Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
Proof of financial responsibility or car insurance is required to renew car registrations in Nebraska. Residents without proof will not be allowed to renew. Additionally, there are certain vehicles that are ineligible for car registration renewals, including:
  • Vehicles with certain types of license plates:
    • Amateur radio license plates
    • Pearl Harbor survivor license plates
  • Tax-exempt vehicles
  • Farm and commercial vehicles
  • Vehicles with registrations that have been expired for one or more years

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
Yes, you can have another individual renew your car registration by mail, online or in person at a local Nebraska DMV office. Whoever renews your registration must still submit the required documentation and applicable registration fees.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Do boats need to be registered?
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission issues boat registrations for three-year periods through the your local county treasurer. All vessels using a mechanical device for propulsion must be registered. Exceptions include:
  • Vessels not using machinery for propulsion
  • Boats registered in another state and only in Nebraska for 60 days
  • Government owned vessels
  • Racing motorboats
  • Vessels documented by US Coast Guard

To register, complete a boat registration application (available at county clerk offices) along with the registration fee.

Fees for vessels are dependent on the class and size of the vessels:

  • Class One Vessels less than 16 feet: $27
  • Class Two Vessels between 16 feet and 26 feet: $50
  • Class Three Vessels between 26 feet and 40 feet: $71.50
  • Class Four Vessels between 40 feet and over: $119
  • Class Five Motorboat dealers/manufacturers of motorboats (for demonstration or testing): $50
  • Duplicate Registration: $9

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
While it is not required that you report your lost or stolen car registration before applying for a replacement, it is recommended by the Nebraska DMV. Having a police report on you can help you avoid fines if you are stopped prior to getting a car registration copy. Additionally, putting it on file with the DMV can help you avoid any potential identity theft issues.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
Once you have settled into your new state, you should surrender your Nebraska license plate by mailing it and your car registration to the Nebraska DMV. You should also mail a copy of your registration for proof of your move. You will be mailed a prorated registration refund.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
While you are not required to turn in your damaged car registration when applying for a duplicate car registration, you should bring it with you when applying. The damaged copy can serve to expedite the car registration replacement process. To learn how to replace car registrations, visit a local Nebraska DMV office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
Nebraska s DMV has varying definitions for two-wheel vehicles aside from motorcycles.

Mopeds are bicycles that use pedals for propulsion, automatic transmission and an engine that doesn t exceed 50cc s. Top speed must be no higher than 30 mph. Moped do not need to be titled or registered. However, if the pedals are removed the vehicle becomes an off-road vehicle and must be operate on private property only.

Minibikes are two-wheeled motor vehicles with wheel and tire diameters of no more than 14 inches and an engine displacement of less than 45cc s. Minibikes must be used for off-road purposes only and must be titled. They do not require registration.

All other two-wheel vehicles in Nebraska are considered motorcycles for registration and titling purposes.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
First time Nebraska registrations and cars being registered from out-of-state must undergo a visual inspection through the Nebraska sheriff s office. To complete the inspection:
  • Visit an inspection station.
  • Show the inspection officials your car title.
  • Pay the $10 car inspection fee.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
Car registration renewals in Nebraska can be processed online, by mail or in person at a local Nebraska DMV office. When renewing car registrations, you will need to submit a few required documents including:
  • The expired or expiring car registration document
  • Proof of insurance (original documents only) or financial responsibility

To renew car registration online, visit the Nebraska Online Registration Renewal page.

To renew expired car registrations by mail, complete your registration renewal notice and send it along with applicable fees to the address listed.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
To transfer registrations from Nebraska to another state, visit a local DMV office in the state you are moving to with the following documents:
  • Nebraska car title
  • Completed Application for Certificate of Title from the new state
  • Inspection documents (if applicable)
  • Proof of auto insurance.
  • Any applicable county tax fees.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
Prior to applying for a disables parking placard in Nebraska, you must receive medical certification from a healthcare professional. Disabled drivers can apply for a disabled placard online, by mail or by visiting a local Nebraska DMV office.

To apply for a disabled placard online, you will need your doctor, physician s assistant or nurse practitioner to complete the application on the Nebraska DMV online system.

Mailed disabled placard applications require a completed Application for Handicapped Parking Permit. You must include both your completed medical certification and a copy of a proof of identity such as one of the following:

  • US birth certificate
  • US passport
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship

Mail the application and supporting materials to the following address:

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Driver and Vehicle Records Division Attn: Handicapped Parking Permits P.O. Box 94789 Lincoln, NE 68509

You may also apply for a handicapped license plate by completing an Application for Handicapped License Plates. Include your signed medical certification and send it to the following address:

You will receive an approval letter which you can take to a Nebraska DMV office with your vehicle registration fee to receive your license plate.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
Prior to replacing a lost or stolen car registration certificate, license plate or decal in Nebraska, you should report the loss/theft to the authorities. To do so, visit any local police station and ask to file a police report. Bring the police report with you to a local Nebraska DMV office and present it to DMV officials. To replace lost car registrations you should also bring the required documents and fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
Lost, damaged or stolen car registrations in Nebraska must be replaced in a timely manner to avoid potential fines. To replace car registrations, you must visit in person the local Nebraska DMV office that issued your original car registration. You will be able to complete a car registration replacement application and submit the required documents at the office (forms are not available online). Identification and the car registration copy fee are required at the time of application. There is currently no option to replace car registration online.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

How do I obtain car registration?
First time car registrations in Nebraska can be conducted by mail or in person at a local Nebraska DMV office. Registering cars requires drivers to present a few documents to the County Treasurer including a DMV car registration application.

Nebraska vehicle expiration dates depend on the vehicle s purchase month. The exception is for residents owning two or more vehicles who can obtain registrations that start and expire during the calendar year.

To get car registrations by mail, send the documents to your local DMV office. There is currently no option to register a car online.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
No, Nebraska does not charge a late fee for renewing expired car registrations. However, driving with an expired car registrations can result in fines and possible license suspensions.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
To replace Nebraska personalized license plates, visit a local Nebraska DMV office to begin the registration replacement process. Bring all the pertinent information about your vehicle and notify the DMV official that you have lost the license place. Replacement license plate fees vary based on the type of license plate you owned.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
The Nebraska DMV requires drivers to carry a current registration certificate in their car and display a current sticker on their license plate.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
Common reasons for replacing a car registration are if your original registration has been damaged, lost or stolen. To learn more about how to replace car registrations, visit a local Nebraska DMV office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
Getting car registrations in Nebraska requires a few registration fees. The Nebraska DMV charges a motor vehicle tax and vehicle fee that varies depending on the type of car you are registering. Additional registration fees include:
  • Car registration fee: $15
  • License plate fee: $3.30
  • County general fund: $1.50
  • State recreation fund: $1.50
  • DMV cash fund: $2
  • Emergency Medical System Operation Fund: $0.50

Certain Nebraska counties charge additional fees.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
Applications to replace stolen, damaged or lost car registrations can be submitted at local Nebraska DMV offices. Nebraska car registration replacements are issued for a fee of $6.75.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
Car registration renewals in Nebraska require fees that are based on the type of vehicle you drive. Factors that affect your car registration renewal fee include:
  • Vehicle s age
  • Vehicle s value
  • County vehicle is registered in

Total costs of renewing car registrations include a variety of fees, such as:

  • Motor vehicle tax
  • Motor vehicle fee
  • Registration fees

To find out the total fees, visit the Nebraska DMV Registration Fee and Tax Estimator page. To find out how to renew car registrations, contact a local Nebraska DMV office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
When applying for a duplicate car registration in Nebraska, you should have the following information and documents with you:
  • License plate number
  • Make and model of your vehicle
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Proof of identity
  • Car registration replacement fee

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
To learn how to register cars in Nebraska, visit a local Nebraska DMV office with the following documents:
  • Car registration application
  • Proof of insurance (photocopies not accepted)
  • Proof of paid sales tax
  • Copy of signed lease agreement (if applicable)

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Nebraska

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
To renew car registrations in Nebraska, you must submit a few required documents including:
  • The bottom portion of your registration renewal notice (or your current registrationcard)
  • Proof of insurance or financial responsibility

You will also need to submit the applicable fees to renew car registrations.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
To report any problems with your Nebraska car registration renewals, contact the Nebraska DMV by phone at 402-471-3918 or by email through the online form.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

When does my car registration expire?
The Nebraska DMV determines car registration expiration dates by the month your vehicle was purchased. Exceptions are made for residents who own two or more vehicles. In this case, you can register all of your vehicles for an annual period from January to December or starting any other month you choose.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
Visit the Nebraska DMV s county DMV office map to find the closest DMV office near you. When replacing car registrations, you must visit the DMV office that issued your original registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
Yes, you must complete an application to replace car registrations in Nebraska. You must visit a local Nebraska DMV office in person to complete the application. Duplicate car registration forms are not available online.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, the Nebraska DMV mails out car registration renewal notices prior to your expiration date. Your notice will include a list of your registration renewal fees and the various options you have for submitting the application. Residents who did not receive a registration renewal notice should contact a local Nebraska DMV office. Whether or not you have received a registration renewal notice, you will still need to renew your registration by the expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Vehicle registration expiration dates in Nebraska are based on the month a vehicle was purchased. Residents with two or more vehicles can choose the month their vehicles annual registration periods start on.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Nebraska