Paperwork When Buying a Car in Nevada

When you buy a car in Nevada, you'll need to receive paperwork from the seller in order to properly transfer ownership.

Use this guide to learn more about the paperwork required to title and register your vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) following a purchase.

Looking to sell your vehicle? You'll need paperwork to do it! Check out our guide to sellers' paperwork to get you started.

Paperwork for Nevada Car Buyers

Much of the process and paperwork you receive after buying a car in Nevada will differ based on whether the vehicle was purchased through a dealership or a private party.

Dealership Purchases

When you purchase a car from a Nevada dealership*, the dealer should provide you with the following:

  • Temporary registration.
  • Dealer Report of Sale.
  • Nevada Emissions Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).

You will need these documents to apply for your permanent title and registration at your local NV DMV office location.

* NOTE: Additional documents may be required if you purchased the vehicle from an out-of-state dealer. See below for details.

Private Sales

For cars bought in a private sale, you must receive certain documents from the seller in order to properly transfer ownership at your local DMV. These include:

  • A signed and completed vehicle title*, including:
    • The odometer disclosure statement, if required by law.
    • The sale date.
    • The purchase price.
  • A Nevada Emission Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), if necessary (available from the DMV).
    • Check out our Smog Check in Nevada page for more details.
  • A Bill of Sale (Form VP104) IF there is no title*.

* NOTE: If the seller has lost the title or it is in unusable condition, they'll need to obtain a new one BEFORE completing the sale by submitting an Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title (Form VP012) to the Nevada DMV.

NV Vehicle Registration Paperwork

Below is a preview of what you'll need to title and register your car at your local Nevada DMV:

Registering Out-of-State Vehicles

If you're registering a vehicle previously titled and registered in a state other than Nevada, you'll need the documents above, PLUS the following:

  • A dealer's invoice OR a Bill of Sale (Form VP104).
    • If you bought your car from an out-of-state dealer, you'll need 1 document in addition to the above; either a:
      • Title.
      • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
      • Security/lease agreement.
  • A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection.
  • Your out-of-state registration and license plates.

Forms

VP104
Bill of Sale
Use the DMV's bill of sale form as a proof of purchase when transferring ownership of a vehicle in NV.
VP012
Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title
Request a replacement NV vehicle title from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
VP-222
Application for Vehicle Registration
Department of Motor Vehicles application to register your vehicle in Nevada.
VP15
Vehicle Inspection Certificate
If required, submit this completed VIN verification inspection form when titling your vehicle. Must be completed by a DMV-approved inspector.
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