Selling a car privately in Nebraska
Nebraska is a notary state: the seller's assignment on the certificate of title must be executed in front of a notary, with the date of sale and odometer reading completed. Do not sign in advance; banks and county treasurer offices have notaries. Nebraska also requires that the buyer's name, address, and signature appear in the purchaser's section at the time of purchase, so complete both sides together.
Give the buyer a bill of sale or a completed Nebraska Department of Revenue Form 6 (the sales tax statement); they need it when they title within 30 days at the county treasurer and pay state and local sales tax. Nebraska plates belong to the seller: remove them at handoff and ask the county treasurer about credit or transfer.
The checklist
- 1
Sign the title before a notary (Nebraska)
Nebraska requires the seller's endorsement on the title to be notarized, with sale date and odometer reading. Complete the buyer's section at the same time.
- 2
Provide a bill of sale or Form 6
The buyer needs the price documented for sales tax at the county treasurer.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Nebraska plates belong to the seller. Take them off at handoff.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Start your free beta packetNebraska private sale FAQ
Does a Nebraska car title need to be notarized?
Yes. Nebraska law requires the seller to endorse the title in the presence of a notary, including the sale date and odometer reading. A pre-signed title is not duly executed.
What sales paperwork does the buyer need in Nebraska?
A bill of sale or Nebraska Department of Revenue Form 6, showing the price. The buyer pays state and local sales tax at the county treasurer when titling within 30 days.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska plates stay with the seller. Remove them before the buyer drives away and ask your county treasurer about transferring them or claiming credit.
Where does the Nebraska buyer complete the transfer?
At the county treasurer's office, within 30 days of purchase. Meeting there lets the notarization, title work, and tax happen in one visit.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.