation.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Nevada are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title (VP 012).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Do both owners have to sign?
If the names are joined by "and", yes. If they are joined by "or", either can sign alone.
dmv.nv.gov checked
Is there sales tax on a private sale in Nevada?
No. Sales tax is not charged on private sales, family sales or gifts.
dmv.nv.gov checked
How long can the buyer drive before registering?
Up to three days with the title or a bill of sale and Nevada insurance. After that you need a movement permit.
dmv.nv.gov checked
What does the seller do after the sale?
Cancel the registration and file a resale notification. Keep the plates.
dmv.nv.govsource 2 checked
Sources for this page
- dmv.nv.gov/platesurrender.htm Checked
- dmv.nv.gov/registervehicle.htm Checked
- dmv.nv.gov/title.htm Checked
- leg.state.nv.us/NRS/
NRS-482.html Checked
About this page
This page summarizes official Nevada sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.