Paperwork When Selling a Car in Nevada

Selling a Vehicle

First of all, if you sell more than three vehicles in a year, you're technically considered a dealer and will need to be licensed by the DMV to do business.

Private-Party Sales

You should give the buyer a properly signed-off title. You'll need to request a duplicate if you don't have one. Apply to the state that issued the existing title.

The only time you won't need to obtain a duplicate title is if the vehicle was titled in Nevada, is older than nine years, and has no liens. In that case, the buyer can submit an Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title and a Bill of Sale to obtain the title on his or her own.

When signing over the title, you'll need all owners to sign the document if the names are listed with the word "and." If they're listed with "or," only one needs to sign.

You should also fill out a bill of sale and keep it for your records. (If the buyer needs one to register the vehicle, complete two forms so you each have an original.)

Keep the license plates and transfer them to another vehicle, or surrender them to the DMV.

The buyer will be responsible for emissions testing, if necessary, and also for a current insurance policy.

Dealer Trade-Ins

The dealer has 30 days to satisfy any outstanding liens on the vehicle once you trade it in. If you don't have the title, you may be asked to sign a power-of-attorney document so the dealer can handle the transaction.

Once you trade in a vehicle, the dealer must keep the trade-in until financing has been arranged for the newly purchased vehicle. If the dealer is not able to complete financing arrangements, he or she is legally required to give back the trade-in.

Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

If you're not going to transfer the plates to another vehicle, you must surrender them to the DMV within 30 days of your vehicle being sold. Bring the plates to any DMV office. Or, if you prefer, mail the plates, along with a letter requesting cancellation, to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Central Services Division

• 555 Wright Way

• Carson City, Nevada 89711-0700

Be sure to include your address and phone number in your cancellation letter.

Bill of Sale

Even though a bill of sale is only mandatory in certain cases, it's always smart, regardless of the circumstance, to have one for your records. You can conveniently download this form from our Bill of Sale page.

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