4 min read time
Table of Contents
How to Register a Car in Nevada
Whether buying a car from a Nevada dealer, private party, or out of state, you must register your vehicle if you intend to drive on public Nevada roads.
Below, we explore how to register your car in Nevada based on how you purchased it.
Registration If You Bought Your Car from a Nevada Dealer
If you bought your car from a licensed Nevada state dealer, you should have an easier time registering your car.
This is because the dealership will typically handle filing the vehicle registration paperwork with the DMV on your behalf or give you a electronic dealer report of sale and provide you with a temporary movement placard, which is valid for 30 days and allows you to legally drive until the Nevada DMV processes your official vehicle registration and you receive your permanent license plates.
However, while the dealership will handle your car's registration, they may charge DMV and labor fees.
Registration If You Bought Your Car from a Private Party
If you bought your car from a private source, such as a person, an auction, or through family sales, you'll be required to do a bit more manual labor than buying it from a dealership.
In private party sales to register your car in Nevada, you must:
- Obtain a signed title from the seller
- Get a smog check
- Visit a Nevada DMV office or use the DMV's online registration site
- Provide proof of liability insurance, valid ID, and Nevada emissions vehicle inspection report (If required)
- Pay any registration and title fees
Registration If You Bought Your Car Out of State
If you purchased a vehicle out of state and intend to get it registered in Nevada, you must do the following:
- Obtain the out-of-state title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
- Complete a VIN inspection via a local DMV office or law enforcement
- Get a smog check
- Bring proof of VIN inspection certification, Nevada insurance, and a valid Nevada driver's license
- Submit the required papers to the DMV and pay any registration fees
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Car in Nevada
The cost for registering a car in Nevada ranges from around $150 to $600 and depends on factors such as the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, age, and value, with cars that are newer or valuable having higher registration fees.
A breakdown of Nevada's vehicle registration fees is:
- Registration Fee: $33
- Governmental Services Tax (GST): This tax is determined based on the vehicle's original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and age.
- County Sales Tax: Depending on your Nevada county, additional sales taxes may apply.
- Title Fee: $29.25
- License Plates Fee: $8 for standard state license plates, with personalized or specialty plates costing more.
- Smog Check Fee: $20-$50, depending on the servicer.
- VIN Inspection Fee: $20
Due to the varying registration costs in Nevada, it's important to obtain an in-person or online fee estimate before buying a car.
How Long Do You Have to Register a Car in Nevada
In Nevada, you have 30 days to register your vehicle after purchasing it or bringing it to Nevada from a different state.
The registration process can include an emissions inspection report, a vehicle inspection certificate, and proof of a valid driver's license and insurance card.
If you fail to register your vehicle within the given 30 days, you will start to incur $6 per month late fees and could receive a traffic citation from law enforcement if caught driving on a public street.
Is Nevada a Self-Registration State?
Yes, Nevada is a self-registration state.
Standard vehicle owners are responsible for registering their vehicles with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles rather than having dealers or third parties handle the process.
Nevada, being a self-registration state, means that even if a Nevada dealership submits the registration paperwork to the DMV for you, you are still solely responsible for ensuring that the registration process is completed.
Self-registration can be completed online at the DMV website. However, if your vehicle requires a Nevada emission vehicle inspection report or vehicle identification number inspection, you'll have to do it in person.
Can a Family Member Register a Car for Me in Nevada?
In Nevada, a family member can register a car in your name; however, specific requirements must be met.
For a family member to be able to register a car for you in Nevada, you must provide them with the required registration documents and a signed DMV Power of Attorney form (VP136), which authorizes the family member to act on your behalf.
How Can I Renew My Vehicle Registration in Nevada
Shortly before your current registration expires, you should prioritize renewing your registration to avoid fines or penalties.
Multiple options for vehicle registration renewal in Nevada are explored below.
Renewal Online
If you choose to renew the registration of your vehicle online, you'll need to:
- Go to the DMV's online renewal page.
- Provide your renewal notice or access code, license plate number, and proof of insurance
Renewal by Mail
To renew your current registration certificate by mail, you can do the following:
- Complete the renewal notice mailed to you by the DMV
- Mail the form and payment for any fees to the address listed on the notice
Renewal in Person or at a DMV Kiosk
The Nevada DMV offices provide kiosks where you can complete car registration renewal.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
