Custom Built Car Registration

Although creating a custom-built car can be a fun and rewarding hobby, you'll still need to have your vehicle properly registered with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Nebraska DMV defines a custom-built car as an assembled vehicle that has been significantly altered by the substitution, addition, or removal of a major component part or parts. Altering the frame, body, transmission, nose, rear clip, cowl, or engine of your vehicle would make it a custom-built car.

Titling Your Vehicle

Before you can register your custom-built car, you'll need to obtain a title. This is done by submitting your vehicle for a vehicle inspection and requesting an assigned VIN number for your custom-built car.

Bring a completed application to your inspection, along with all Manufacturer's Certificates of Origin, Certificates of Title, Bills of Sale, and junking receipts to prove you are the legal owner of all parts of your vehicle. There is $10 fee for the vehicle inspection and a $20 fee to request a VIN number for your custom-built car.

Once your vehicle passes inspection, take the inspection form and a title application to your local county official.

When issued, your title will list "Assembled" as the vehicle's make and the date you assembled the vehicle as the year.

Registering Your Vehicle

Once you have a title for your custom-built car, you can register your vehicle in your county of residence by bringing the following information to your county official:

• The "Registration Application" copy of the Nebraska Certificate of Title

• A sales or excise tax receipt

• Proof of a current auto insurance policy

After you've paid the appropriate registration fees, you'll receive license plates, validation tabs, and a registration certificate for your custom-built car. Because you should keep the registration certificate in your vehicle at all times, you'll need to contact your county official to obtain a replacement if the certificate is ever lost or damaged.

If you have questions about registering your custom-built car, please call the Nebraska DMV at (402) 471-3918 or review our Car Registration article.