Nevada Vehicle Registration

Nevada vehicles can be registered in person or online, depending on whether residents of this state purchased it from a dealer, and whether that dealer was in or out of state.

All applicants will need to provide the vehicle’s title, proof of insurance, and payment for your registration fees and sales tax. Depending on the vehicle’s age and whether individuals are new residents, they may be asked to provide additional paperwork and inspection forms, listed below.

Vehicle Registration in Nevada

NV residents are required to register their vehicle with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to legally drive it on NV roads and highways. This guide will help individuals learn how to register their vehicle for the first time, whether they are a resident who just purchased a car, or they are new to Nevada.

New to Nevada?

Individuals who are moving to Nevada will need to get a Nevada driver’s license and register their vehicles with the NV DMV within 30 days of establishing residency.

Before registering, NV residents must obtain the following:

• A Nevada Evidence of Insurance Card (insurance must be issued by a Nevada-licensed agency).
• A vehicle inspection report, if required (see “NV Vehicle Inspections” below).

Then visit a local NV DMV office and submit:

• The current registration and license plates.
• The vehicle title (unless it is currently held by a lienholder).
• The Nevada Emission Vehicle Inspection Report, if required.
• The Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Form VP15) (this can be performed at the DMV office when NV residents register).
• The Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Payment for the registration fees (vary based on the vehicle’s value) estimate the fees with Nevada’s Online Registration Fee Estimate.)

Silver State residents will be issued a new registration certificate and license plates before they leave.

Registering a Vehicle in Nevada

All NV residents who purchase a vehicle must register it with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of purchase, or before the expiration of the temporary movement placard issued by a dealer. The process is slightly different depending on whether residents of Nevada purchased their vehicle from an in-state dealer, an out-of-state dealer, or a private individual.

Vehicles Purchased from an NV Dealer

Go to a local NV DMV office before the expiration date on the temporary tag issued by the dealer and:

• Show the Nevada Evidence of Insurance Card (insurance must be issued by a Nevada-licensed agency).
• Present the green copy of the Dealer Report of Sale.
• Submit the Nevada Emission Vehicle Inspection Report, if required (see the below section on “NV Vehicle Inspections.”)
• Complete and submit the Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).

Pay the registration fees (vary based on the vehicle’s value)

Some dealers in Nevada participate in the EDRS program. If NV residents purchase a car from one of these dealers, residents may be able to register their vehicle online. If so, the Dealer Report of Sale will be marked “EDRS” and will have a control number printed on it.

Vehicles Purchased from an Out-of-State Dealer

Nevada residents who have purchased a vehicle from a neighboring state must register in person; they cannot register online. Go to a local NV DMV office within 30 days of sale or before the expiration date on the movement permit, and:

• Present the Bill of Sale from the dealer.
• Show your Nevada Evidence of Insurance Card (insurance must be issued by a Nevada-licensed agency).
• Show the Odometer Statement on used vehicles that are less than 10 years old.

Submit one of the following:

• Vehicle title.
• Vehicle lease agreement.
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
• Security agreement from loan/lienholder.
• Purchase order.
• Submit the Nevada Emission Vehicle Inspection Report, if required (see the “Vehicle Inspection” section below).
• Present the Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Form VP15).
• Complete and submit the Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Pay the difference in sales tax between Nevada and the state where the vehicle was purchased.
• Pay the registration fees (vary based on the vehicle’s value—estimate your fees with Nevada’s Online Registration Fee Estimate.)

Vehicles Purchased or Gifted from a Private Individual

Used vehicles, whether purchased directly from the owner or given as a gift, must be registered with the Nevada DMV within 30 days of receiving the vehicle. Nevada residents must also have the title properly signed off to them—a bill of sale will not suffice.

To register the vehicle:

• Submit a Nevada Evidence of Insurance Card (insurance must be issued by a Nevada-licensed agency).
• Present the vehicle title or security agreement from loan/lienholder.
• Submit the Nevada Emission Vehicle Inspection Report, if required (see the “Vehicle Inspection” section below).
• Present the Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Form VP15) if the vehicle was not previously registered in Nevada.
• Show the odometer statement on used vehicles that are less than 10 years old.
• Complete and submit the Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Pay sales tax determined by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Pay the registration fees (vary based on the vehicle’s value—estimate your fees with Nevada’s Online Registration Fee Estimate.)

Cancelled or Transferred Registrations

Residents of Nevada who cancel their vehicle registration or transfer that registration from another vehicle in their name, the Nevada DMV will credit the unused portion of the amount they paid on the previous registration.

The NV DMV can use this credit toward the fees due for EITHER:

• A new registration on a new vehicle.

OR

• A renewal on another vehicle’s registration that’s also in your name.

As of 2016, these credits no longer decline on a monthly pro rata basis. Note that residents of NV will be charged a $5 fee for this credit transfer. This credit will be available until the expiration date of the previous registration, or until the residents chooses to use it on a new vehicle/renewal.

Nevada Vehicle Registration Fees

All Nevada residents pay vehicle registration fees and governmental services taxes. Residents of the state of Nevada may be required to pay a supplemental governmental services tax in some counties.

Some standard vehicle registration fees are:

• Nevada title: $28.25.
• Passenger car: $33.
• Low-speed vehicles: $33.
• Golf cart: $10.
• Motorcycle: $33.
• Motorcycle safety fee: $6.

• Travel Trailers: $27.
• Trailer with unladen weight over 1,000 lbs.: $24.
• Semi-trailers with unladen weight up to 1,000 lbs.: $12.
• Registration credit transfer fee: $5.

Truck fees are based on weight:

• Less than 6,000 lbs.: $33.
• Between 6,000 and 8,499 lbs.: $38.
• Between 8,500 and 10,000 lbs.: $48.
• Between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs.: $12 each 1,000 lbs.
• Between 26,001 and 80,000 lbs.: $17 each 1,000 lbs.
• Maximum fee is $1,360.

Tax Rates

Nevada taxes vehicles based upon a calculation of the vehicle’s original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), age, and depreciation of value.

NV residents who buy the vehicle out of state and register it for the first time in Nevada will be required to pay any difference between the Nevada sales tax and the sales tax of the state where they purchased the vehicle. Some counties charge a supplemental governmental services tax in addition to the rest of the fees.

Tax Exemptions

The state of Nevada recognizes certain tax exemptions. The following individuals may be granted an exemption to some taxes on the vehicle:

• Veterans with specific dates of service.
• Disabled veterans and/or spouses.
• Residents who are blind.

Exemptions must be applied for at the time of vehicle registration. Nevada does not allow for refunds after a vehicle is registered.

NV Vehicle Inspections

Most vehicles, 1968 or newer, need to get an emissions test prior to being registered in and around the cities of Las Vegas and Reno. Brand new vehicles are exempt for their first and second registrations, and hybrid vehicles are exempt for the first 5 model years. New residents must get an inspection, even if they recently had one in your previous state.

The inspection station will issue a Nevada Emissions Vehicle Inspection Report, which is valid for 90 days. The inspection results are electronically reported to the DMV.

New Residents of Nevada

As stated above in the “New to Nevada” section, in addition to an emissions test (if required), new residents to Nevada will need to have a vehicle safety inspection performed upon registration, which can be done at the DMV office.

Nevada License Plates

Residents of Nevada will get license plates when registering their vehicles for the first time. License plates are registered to Nevada residents and not to specific vehicles. Residents who change vehicles must keep the license plates to put on their new vehicles.

NV residents who get rid of a vehicle must have their plates transferred to a new car or surrender them to the DMV. Generally, residents of NV have a window of 60 days for standard sunset plates OR 30 days for special plates.

Motorcycle Registration in Nevada

Nevada residents must register their motorcycle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before road operation is allowed. Use this guide to learn each of the steps required for motorcycle registration.

New Nevada Residents

After establishing Nevada residency, residents of this state have 30 days to register their motorcycle with the DMV. Failure to do so can result in a maximum fine of $1,000.

To register a motorcycle in Nevada, visit a local Nevada DMV office and:

• Provide proof of VIN inspection. This can be handled in a few ways:
  • Have a DMV agent complete the inspection during your visit.
  • A law enforcement officer can complete a Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Form VP15).
  • NV residents can visit an authorized inspection center if they live near Carson City in the Gardnerville area.
• Show proof of Nevada motorcycle insurance.
• Turn in your current out-of-state motorcycle title, registration, and license plates.
• Submit a completed Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Pay the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration, plus any other applicable taxes or fees.

NV Motorcycle Registration & Exemptions

After buying a motorcycle in Nevada, you’ll have 30 days to register it with the DMV. The process for registering a motorcycle purchased at a dealership and the steps required to register a used motorcycle from a private seller vary slightly.

New Motorcycles

When NV residents purchase a new motorcycle from a Nevada dealership, the dealership may issue a temporary motorcycle registration. The temporary registration gives residents of Nevada a grace period to operate their motorcycle until they permanently title and register it.

Before the temporary registration expires, visit a local NV DMV office with:

• Proof of Nevada motorcycle insurance.
• The green copy of the Dealer Report of Sale provided by the dealership.
• A completed Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Payment for the $33 base fee plus other applicable taxes or fees.

Alternatively, most Nevada dealerships participate in the Electronic Dealer Report of Sale (EDRS) program. If the Dealer Report of Sale given to the resident is marked “EDRS,” individuals will also be allowed to register their motorcycle online.

To register a new motorcycle online, visit the MyDMV Online Vehicle Registration site and:

Input the required information:

• EDRS control number.
• Vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Pay the $33 base registration fee plus any other applicable fees or taxes.

NV residents should receive their new motorcycle registration in the mail within 7 days. Nevada residents who are also getting new license plates should arrive within 7 days at the address listed in the EDRS system.

Out-of-State Dealers

Out-of-state dealers have different registration criteria. When NV residents purchase a motorcycle at a dealership outside of Nevada, they’ll need to:

• Have a vehicle inspection completed, either at the DMV office or by a third party.
• Submit a Bill of Sale (Form VP104) provided by the dealer.
• Present proof of Nevada motorcycle insurance.

Bring 1 document of the following:

• The motorcycle’s title.
• A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), completed with an odometer statement IF the motorcycle is 9 years old or newer.
• A security agreement.
• A lease agreement.
• Submit a completed Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Pay the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration plus taxes or fees that may apply.
• Sales tax may be required if the out-of-state rate is lower than Nevada sales tax in your county.

Private Motorcycle Sales & Gifts

To register a used motorcycle purchased from a private seller or gifted from a family member, visit a local Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office and present:

• Proof of vehicle inspection, if the vehicle has not been registered in Nevada before.
• Provide the motorcycle’s current title signed by both the NV resident (the buyer) and the seller.

If an NV resident doesn’t have a title because there is a lien, they’ll need to present a security agreement from a loan or lienholder.

• Complete an Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP-222).
• Provide an odometer statement if the motorcycle is 9 years old or newer.
• Pay the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration and any taxes or fees that are applicable.

Nevada Motorcycle Registration Exemptions

Nevada residents who are non-resident military members stationed in Nevada temporarily are not required to register their motorcycle with the state. Simply maintain the current motorcycle registration with the permanent state of residence.

Other similar exemptions include:

• Out-of-state students registered at a Nevada university or college.
• Seasonal farmworkers.
• Border state employees who commute to Nevada for work.
• Must live within 35 miles of the state border.

Renewing an NV Motorcycle Registration

Nevada residents are required to renew their motorcycle registration by the exact date listed on the renewal postcard and current motorcycle registration. There is no grace period and no option to wait until the end of the registration month.

As long as NV residents have their current address on file at the DMV, they should receive a renewal postcard before the motorcycle registration expires. However, even if residents of Nevada do not receive a renewal postcard, they’ll still be required to renew their motorcycle’s registration before the expiration date to avoid penalty.

When it is time to renew, NV residents have the following options:

• Online.
• By mail.
• In-person.

Online

Most Nevada residents will be allowed to renew their motorcycle registration online around 35 days prior to and 18 months after the expiration date.

Reasons disqualifying NV residents from online renewal include:

• The license and motorcycle registration have been suspended.
• Residents need to update your current address.
• Residents want to obtain specialty motorcycle license plates.

To renew your motorcycle registration online, visit the Nevada DMV online renewal page and enter the access code from the renewal notice.

OR

The license plate number for the motorcycle AND the last 4 digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN).

• Update your current motorcycle insurance information.
• Present a tax deduction, if eligible.
• Common tax exemptions include:
• Disabled veterans and their spouses.
• Military veterans within specified dates of service.
• Other disabilities.
• Pay the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration plus applicable taxes or fees.

By Mail

NV residents may be able to renew their motorcycle registration by mail if they are:

• Temporarily outside of Nevada.
• Unable to renew using any other method.

To renew by mail, NV residents need to contact the DMV and be prepared to provide:

• The resident’s name.
• Current address.
• License plate number.
• Payment for the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration plus any other taxes or fees.

Nevada residents may also need to provide other information such as:

• A copy of the insurance information.
• Copies of any tax exemption documents, if applicable.

In-Person

The following options are available for any individual who would like to renew their Nevada motorcycle registration in person at a local NV DMV office:

• Only recommended if you have multiple transactions OR a suspended license/registration.
• A self-serve kiosk:
  • Recommended if Nevada residents don’t need to update information, and they are renewing before their expiration date.

To renew at a DMV office location, residents need their:

• Nevada motorcycle license and insurance card.
• Renewal notice or current motorcycle registration.
• Payment for the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration plus all appropriate taxes or fees.

To renew an NV motorcycle registration at a kiosk, NV residents will need:

EITHER:

• The access code from your renewal notice.

OR

Your license plate number.

AND

• The last 4 digits of your VIN.
• The license and current motorcycle insurance documents.
• Payment for the $33 base fee for motorcycle registration is plus other applicable fees and taxes.

NV Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

The following fees and taxes may be due when residents of Nevada register or renew their motorcycle registration in Nevada:

• Motorcycle registration: $33.
• Additional safety fee: $6.
• Nevada title: $28.25.
• New license plates: $8.
• Kiosk renewal charge: $3.
• Vehicle tax: Varies based on vehicle’s age and weight.
• Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
• Government services tax: 1.4% of the depreciated MSRP (approximate).
• Supplemental government services tax: 25% of the government services tax (only in certain counties).
• Late registration fee: $6 for each 1 month of delinquency.
• Governmental services tax penalty: $6 or 10%, whichever is more.

Boat Registration in Nevada

Boat registration and titling are handled by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Keep reading to learn about the NDOW’s titling and registration requirements, as well as the qualifications needed to operate a vessel on Nevada state waters.

Boats to Title & Register in Nevada

In Nevada, residents of this state are required to title and register ALL motorized boats (including jet skis), with the following exceptions:

• Any non-motorized vessel, including:
• Non-motorized sailboats.
• Canoes.
• Kayaks.
• Boats currently registered out-of-state, being used on NV waters for up to 90 consecutive days.
• Any motorboat from another country temporarily using Nevada’s waters.
• A ship’s lifeboat.
• A public vessel of the U.S. government, a state, or a political subdivision of a state.

Nevada residents who still aren’t sure if their watercraft requires titling and registration can get in touch with the NDOW’s boat registration and titling contact at (775) 688-1983.

Boat Registration in Nevada

NV residents who have a new OR untitled boat will need to bring it to the NDOW office for inspection when they apply for title and registration if:

• They don’t have the vessel’s Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
• The boat is from a non-titling state.

OR

• The hull identification number (HIN) is hand-written on the vessel.

To title and register a boat with the NV Department of Wildlife, provide the following at a local NDOW office:

• Proof of ownership:
• New vessels: Bill of sale.
• Used vessels: Properly assigned NV boat title.
• Resident’s Social Security number.
• Proof of sales tax paid if NV residents bought the boat from a dealer, broker, OR repossession company.
• If the vessel is from out-of-state, its previous title OR registration (if from a non-titling state).
• For new/untitled boats, the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
• Payment for all applicable title and registration fees.

Nevada boat registration is valid for 1 year and expires on December 31st.

NOTE: The Carson City office DOES NOT conduct inspections; if a boat meets any of the qualifications for inspection, residents of Nevada need to title and register it at any other NDOW office.

NDOW Boat Title & Registration Fees

The fees required to title and register a boat with the Nevada Department of Wildlife are as follows:

• Original boat title: $20.
• Original/renewal vessel registration (depends on the length of the boat):
• Less than 13 ft: $20.
• 13 ft to 18 ft: $25.
• 18 ft to 22 ft: $40.
• 22 ft to 26 ft: $55.
• 26 ft to 31 ft: $75.
• 31 ft and longer: $100.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) decal:

Non-motorized vessels—Varies by ownership residency:

• NV residents: $5.
• Non-residents: $5.

Motorized boats—Varies by ownership residency:

• Nevada residents: $12.
• Non-residents: $12.
• Title transfer fee: $20.

Replacement:

• Vessel title: $20.
• Registration certificate and/or decals: $20.
• Registration certificate AND title: $20.

Sales tax: Depends on the NV county of residence; contact any of the following Nevada

Department of Taxation offices for details on rates and making sales tax payments:

• Reno: (775) 687-9999.
• Carson City: (775) 684-2135.
• Las Vegas: (702) 486-2300.

Boat Registration & Title Renewal & Replacement

When it’s time to renew a boat’s registration, the NV Department of Wildlife will send NV residents a renewal notice in the mail. Residents of Nevada can renew their registration by providing information about their boat AND the necessary renewal fees on the NDOW’s online renewal system. After renewing online, the NDOW will issue residents a temporary authorization number, which allows them to legally operate their boat for 10 days from the renewal date.

Replace a Lost Registration or Title

If a vessel’s title or registration is lost or destroyed, residents of Nevada need to apply for a duplicate copy, in person, at a NDOW office. Residents need to also bring payment for the applicable replacement title and/or registration fees; the NDOW agent will provide the application for the duplicate certificate(s).

Boater License

Nevada residents who were born after January 1st, 1983, must complete a boating education course AND pass a proficiency exam to operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower on Nevada’s waters.

Additionally, NV residents must be at least:

• 14 years old to operate personal watercraft.
• 16 years old OR 14 years old with a supervisor who’s at least 21 years old to drive a boat that’s tows another recreational vessel (e.g. waterskies, wakeboard, inner-tube, etc.).

Accepted Forms of Payment

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles accepts these forms of payment:

• Cash
• Checks
• Money orders
• VISA
• MasterCard
• Discover
• Debit card (processed as credit)
• Credit card

Nevada residents should never mail cash payments. NV residents who wish to use a credit card with mailed transactions can complete a Payment Authorization Form (Form ADM 205). Before heading to the nearest NV DMV office, residents need to make sure they have a proper form of payment.