Nebraska law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Nebraska residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Nebraska. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person or by mail.

You must register your vehicle within 30 days of acquiring it. Certain vehicles are exempt from registration.

[edit] INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Nebraska for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. The Registration Application copy of the Nebraska Certificate of Title.
2. If the vehicle is leased, a copy of the signed leases agreement.
3. Proof that sales or excise tax has been paid.
4. Visit your County Treasurer's office, with the above documents. In addition, you will need to provide original proof of insurance. Information on insurance requirements can be found here.
5. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.
6. Nebraska does not have an emission testing program so you will not need to have your vehicle inspected before registration.

[edit] REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the County Treasurer's office, you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The registration fee, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight.
2. Title application fee.
3. You can obtain an estimate by using the Motor Vehicle Tax Estimator.

There may be additional fees when you register, depending on your county. Contact the County Treasurer's office for the specific requirements.

[edit] RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Nebraska are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a non-resident full-time student attending a Nebraska college or university, you are not required to title or register your vehicle.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Nebraska.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.