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Paperwork When Buying a Car in Nebraska
- Steps When Buying a Car
- Buying Without Paperwork
- Bill of Sale
Page OverviewSteps When Buying a Car
When buying a car, you should get a notarized bill of sale and the title from the seller. Both of you must sign these documents.
If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, the seller should give you a signed statement certifying the odometer reading from the Nebraska DMV website. If you are unable to determine the odometer reading for the vehicle, you must request that the title list the reading as either "Not Actual" or "Exceeds Mechanical Limits."
After your purchase, you'll have 30 days to register your vehicle. If you buy your car or truck from a dealership, the paperwork will be completed on your behalf. If not, you'll need to make a trip to the county treasurer's office to pay your fees, complete the title transfer, and show your proof of insurance.
Buying Without Paperwork
Although the seller doesn't need to provide the registration certificate to the buyer, ideally, you shouldn't buy a vehicle without a title. Have the seller apply for a duplicate title.
However, if you happen to buy a car without a title and can't provide a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), you might be able to apply for a bonded certificate of title.
Before you submit the completed Application for Bonded Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle and other paperwork and fees to the DMV (including a surety bond for 1.5 times the vehicle's value), you'll need to submit a completed Application for Copy of Vehicle Record and a $1 fee.
You might also need to complete and submit an Assigned ID Number Application if the vehicle doesn't have a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. A Sheriff's Inspection Form and the $20 fee must accompany the application.
Once you take care of the above, the Nebraska DMV provides a detailed outline for applying for a bonded title, and you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Records Division at (402) 471-3918.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is mandatory for registering and titling your vehicle. You can, if needed, easily download this necessary document from our Bill of Sale page.
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