When you want to sell a vehicle in Nevada, there are a few steps that you need to take, such as presenting and signing your title, clearing any liens, and making sure to check the odometer reading. You may also want to have a bill of sale for the sale, which helps protect you against liability in the case that anything goes wrong with the sale in the future.
Selling a Vehicle in Nevada 101
In Nevada, the Department of Motor Vehicles does require you to use a bill of sale when you sell a vehicle for your own records. This is form VP104. This bill of sale protects you, because if the vehicle is ever abandoned or involved in an accident with you listed as the owner, you can prove that you are no longer liable. It also voids any liability in the case that the vehicle’s new owner doesn’t comply with the state laws and fails to register the vehicle.
To sell your vehicle in Nevada, you should:
- Sign the certificate of title. If there is more than one owner, then both of you should sign the title separated by the word “and.” If the title says “or” between the two owners, then only one needs to sign
- Satisfy any liens on the vehicle before you sell it
- Complete a bill of sale
- Let the Nevada DMV know about the sale on its online Vehicle Resale Notification page
How to Sign Over the Title to the Buyer
To sign over the title to the buyer, you should first complete the odometer reading section. You can then go on to sign the section that states “signature of seller.” You will also need to print your name in the section titled “printed name of seller.” Finally, write the date of the same in the “date of sale” section.
Replacing a Lost Title
If you have lost your title and need a duplicate, you can get one from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll need this title to transfer ownership of your vehicle.
Submit the completed Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title, form VP012, and pay a $21 fee to the NV DMV to get a replacement.
In the case that you have a lien on your vehicle, the lienholder will also need to sign off on this application. If there is a lien, you also need a notarized lien release that should be submitted with the application when you send it or take it to the DMV.
Transferring License Plates
You do not need to transfer license plates with the vehicle in Nevada. Your license plates are yours and should stay with you. You may surrender the license plates if you won’t use them on a new vehicle by taking them to the Nevada DMV near you in person. You can also send them back to the DMV by mail.