Top What is a Title Transfer?

A certificate of title serves as legal proof of your ownership of a vehicle. If ownership changes, the title must transfer into the name of the new owner. In Nevada, a new owner has 30 days to transfer the title. Common reasons for title transfers include:

• Purchase of a new or used vehicle

• Payoff of a car loan

• Transfer of a vehicle to a family member

• Gift or donation of a vehicle

• Inheritance of a vehicle

• Name change

Top Selling a Vehicle

One of the most important―and difficult―things about selling a car is negotiating a price that satisfies both you and the buyer. Back up your starting price with a vehicle history report (VHR), especially if it shows consistent maintenance throughout the life of the vehicle. A buyer will typically recognize the value of a car that’s been well-kept versus one that’s been in the shop for frequent repairs. Find out more about these reports in our section on VHRs.

Once you’ve found a buyer who loves the car, follow the steps below to transfer the title to the new owner.

1. Find your title and sign it in the appropriate section on the back side. If you don’t have the title, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate. Learn more in our section on replacing a lost title.
2. Have the buyer sign and date the title.
3. Complete and sign a Bill of Sale. Keep a copy for yourself. You may also want to give the buyer a copy if he wants one, but he doesn’t need the document to register the car as long as he has a signed-off title.
4. Remove the license plates from the car. You then have the option of transferring the plate to another vehicle, or turning the plate in to the DMV within 30 days.
5. Give the signed title to the buyer, who will complete the title transfer and registration at the DMV. The buyer is also responsible for emissions certification and insurance for the vehicle.

NOTE: If you don’t have the title, the DMV will accept a completed Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title and a Bill of Sale only if the vehicle meets all three requirements below:

• The vehicle was previously titled in Nevada

• The vehicle is more than nine years old

• The vehicle has no unfulfilled liens

Top Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

When you buy a new car from a dealer, the dealer usually takes care of the paperwork and title transfer for you. The title and registration should be completed by the dealer within 30 days.

If you haven’t decided which make or model is perfect for you, simplify the process by pricing and comparing new cars online.

Used Cars

Purchasing a used car from a stranger can turn into a bad deal if you haven’t done your research. Check online to learn which auto financing options won’t bust your budget, and compare auto insurance quotes online at our Insurance Center.

To ensure you’re getting the best price for the car you want, know the details about the vehicle’s past performance and problems by ordering a Vehicle History Report online.

When you're ready to make a deal, here's how to transfer the title into your name:

1. Have the owner sign and date the title.
2. Sign and date the title.
3. Complete and sign the buyer’s portion of a Bill of Sale. You can request a copy from the seller, although you don’t need a Bill of Sale as long as you have a title that’s been signed off properly.
4. Make sure the owner removes the license plates from the car.
5. Take the signed title and proof of insurance to the DMV to register the vehicle. Depending on your county of residence, you’ll also need to bring a current emissions certificate.
6. Pay $20 for a new title, and $8.25 for processing.

Because you’ll be registering your car and transferring the title at the same visit, you’ll also need to pay registration fees and taxes. Get more details in our Car Registration section.

Top Removing a Lien

If you’ve financed your car, the lienholder will typically keep the title. When the loan is paid off, the lienholder should sign off on the title and send it to you. To transfer the title into your name, follow the steps below.

1. Take the signed title and title fees of $28.25 to a DMV Full Service Office. If you prefer to mail the documents, send them to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Title Processing

• 555 Wright Way

• Carson City, NV 89711

NOTE: If the lienholder does not have the title, or if you misplace the title after receiving it from the lienholder, you and the lienholder can complete and notarize a Lien Release form. Submit the Lien Release, an Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title, and title fees of $28.25 to the DMV. You should receive your new title in approximately eight weeks.

Top Transferring to Family

For the purposes of title transfers, Nevada defines “family” as:

• Spouse

• Child (includes adopted and illegitimate children and stepchildren)

• Parent

• Grandparent

• Grandchild

• Sibling

When someone transfers a vehicle to a family member, the recipient will not need to pay sales tax. Transfer the title by following the steps below.

1. Have the registered owner locate the existing title, enter the mileage, and sign and date the title.
2. Have the new owner sign and date the title.
3. The registered owner must remove the license plates from the car.
4. The new owner will take the signed title, affidavit, and title fees of $28.25 to the DMV.

Top Gifting a Vehicle

Just like transferring a vehicle between family members, giving a vehicle to someone as a gift means the recipient will not have to pay sales tax on the vehicle. If you receive a vehicle as a gift, the process for transferring the title into your name is similar, as well.

1. Have the registered owner locate the existing title, enter the mileage, and sign and date the title.
2. Sign and date the title.
3. Have the registered owner remove the license plates from the car.
4. Take the signed title, affidavit, and title fees of $28.25 to the DMV.

Your title application will also serve as an application to register your car. Registration fees apply, and you'll also be responsible for paying vehicle property tax in your county of residence before attempting to register the car at the DMV. For more details, see our section on Car Registration.

Top Donating a Vehicle

The donation of your vehicle can benefit many needy people. You have a wide range of options if you choose to donate your car, so get the details in our section on car donation.

Most vehicle donations are tax-deductible. Get the most out of your donation by consulting a tax attorney for advice.

Top Inheriting a Vehicle

Handling the estate of a family member after his death can be complex. A reputable probate attorney can help you immensely in wading through the legal jargon and processes.

If you would like to claim a relative's vehicle after his death―especially when the decedent (your relative) did not leave a will naming an heir for the vehicle―you must wait 40 days before filing the claim. The following requirements apply:

• The estate must not be worth more than $20,000.

• The vehicle must not have an outstanding lien.

• All of the decedent's debts must have been paid, including funeral expenses.

• There cannot be another pending claim on the vehicle.

• You must have sent notice―by certified mail or in-person service―”to every person whose right to succeed to the decedent’s property is equal or superior to that of the Affiant” (meaning you), and 14 days must have passed since sending the notice.

• All other people involved must agree and send written notice to you that you are entitled to claim the vehicle.

Once you are given permission to claim the vehicle, transfer the title by following the steps below.

1. Sign the existing title and enter the mileage as the legal heir.
2. Complete and sign an Affidavit for Transfer of Title for Estates Under $20,000.
3. Remove the license plates from the car.
4. Take the plates and paperwork (including a copy of your relative's death certificate) to the DMV.
5. Pay title fees of $28.25.

When you inherit a vehicle, you won't be liable for sales tax. You will, however, need to show proof of insurance when you register the car, so be sure to review policies and compare quotes online at our Insurance Center.

If you wish to designate an heir who will receive your vehicle after your death and want to bypass the will process, you can complete and sign a Transfer on Death Application. The beneficiary should keep the form until he is ready to transfer the vehicle into his name.

Top Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

1. Within 10 days of changing your name, bring your existing title to a DMV Full Service Office.
2. Sign and date the title as the seller, using your previous name, then sign and date the title as the buyer, using your new name.
3. Present the legal document, such as a marriage license or divorce decree, that proves the name change. If you have a divorce decree, it must name the vehicle―including VIN―that you're titling.
4. Pay title fees of $20.

It's a good idea to update all DMV records, including driver's license and registration, at the same time. Order a copy of the legal name-change document if you don't have it already. Learn more in our section on changing your name.

Deleting a Name

1. Everyone listed on the title must sign it as sellers, unless the title names Person A or Person B.
2. Sign and date the title as buyer.
3. Take the signed title and a $20 title fee to a DMV Full Service Office or mail the paperwork and fee to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Title Processing

• 555 Wright Way

• Carson City, NV 89711

Adding a Name

1. Everyone currently listed on the title must sign as sellers, unless the title names Person A or Person B.
2. Have the same people, as well as the person whose name you're adding, sign the title as buyers.
3. Take the signed title and a $20 title fee to a DMV Full Service Office or mail the paperwork and fee to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Title Processing

• 555 Wright Way

• Carson City, NV 89711

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