On this page
The Nevada DMV says a bill of sale by itself is not acceptable proof of ownership for registration. It advises you not to buy a vehicle from a private party unless the seller can give you a title in the seller’s name. For a 2011 or newer vehicle, the seller must provide a paper title, and a bill of sale with a duplicate title application is not accepted.
Quick answer
| Topic | What the Nevada DMV says |
|---|---|
| Is a bill of sale enough? | No. “A Bill of Sale by itself is not an acceptable proof of ownership for registration.” |
| 2011 and newer vehicles | The seller must give the buyer a paper title. A bill of sale with an Application for Duplicate Title is not accepted. |
| Other limits for 2011 and newer | Multiple private party sales are not allowed, and a non-secure Power of Attorney cannot be used for a sale |
| Odometer | The Odometer Reading section of the title must be completed for 2011 or newer vehicles at sale, even if the title says the vehicle is exempt |
| Fee | $28.50 for a complete change of ownership on any vehicle |
| Title arrives | By mail, in approximately 2 to 3 weeks (stated for duplicate titles) |
What the seller and the buyer do
- Sign the title. The seller signs exactly as the name appears on the title. The buyer prints the new name exactly as it appears on the buyer’s driver’s license.
- Check who must sign. If the title says “person 1 AND person 2”, both must sign. If it says “person 1 OR person 2”, either person can sign alone.
- Complete the odometer section. For any 2011 or newer vehicle, enter the current mileage. The DMV says you must disclose the mileage even if the title says “Exempt - Model year over 9 years old”. For a 2010 or older vehicle you may check the exempt box.
- The buyer brings the documents to a DMV office.
What the buyer brings
0 of 5 ready
If the vehicle is not registered or not operational, the DMV says you may change the title only, without insurance, a smog check or registration. If you re-register a vehicle, you receive credit for the unused portion of your current registration.
What it costs
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Complete change of ownership on any vehicle | $28.50 |
| Add or drop legal owners without a complete change of ownership | $20.00 |
| Change an out-of-state title to Nevada with no change of ownership | $20.00 |
| Duplicate Nevada title sent to a Nevada address | $20.00 |
| Duplicate Nevada title sent out of state | $35.00 |
If the vehicle has a loan
If a bank or lender holds the title, you must get its approval first. The DMV says subleasing or “take-over payment” arrangements are illegal. Ask the lender to approve the name change. The lender may require you to refinance or sign a Power of Attorney, and the lender applies for the new title and gives you a letter with the VIN. Bring that letter, your current registration and a new smog check, if needed, to the DMV.
If you do not have a title
Visit a DMV office and bring all the documentation you have. The DMV will give instructions on how to find and contact the previous owner. If you cannot reach the previous owner, you may be eligible for a bonded title.
Odometer rules in Nevada’s words
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires odometer disclosure until a vehicle is 20 years old, starting with the 2011 model year. The DMV says 2011 vehicles become exempt from disclosure in 2031, 2012 vehicles in 2032, and so on. The earlier rule was 10 years.
Do you need a bill of sale in Nevada?
- A bill of sale alone: no. The DMV says it is not acceptable proof of ownership for registration.
- A 2011 or newer vehicle: the seller must provide a paper title. A bill of sale with a duplicate title application is not accepted, and multiple private party sales are not allowed.
- The seller lost the title: the seller applies for a duplicate title first.
- The title has two names: “AND” means both sign, “OR” means either can sign alone.
- The car has a loan: follow the lienholder steps listed for a vehicle with a loan.
Common mistakes
- Buying from a seller who cannot produce a title in the seller’s name.
- Relying on a bill of sale for a 2011 or newer vehicle.
- Skipping the odometer entry because the title says “exempt”.
- Insuring the car in a different name than the one on the new title.
- Arriving with a smog check older than 90 days when one is required.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada require a bill of sale?
The DMV’s guide says a bill of sale cannot replace a title. A title in the seller’s name is what you need.
How much is the transfer?
$28.50 for a complete change of ownership.
What if the seller lost the title?
For an out-of-state title, the owner must obtain a duplicate from that state. For a Nevada title with no liens, the owner may apply for a duplicate by mail or at a DMV office.
This guide is general information compiled from the Nevada DMV page listed under Sources. Rules change, and this site is not part of any government agency. Confirm the current requirements with the Nevada DMV before you sign or pay.
Sources
- Nevada DMV: Vehicle Title and Ownership, checked Sep 26, 2026