Buying and Selling FAQs

I found a great used car for my daughter, but the seller didn't have a bill of sale form handy. What should I do?

In Nebraska, you can't complete a title transfer without a properly completed Bill of Sale.

If you really want the car, head back to the seller with your own Bill of Sale, as well as an Odometer Disclosure Statement if the car is over 10 years old.

Other than the Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement, what other paperwork does a seller need?

A Nebraska Department of Revenue Form 6.

Pick one up by contacting the Nebraska Department of Revenue or at your County Treasurer's office. They're not available online.

If I purchase a vehicle, how long do I have to register it?

You have 30 days from the purchase date.

If you purchase the vehicle from a dealership, they'll most likely handle the title and registration process for you. If you do business with an individual, however, you'll need to handle titling and registering yourself.

Visit Registration and Titling for detailed instructions.

If I sell my truck, do I let the buyers keep the license plates?

No! Your Nebraska license plates belong to you, not the truck. Make sure you remove them before the truck's new owner spins off.

I bought my neighbor's car and transferred the title, but the information on the new title is incorrect. What should I do?

You'll need to apply for a duplicate Nebraska title.

I live in Kansas, but I bought a new car in Nebraska. How can I legally get it back to Kansas?

You can drive your new car from Nebraska to Kansas after you get Non-resident 30-Day License Plates from the County Treasurer from the county in which you purchased the car. Actually, you'll also receive a temporary registration certificate.

You'll need the title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) and the fee of $20.

What kind of vehicle should I buy in order to get the cheapest Nebraska car insurance?

Shop around, but remember that adequate auto coverage is more important than the cheapest policy you can find.

You must have liability insurance, which is usually more affordable when you own your car outright.

Some companies also offer price breaks for having good grades (students), not smoking, or taking driver improvement courses.

Can I get a warranty for a used car?

Yes, from a dealership. Whether or not the vehicle comes with a warranty is completely up to the dealership.

Discuss your options with the car salesperson.

Can I buy a vehicle in another country and bring it to Nebraska?

Usually. Bringing a car into America from another country can be a tricky process. In addition to our brief summary, you should study the Vehicle Importation Regulations, and then contact an expert to help you at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at (888) 327-4236.

The process is much easier―and quicker―if the vehicle already conforms to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). (You can find out whether or not the vehicle conforms by checking for the sticker on the inside of the car door.)

Not all vehicles conform to the FMVSS; if this is your case, a Registered Importer (RI) at your re-entry port will contact the NHTSA to find out if it can be modified to conform. If so, you can bring the vehicle into America to have it modified, and then post a Department of Transportation Conformance Bond.

Note that vehicles coming from Canada aren't subject to this process.