Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
Residents of Nevada should be able to renew car registrations on their vehicles without trouble, except in the event that there are extra requirements for the vehicle. Some vehicles require emissions inspections prior to car registration renewal. In this situation, the vehicle must be checked and the proper paperwork provided before a car registration renewal can be processed.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
Residents in Nevada with approaching car registration renewal dates can have another person renew their registration if they are renewing online. Other options require residents to provide both insurance cards and identification, which require the car owner to be present. Additionally, if the vehicle being renewed requires emissions inspections, the owner will have to be present for that as well.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Do boats need to be registered?
Nevada residents who own boats must register the boats with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Boat owners should provide NDOW with proof of ownership in the form of a bill of sale, as well as the original Manufacturer s Statement of Origin (MSO). If no MSO or the HIN number on the MSO is hand-written, the boat must be hauled to an NDOW office for inspection.

Additionally, residents will need to provide the NDOW with the previous boat registration, their Social Security Number, and the boat registration fee. Fees are based on the size of the boat, as follows:

  • Less than 13 feet: $20
  • 13 feet to less than 18 feet: $25
  • 18 feet to less than 22 feet: $40
  • 22 feet to less than 26 feet: $55
  • 26 feet to less than 31 feet: $75
  • 31 feet or more: $100

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Residents of Nevada dealing with lost or stolen car registrations are not required to file a police report prior to purchasing a duplicate car registration. However, the Nevada DMV advises filing a police report anyway for identity theft purposes. Once a police report is filed, bring a copy of the report to the DMV office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
If moving to another state, you can keep the license plates. Situations where Nevada residents are required to surrender license plates include:
  • Driver has dropped his or her car insurance (license plate must be surrendered before dropping insurance)
  • Vehicle sold or disposed of and the plates will not be used on another vehicle within the next 30 days
  • Vehicles stored long-term and resident doesn t want to pay the insurance or registration anymore

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
Residents of Nevada dealing with damaged, stolen or lost car registrations must purchase a duplicate car registration from the Nevada DMV. Residents can apply for a duplicate car registration online, by mail, by fax or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. Residents with damaged car registrations must surrender the damaged copy to the DMV office when applying for a duplicate car registration. Once a duplicate car registration has been received, all previous copies are rendered invalid.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
Mopeds or motorized scooters are vehicles with no more than two gross brake horsepower and a displacement of less than 50cc s not capable of traveling faster than 30 mph. Mopeds require Nevada residents to carry at least a Class C drivers license (if not a higher class). Mopeds do not require insurance or registration.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
Residents of Nevada who are looking to register cars in the state have a few requirements to meet. For certain residents in particular areas with applicable vehicles, emissions inspections are one of the requirements. Vehicles that are required to have an emissions inspection include:
  • Any vehicles based in Clark or Washoe County
  • Gas-powered vehicles
  • Diesel-powered vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or less
  • Vehicles with a 1968 or newer model year
  • New vehicles on third registration

Residents must have valid emissions inspection documentation prior to registering cars. Emissions test documents are good for 90 days after testing.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
Residents of Nevada looking to renew car registrations can do so using a number of options including:

Mailed applications should include the car registration renewal postcard mailed out to all Nevada residents prior to their car registration expiration date. Mail the entire package to:

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

Registration Renewal by Mail

P.O Box 6900

Carson City, NV 89702-6900

Kiosks carry an additional $3 fee on top of the car registration renewal fee (fees vary).

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
Registration for U.S. citizens within each state is taken care of on a state-by-state basis, with each state having their own rules and regulations regarding registering cars. Nevada residents leaving the state permanently are encouraged to contact the DMV office of the area they are moving to and ask how to register cars in the state. Residents of Nevada who are leaving the state temporarily for six months or less can keep Nevada registration.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
Nevada residents can receive handicapped license plates for their car or motorcycle, handicapped placards or motorcycle stickers by applying with the Nevada DMV. Only residents with a permanent disability may receive handicapped plates, while residents with temporary disabilities may receive placards and stickers.

Residents who would like to apply for disabled license plates, placards or stickers must fill out an Application for Disabled Person License Plates/Placards. Organizations who transport disabled individuals can apply for plates with the Organization Application for Disabled Persons License Plates.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
Residents of Nevada dealing with lost or stolen car registrations must apply for a duplicate car registration through the Nevada DMV. However, prior to purchasing a duplicate car registration, residents must first report their lost or stolen car registration. To do so, visit a local law enforcement office and ask to file a police report. From there, take a copy of the police report to the DMV when applying for a duplicate car registration so the Nevada DMV can have the loss/theft on record.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
Residents can apply for a duplicate drivers license online, by mail, fax or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. To order a duplicate car registration online, visit the Nevada DMV s online duplicate car registration page.

To order a duplicate car registration by mail, fax or in person, print and complete an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration. Mailed applications should be sent with a copy of the driver s proof of insurance to the following address:

DMV Central Services

555 Wright Way

Carson City, NV 89711-0700

Faxed applications should be sent to (775) 684-4797.

Residents paying the $5 duplicate car registration fee by credit card through mail or fax should also send a completed Credit Card Authorization form (fees may vary). Residents paying in person should bring the application, proof of insurance and fee to a local DMV office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

How do I obtain car registration?
If the vehicle was purchased new, the dealer will file the auto registration papers on their behalf. From there, residents can register the vehicle online through the Nevada DMV website using their insurance card, electronic dealer sales report (EDRS), emission report (if applicable; must be issued by dealer), and the Application for Vehicle Registration (if submitting in-person at a local Nevada DMV office).

New residents to Nevada along with residents purchasing vehicles from an out-of-state dealer or a private party must register their vehicles in person at a DMV office. To register at a DMV office, bring the following required documents:

  • Insurance card
  • Car title or security agreement (if purchased in-state)
  • Invoice or bill of sale (if purchased out-of-state) must be accompanied by one of the following:
    • Title
    • Certificate of origin
    • Security agreement
    • Lease Agreement
  • Emission Vehicle Inspection Report (if applicable)
  • VIN inspection (if vehicle never registered in Nevada)
  • Odometer reading (if vehicle is less than 10 years old)
  • Application for Vehicle Registration

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
Residents of Nevada are urged to renew car registrations on or by the expiration date listed on their current car registration. The Nevada DMV issues late fees for vehicles in the form of $6 per month over the expiration date. In addition, there is a $6 Governmental Services Tax penalty (or 10 percent of the registration fee, whichever is higher, including taxes). Nevada does not have a grace period for late car registration renewals.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
Residents of Nevada who have lost car registrations and license plates can either apply for a substitute license plate or a duplicate license plate. Substitute license plates are issued with a new number, while duplicate license plates are issued with the same number and style. To order a duplicate personalized plate, visit a local Nevada DMV office with a completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration. Duplicate personalized plates are subject to a duplicate fee based on the plate style.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
Nevada residents who have recently registered cars in the state will want to keep their registration in the vehicle. In the event that a resident is stopped by law enforcement, they must provide proof of insurance as well as their car registration. Keeping the car registration in the car lowers the risk of a resident losing it.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
Residents of Nevada can purchase a duplicate car registration through the Nevada DMV by filling out an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration online, by mail, fax or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. The most common reasons residents need to purchase duplicate car registrations or license plates is if either of those items were stolen, lost or damaged. Damaged copies of registration and license plates must be surrendered at the time of purchasing duplicate car registrations.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
The total amount of fees associated with getting car registrations in Nevada depend on the type of car and the county the resident is registering cars in. The Nevada DMV charges registration fees, along with a governmental services tax and (in some counties) a supplemental governmental services tax. Fees are as follows:
  • Passenger cars (regardless of weight): $33.
  • Motorcycle (except trimobiles): $39
  • Trimobiles: $33
  • Travel trailer: $27.
  • Trailer or semi-trailer weighing under 1,000 pounds: $12
  • Trailer or semi-trailer weighing over 1,000 pounds: $24
  • Permits for golf carts: $10.
  • Low-speed vehicles: $33.
  • Motor truck, truck-tractor or bus with weight of:
    • Less than 6,000 pounds: $33.
    • Over 6,000 pounds and less than 8,499 pound: $38.
    • Over 8,500 pounds and less than 10,000 pounds: $48.
    • Over 10,001 pounds and less than 26,000 pounds: $12 for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof.
    • Over 26,001 pounds and less than 80,000 pounds: $17 for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof (maximum fee: $1,360)

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
Residents of Nevada can apply for duplicate car registration by mail, fax, online or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. In addition to supplying the DMV office with an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration and proof of insurance, residents must also pay a $5 duplicate car registration fee (fees may vary). Fees can be paid by cash, check, money order or credit card. For credit card payments through mail or fax, residents must complete a Credit Card Authorization form.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
Residents of Nevada who are renewing car registrations in the state can do so in a number of ways. Once car registration renewal is complete, residents will have to pay a registration fee based on the type of vehicle they have and (in some cases) the weight. The fee schedule is as follows:
  • Passenger cars (regardless of weight): $33.
  • Motorcycle (except trimobiles): $39
  • Trimobiles: $33
  • Travel trailer: $27
  • Trailer or semi-trailer weighing under 1,000 pounds: $12
  • Trailer or semi-trailer weighing over 1,000 pounds: $24
  • Permits for golf carts: $10
  • Low-speed vehicles: $33
  • Motor truck, truck-tractor or bus with weight of:
    • Less than 6,000 pounds: $33
    • Over 6,000 pounds and less than 8,499 pound: $38
    • Over 8,500 pounds and less than 10,000 pounds: $48
    • Over 10,001 pounds and less than 26,000 pounds: $12 for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof
    • Over 26,001 pounds and less than 80,000 pounds: $17 for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof (maximum fee: $1,360)

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
To apply for duplicate auto registration, drivers will need to supply certain documents to DMV officials. Required documents include an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration and proof of insurance. Residents applying by mail or fax and paying the $5 duplicate registration fee with a credit card must also submit a Credit Card Authorization form. Fees may vary.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
Residents of Nevada looking to get car registrations must do so either online (if buying a vehicle from a Nevada dealer) or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. Residents getting car registrations must provide the following required documents at the DMV office:
  • Insurance card
  • Car title or security agreement (if purchased in state)
  • Invoice or bill of sale (if purchased out of state) must be accompanied by one of the following:
    • Title
    • Certificate of origin
    • Security agreement
    • Lease Agreement
  • Emission Vehicle Inspection Report (if applicable)
  • VIN inspection (if vehicle never registered in Nevada)
  • Odometer reading (if vehicle s less than 10 years old)
  • Application for Vehicle Registration

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nevada

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
Residents of Nevada with expiring car registrations must renew car registrations with the Nevada DMV. To do so, residents will need to provide certain required documents, including:
  • Insurance card
  • Car registration renewal notice
  • Emissions inspection certificate (if applicable)
  • Current valid Nevada driver s license

Additionally, residents mailing in their car registration renewal applications may have to provide one or more of the following documents:

  • Change of Address Notification
  • Emission Control Exemption Application
  • Payment Authorization
  • Affidavit of Non-Operation
  • Non-Resident, Active Duty Military Governmental Services Tax Exemption Affidavit
  • Non-Resident Military Spouse Governmental Services Tax Exemption Affidavit
  • Designation of Use for Veterans Exemption
  • Affidavit for Transfer of Exemption to Spouse
  • Active Duty Military Combat Affidavit
  • Trust Affidavit for Exemptions
  • Restored Vehicle Odometer Certification for Emission Exemption

To find out more about mail car registration renewals, call the Nevada DMV at:

  • Las Vegas: 702-486-4368
  • Reno/Sparks/Carson City: 775-684-4368
  • Rural Nevada: 877-368-7828

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
Residents in Nevada who have not received car registration renewals that they ordered may have an incorrect address registered with the Nevada DMV. Residents can update their address on the Nevada DMV website, by mail or by fax. Residents will have to pay a small fee to get new documents with the address change.

For residents with correct addresses in the Nevada DMV system should wait 10 days for their car registration renewal to arrive. If it hasn t arrived in that time frame, email the Nevada DMV with the address, plate number and driver s license number of the driver. Residents may also call the corresponding number:

  • 486-4368 option 6 for Las Vegas
  • 684-4368 option 6 for Reno
  • 877-368-7828 option 6 for rural Nevada

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

When does my car registration expire?
Nevada residents with expiring car registrations must renew their car registration by the date listed on the registration to avoid any late fees. The date on the registration is the exact date of expiration. Registrations do not expire at the end of the month. To renew car registrations, visit the Nevada DMV website or a local Nevada DMV office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
To apply in person, visit a local Nevada DMV office. Residents will also be required to present proof of insurance and surrender their previous registration (if available). Complete and sign the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration to get duplicate car registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
Residents of Nevada looking to apply for duplicate car registrations can do so by mail, fax, online or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. An Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration is needed for all methods. In addition, residents must provide proof of insurance and a $5 duplicate car registration fee (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Residents of Nevada with approaching expiration dates for their car registration will receive a car registration renewal notice in the mail in the form of a printed postcard. However, residents are responsible for renewing their vehicles even if they have not received a car registration renewal postcard. Nevada does not have a grace period for car registration renewal. Late fees are $6 for every month the registration has been expired, along with a $6 Governmental Services Tax penalty (or 10 percent of the registration fee, whichever is greater).

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Residents of Nevada looking to renew car registrations should check their current car registration documentation for their specific expiration date. Nevada car registrations expire on the exact date provided on the document, not at the end of the month. As a courtesy, the Nevada DMV mails out car registration renewal notices to all residents with approaching expiration dates. Car registration renewal notices include instructions on all the options for renewing car registrations.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nevada