How to Complete a VIN Inspection in Nebraska
According to state regulations, certain vehicles are required to undergo a VIN verification in Nebraska. In general, every VIN inspection consists of an examination of vehicles’ VIN plates, manufacturers’ federal stickers, odometer reading and other information related to a car’s legal paperwork. As such, in order to verify a VIN number in NE, inspectors must compare the vehicle identification number displayed on a car with the VIN outlined on the vehicle’s title. Then, an inspector must examine odometer readings and determine the current status of a title.
Overall, these procedures must be administered and endorsed by an approved state agency, such as the county sheriff, which works alongside the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Thus, vehicle owners must visit approved car inspection stations or authorized offsite locations and bring all required documents pertaining to a vehicles’ titling status and ownership credentials.
The following sections outline the vehicle verification process and explain when car owners must obtain an inspection in the state. Additionally, the subsequent sections detail how this inspection allows car owners to maintain or transfer the ownership rights over their vehicles. All current and potential car owners should be aware of the inspection process to ensure their vehicles are properly titled and registered in the state.
When is a Nebraska VIN verification required?
Car owners must complete the Nebraska DMV VIN verification form if their vehicles are currently registered in or were purchased from a different state. In addition, the vehicles listed below require a VIN verification before they may be titled or registered in the state:
- Homemade vehicles
- Rebuilt or reconstructed vehicles, such as assembled cars
- Vehicles that need branded titles, such as salvage titles
- Vehicles assembled through kits or parts that were distributed by a manufacturer
- ATVs and minibikes with no title documents
- Vehicles requiring new or replacement VINs
An NE car verification must be conducted even if the applicant has purchased his or her vehicle in a different state. For their convenience, an out-of-state inspection form can be filled out by a state law enforcement officer and mailed to the Nebraska State Patrol. On the other hand, there are exceptions to the NE VIN verification requirements. These exceptions apply to vehicles such as:
- Mobile homes, cabin trailers and some motorboats
- Vehicles with applications for salvage or non-transferable titles
- Vehicles with current NE titles
- Vehicles with a manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO)
- Vehicles with a U.S. title
- Vehicles that will be registered with the NE DMV Motor Carrier Services Division
- Vehicles purchased from a car dealership in Nebraska, but that have not yet been titled (with inspection exemption certificate)
Note: A vehicle VIN verification expires after 90 days. After this time, car owners must request another inspection to continue the titling process.
Where can I go to obtain a VIN inspection in Nebraska?
Car owners can visit their local sheriff’s office to request a new vehicle inspection during operating hours. However, certain county sheriffs may require motorists to schedule an appointment for their vehicles to undergo a VIN verification. In the event that a vehicle was purchased in a different county or state, all inspections must be performed by the sheriff for the Nebraska county in which they now reside. Vehicles located outside of NE may be inspected by state law enforcement officers, but all cars requiring a previously salvaged title must be inspected by an in-state inspector.
Inspections should only be performed at certified car inspection stations in the state. For instance, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office uses the Title Inspection Facility with adaptations for large vehicles and offsite locations for inspections. After a state car inspection has been conducted, inspectors or law enforcement officers must send the properly filled out inspection form to the NE State Patrol for final approval.
What to Bring to a VIN Number Verification in Nebraska
A VIN verification requires certain mandatory paperwork, such as an NE vehicle inspection form that is properly filled out with the names and contact information of a car’s owner(s). This completed documentation enables the state patrol to issue a completed inspection form and deliver it to applicants. Additional documents that will be necessary to complete a vehicle inspection in Nebraska include:
- Payment for $10 inspection fee. Payments can be made using major credit or debit cards, as well as checks and cash. Generally, this fee is non-refundable.
- Ownership documentation. In order for a VIN inspection to be requested, motorists must prove their ownership rights over a car through documents such as a title or a bill of sale.
- Prior inspection documents. If vehicles have been inspected in the past, whether in NE or another state or country, then the former inspection documents may be required.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the unique circumstances related to an applicant, additional documents may be required for an inspector to verify a VIN number in Nebraska.
What to Do After Completing a VIN Inspection in Nebraska
After completing a VIN verification in Nebraska, car owners must visit their local county treasurer. The completed and signed vehicle inspection form must be submitted to the appropriate county treasurer, which will begin the NE titling process or the legal ownership transfer of an out-of-state vehicle. In addition, the application for a state title, out-of-state title, bill of sale (if necessary) and salvage title must be presented to the county treasurer before a Nebraska title may be issued.
Because a vehicle identification number (VIN) is unique to each car and helps insurance companies, car dealerships and law enforcement agencies keep track of specific information, verifying a VIN number is essential for clarifying any issues related to a vehicle’s ownership rights.