How to Sell a Car Privately in Nevada
Selling your car yourself in Nevada comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller provides the legal title, and if it names owners joined by AND both must sign, while OR means either owner can sell alone. dmv.nv.gov
- The seller must provide the buyer a paper title for vehicles 2011 and newer, and such vehicles cannot be sold using a bill of sale plus duplicate application, through multiple private sales in a chain, or with a non-secure power of attorney. dmv.nv.gov
- A bill of sale alone is not acceptable proof of ownership for registration. dmv.nv.gov
- The buyer must register the vehicle at a DMV office within 30 days of purchase. dmv.nv.gov
Bill of sale
- The seller guide tells the seller to complete a Bill of Sale (VP-104) for their records. dmv.nv.gov
- The VP-104 form lists the sale price, buyer and seller details, VIN, year, make, model, and any lienholder, and requires original signatures. dmv.nv.gov
Odometer disclosure
- For model year 2011 or newer the seller must enter the current mileage in the Odometer Reading section of the title at sale. dmv.nv.gov
- For model year 2010 or older the seller may check the exempt box. dmv.nv.gov
License plates
- The seller keeps their license plates; they do not stay with the vehicle. dmvapp.nv.gov
- To let the buyer keep the physical plates, the seller signs a License Plate Release (SP 67). dmv.nv.gov
Inspections and emissions
- Emissions tests apply to vehicles from model year 1968 and newer registered in the Las Vegas Valley area of Clark County and the Reno/Sparks area of Washoe County. dmv.nv.gov
- In private sales the emissions test is the buyer's responsibility. dmv.nv.gov
- A transfer is exempt from a new test if the last test was within 90 days before the transfer, and the buyer's smog check, if required, must be less than 90 days old. dmv.nv.gov
- A VIN inspection is required for vehicles never registered or titled in Nevada. dmv.nv.gov
Telling the state you sold the car
- The seller submits a Registration Cancelation and Vehicle Resale Notification through the MyDMV portal, which the DMV says is due within five days after the sale. dmvapp.nv.gov
- The seller must cancel the Nevada registration before cancelling insurance. dmvapp.nv.gov
- The registered owner is presumed solely responsible for removal and storage costs if the vehicle is abandoned. dmvapp.nv.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- Sales tax is not charged on private party vehicle sales, family sales or gifts. dmv.nv.gov
- Registration fees are based on the vehicle's original MSRP, not the price paid. dmv.nv.gov
- The minimum Governmental Services Tax is $16, otherwise 4% of the depreciated DMV valuation. dmv.nv.gov
Loans and liens
- Any loans or liens must be satisfied before the vehicle is sold, and if a lender holds the title the seller must get the lender's approval first. dmv.nv.gov
- Subleasing or take-over payment arrangements are illegal. dmv.nv.gov
- With a paper title the lender signs a Release of Lien and mails it, and the owner then applies at DMV for a clear title. dmv.nv.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- Selling more than three personally owned vehicles in a year requires a dealer's license. dmv.nv.gov
- Selling from an empty lot is usually illegal, and the DMV recommends a private sale at a residence. dmv.nv.gov
- Salvage vehicles must be rebuilt, inspected, and titled as Rebuilt before a private-party sale. dmv.nv.gov
- A vehicle held in a family trust requires the seller to give the buyer a Trustee Appointment and Powers Affidavit (VP 188). dmv.nv.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Nevada?
The seller guide tells the seller to complete a Bill of Sale (VP-104) for their records. The VP-104 form lists the sale price, buyer and seller details, VIN, year, make, model, and any lienholder, and requires original signatures.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Nevada?
For model year 2011 or newer the seller must enter the current mileage in the Odometer Reading section of the title at sale. For model year 2010 or older the seller may check the exempt box.
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in Nevada?
The seller keeps their license plates; they do not stay with the vehicle. To let the buyer keep the physical plates, the seller signs a License Plate Release (SP 67).
Do I have to tell the state I sold my car in Nevada?
The seller submits a Registration Cancelation and Vehicle Resale Notification through the MyDMV portal, which the DMV says is due within five days after the sale. The seller must cancel the Nevada registration before cancelling insurance.
Official Nevada resources
- Nevada DMV: Car seller's guide
- Nevada DMV: Vehicle title and ownership
- Nevada DMV: Vehicle resale notification
- Nevada DMV: Private party vehicle registration
- Nevada DMV: Emission control program
- Nevada DMV: Bill of Sale (VP-104)
- Nevada DMV: Registration fees
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.