Car Registration

Nebraska residents who wish to drive on state roads and highways must register their cars with the Driver and Vehicle Records Division of the Department of Motor Vehicles. After you've registered your car, you'll receive a registration certificate that must be carried in your vehicle at all times.

Registering Your Vehicle

Vehicles should be registered in your county of residence. If you frequently travel, your car should be registered in the county in which it is most often located. If you are a new Nebraska resident, you have 30 days to register your vehicle without penalty.

If you are registering your car for the first time, you must present the following information to your local county official:

• An original document showing your proof of insurance

• A receipt demonstrating that you have paid your sales or excise tax

• A copy of the signed lease agreement (if your car is a leased vehicle)

• A completed "Registration Application" copy of the Nebraska Certificate of Title

Registration-Exempt Vehicles

Some vehicles are not required by the state to be registered. These include off-road vehicles (such as ATVs, mopeds, and golf carts), vehicles that run on tracks, farm vehicles, and a variety of machinery used for construction and agricultural purposes. Find details on the information page provided by the DMV.

Renewing Your Registration

Vehicle registration expiration dates are generally determined by the month in which your car was purchased. However, if you own two or more vehicles, you may be able to register both during the month of your choice.

When you renew your Nebraska vehicle registration, you must present the following information to your local county official:

• Your expired registration document

• Original documentation showing valid automobile insurance

In Nebraska, car registration fees are determined by the make and model of your vehicle. You can get an estimate of your fees on the online Motor Vehicle Tax Estimator or contact your county official for the exact amount.

Nonoperable Vehicles

You do not have to pay registration fees on a vehicle that has been stored and not driven for at least one year.

To reinstate your nonoperational vehicle's registration, you must submit an Affidavit for Storage and Non-Use to your local County Clerk. If your affidavit is approved, you'll be issued a new registration.

Additional Registration Information

For additional information about registering your car, please see our Registration FAQs article or refer to the Nebraska DMV Web site.

If you have questions about your car registration, please call (402) 471-3918 or email dvrweb@dmv.ne.gov.