Selling a car privately in Nevada
Nevada sellers hand over a properly signed-off paper title; for 2011 and newer models the odometer disclosure must be on the title itself, so get a paper title before listing if yours is electronic. A bill of sale (DMV form VP 104) is recommended as the price record. Nevada does not charge sales tax on private-party sales, a genuine advantage worth telling buyers, who must register within 30 days (with emissions checks in the Las Vegas and Reno areas).
After the sale, use MyDMV's registration cancellation and vehicle resale notification: it tells the DMV you sold the car and starts any registration credit. Nevada plates belong to the seller, and the law puts a clock on them: transfer them to another vehicle or turn them in within 60 days (30 days for some special plates).
The checklist
- 1
Sign off the paper title correctly (Nevada)
Provide a properly signed title with odometer disclosure on it for 2011 and newer models; order a paper title first if yours is electronic.
- 2
File the resale notification on MyDMV
Cancel the registration and notify the DMV of the sale to record the date and claim any credit.
- 3
Give the buyer a bill of sale (VP 104)
Documents the price and date alongside the title.
- 4
Remove your plates and mind the 60-day clock
Nevada plates stay with the seller; transfer or surrender them within 60 days (30 for special plates).
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10
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.
- 11
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.
- 12
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.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Nevada sale packet
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Start your free beta packetNevada private sale FAQ
Does a Nevada car title need to be notarized?
No. Nevada needs a complete, correctly signed title assignment; check whether names on the title are joined by AND (both sign) or OR (either signs).
Does the buyer pay sales tax on a private-party sale in Nevada?
No. Nevada does not impose sales tax on private-party vehicle sales between individuals. The buyer pays registration fees and government services tax when they register within 30 days.
How do I tell the Nevada DMV I sold my car?
Through MyDMV's registration cancellation and vehicle resale notification. It records the sale and handles any registration credit owed to you.
What is the deadline for my Nevada plates?
Transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them within 60 days of the sale (30 days for certain special plates).
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.