Car owners must purchase a DMV license plate in Nebraska within 30 days of acquiring a new or used vehicle. In general, drivers can only obtain NE car registration plates from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Furthermore, motorists have to purchase new registration plates as part of the initial process of registering a vehicle in the state.

As a general rule, vehicle owners can get a license plate after the DMV verifies all of the registration paperwork that they have submitted and processes their payments for the service’s applicable fees. If you want to explore all of the requirements and procedures concerning how to get a license plate, you may review the sections outlined below.

Types of License Plates in Nebraska

Several types of Nebraska car registration plates are available for vehicle owners to choose from. Therefore, drivers may opt for purchasing standard passenger vehicle plates, specialty plates, military tags or organizational plates. Other available DMV car tags include special use tags, such as disability, historical, boat dealer trailer, transporter and repossession plates. Furthermore, non-residents may obtain temporary 30-day tags.

In addition to issuing new registration plates after the registration of a motor vehicle, the DMV provides motorists with validation tabs, which motorists must place on a vehicle’s license plate. Moreover, car owners must renew license plate decals during the vehicle’s registration renewal period.

Nonetheless, unless the vehicle is a trailer, minitruck, motorcycle or autocycle, every NE vehicle must display two car registration tags.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Nebraska

Motorists must purchase new registration plates and register their vehicles with the state DMV after they acquire a car. In most cases, vehicle owners apply for new car tags in person at a county treasurer’s office or by sending all of the required paperwork to a designated DMV mailing address. As such, vehicle owners get license plate credentials after registering their motor vehicles with the DMV.

After applicants submit all of the Nebraska DMV license plate documentation and registration materials, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides them with a registration card, license plate and validation stickers, which are known as tabs. However, if drivers apply for car registration tags and register their vehicles by mail, the DMV sends drivers their new license plate materials by mail, which may take a few days. In any case, vehicle owners are required to apply for new car registration tags at the treasurer’s office for the county in which they reside. When applying for license plates, vehicle owners must submit the following documentation:

• Proof of auto insurance or financial responsibility
• Proof of paying sales or excise tax
• A copy of the vehicle’s leasing agreement, if applicable
• Payment for all of the applicable registration and license plate fees

You must get car tags through your county treasurer’s office even if you purchase a vehicle from a car dealership. Unlike it is the case in other states, car dealerships in NE will not register your vehicle or apply for new tags on your behalf.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Nebraska

For drivers wondering how to renew license plate decals, it is important to note that plate renewal periods vary depending on the vehicle’s purchase date. Overall, NE car registration tags expire during the month for which the vehicle was purchased. However, the DMV sends drivers a car registration renewal notice before a vehicle’s tabs are set to expire, and the specific instructions detailed in the notice must be followed by vehicle owners.

Furthermore, applicants may complete the car tag renewal process online, by mail or in person at a county treasurer’s office. When renewing license plate credentials, car owners must submit the following documentation:

• The vehicle’s registration card
• Proof of auto insurance or financial responsibility
• Payment for renewing car tags in the state

However, be mindful that you cannot renew your license plate online if your current registration is not active, or if you cannot pay the applicable fees with a credit card or checking account. Moreover, you cannot renew registration credentials online if you need to make changes to your vehicle’s registration card, such as your name or address information.

How to Replace License Plates in Nebraska

As a general rule, you must replace license plate credentials as soon you lose or damage your registration tag and/or sticker. When replacing license plate materials, you may need to submit your vehicle’s current registration card or the following information:

• The vehicle’s identification number (VIN)
• Proof of photo ID
• Proof of auto insurance
• An acceptable payment method for the replacement processing fees

How to Transfer License Plates in Nebraska

You may transfer your old plates to a newly-acquired vehicle rather than purchasing new NE registration plates. This request must be submitted when registering the new or used vehicle you have acquired with the county treasurer’s office. Moreover, when transferring your DMV license plates, you must submit your old registration certificate.

On the other hand, you may surrender your Nebraska car registration tags, decals and registration card to your county treasurer’s office if you wish to apply for a refund or credit.

License Plate Lookups in Nebraska

Before purchasing a car, you can perform an online DMV license plate lookup to learn more about the vehicle you plan to purchase. Through a Nebraska DMV car tag lookup, you can learn more about the car’s previous owner, collision history, safety recall information and manufacturer, which are particularly important details for buyers of used vehicles.

Nebraska License Plate Fees

Fees for obtaining new registration plates in Nebraska vary depending on a car’s weight, value, usage and motor vehicle tax. Conversely, the fees for getting car registration plates for commercial vehicles, farm trucks or truck tractors vary according to each vehicle’s gross weight. In addition to general DMV car tag and registration fees, the Department of Motor Vehicles collects service fees for all registration-related transactions.

Regardless, whenever a new or duplicate registration is issued, you will need to pay a $3.30 license plate fee, which will be added to your total registration cost.

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out