How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Nevada
Like all other states in the US, Nevada requires all vehicles to have a title showing who owns the vehicle. When this vehicle is bought, sold, donated or inherited, ownership changes. Thus, the ownership must be transferred to the new owner, which requires certain actions. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to transfer ownership of a car in Nevada.
If you are buying a car
If you buy a car from a dealer, you can relax. The dealership will take care of the whole process and you don't have to do anything. However, if you are buying from a private seller, the following steps must be followed:
Make sure the seller has provided you with the original title with all applicable information. Please note that all named owners must sign this.
If the vehicle has been seized, a release from the bond is required. Please note that Nevada does NOT allow transfer of ownership if the vehicle is currently under seizure.
If you live in Clark or Washoe counties, you must pass an emissions test.
Insure the car and present the insurance policy.
Fill out an application for vehicle registration.
Bring all of this information, along with proof of your identity, and the transfer of ownership and registration fees, to your local DMV office. Title registration costs $21 and processing fee is $8.95. The registration fee can vary from $33 to $48.
Common Mistakes
- Do not get release from arrest
If you are selling a car
For vehicle sellers, additional steps need to be taken. Please note that in the state of Nevada it is illegal to sell a car with an active lien.
- Give the buyer a release from the bond.
- Fill in the back of the title.
- Create a bill of sale (keep it for your records).
Remove the license plates from the car.
Notify the state government that the car has been sold through the Online Car Resale Notifications website.
Common Mistakes
- Failure to provide the buyer with a release from the bond
Gifting or Inheriting a Car in Nevada
If you are giving or receiving a car as a gift, you will follow the same procedure as described above. If you inherit a car, you must:
- Remove the license plates from the car.
- Hand over the original owner's driver's license and license plates to the DMV office.
Show death certificate.
Complete Transfer on Death - Beneficiary's Affidavit of Title if original title is lost or missing. If you have the original document, please submit it to the DMV.
Pay the transfer fee for the title.
Please note that you can do all of this at your local DMV office or by mail. If you choose to mail this, please send it to this address:
Motor Vehicle Rights Division 555 Wright Way Carson City, NV 89711
For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Nevada, visit the state DMV website.
