Registration FAQs

How much does it cost to register my vehicle?

Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. Registration fees depend on the make and model of your vehicle, and also vary by county.

You can obtain an estimate by using the online Motor Vehicle Tax Estimator, but you'll need to contact your county official for the exact amount of your fees. The official will also be able to answer questions about acceptable payment methods.

When does my registration expire?

In most cases, your registration expiration date is determined by the month in which you originally purchased the vehicle. However, Nebraska residents who own two or more vehicles can opt to have all registrations renewed during the month of their choice.

What if my schedule won't allow a trip to the DMV?

For your convenience, the Nebraska DMV will allow you to renew your vehicle registration by mail. In the month before your registration expires, you'll receive a renewal postcard with detailed instructions. If your postcard doesn't arrive, please contact your county official.

What should I do if I've recently moved?

New Nebraska residents have 30 days to register their vehicles. If you've recently moved from one Nebraska county to another, you do not need to obtain a replacement registration certificate or license plates until your current registration expires. However, you should contact your new county official to determine whether you owe fees for any local taxes.

What should I do if I lose my registration certificate?

Your registration certificate must be carried in your vehicle at all times. If you lose or damage your certificate, contact your county official to obtain a replacement. The fee for this service is $6.75.

Can I register my vehicle if I don't have any auto insurance?

It is against Nebraska law to operate a vehicle without valid automobile insurance. Therefore, a valid insurance policy or other proof of financial responsibility is required to register your vehicle. For more details, please see the DMV's information page.

What do I do if I don't get my registration?

If you don't receive your registration, contact your local county official for help with further steps to take relevant to your situation.

How do I get a duplicate title?

Submit a completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title and a fee of $14 to your local county official.

How do I get replacement tags?

To get replacement license plates (tags) in Nebraska, you'll need to visit your local county official with your license plate number and registration information. The official will order new tags for you and issue you temporary tags in the meantime.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

Do I have to pay registration on a stored vehicle?

You are exempt, as long as your vehicle has been stored and not driven for at least one full 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.

How can I find more information?

We cover a number of registration topics on other pages on our site:

• Registration & Titling

• Car Registration

• Title Transfers

• Boat Registration

• RV & Motorhome Registration

• Custom-built Car Registration

• Smog & Emission Checks

• License Plates & Placards