Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Nebraska has one of the most thorough vehicle transfer processes in the country, requiring notarization of both the bill of sale and the title assignment. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles oversees motor vehicle titling statewide, with county treasurers handling the actual processing of title transfers and registration at the local level.
The dual notarization requirement sets Nebraska apart from most other states. While many states require notarization of the title only, Nebraska's requirement that the bill of sale also be notarized provides an additional layer of fraud protection. Both the buyer and seller should plan to meet at a notary public's office or bank to complete the paperwork together.
Nebraska's sales tax rate is 5.5% at the state level, with local option taxes bringing the total to between 5.5% and 8% depending on location. In addition to sales tax, Nebraska imposes an annual motor vehicle tax based on the vehicle's value, which replaces the old personal property tax on vehicles. Buyers should budget for both the upfront sales tax and the ongoing motor vehicle tax.
5.5%
State sales tax
30 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Nebraska DMV Requirements
Nebraska's vehicle transfer requirements emphasize thorough documentation and notarization. Here's what you need for a smooth transaction:
Important: Dual Notarization Required
Nebraska is one of the few states that requires notarization of both the bill of sale and the title assignment. Both documents must be signed in the presence of a notary public. Plan to meet the other party at a bank, UPS store, or notary office to complete the transaction properly.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed and Notarized Title: The seller must sign the title in the presence of a notary and fill in the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Notarized Bill of Sale: A completed and notarized bill of sale with all required fields (buyer/seller info, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, signatures)
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage and accuracy on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release or satisfaction letter from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the County Treasurer
- Notarized Title: With seller's notarized signature and all fields completed
- Notarized Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties in front of a notary
- Valid Photo ID: Nebraska driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of Insurance: Nebraska minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($10), registration fee (based on value + weight), sales tax (5.5% state + local), and motor vehicle tax
How to Fill Out a Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Nebraska vehicle bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Nebraska's notarization and DMV requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the Nebraska vehicle title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, determine whether the title reads "and" (both must sign and both must appear before the notary) or "or" (either can sign).
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name (exactly as it should appear on the new title), current Nebraska address, and phone number. The county where the buyer resides determines where the title transfer will be processed and what local sales tax rate applies.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly — any discrepancy will delay the title transfer. Include the current license plate number and the vehicle's weight class if known.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and check whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Nebraska's county treasurer uses this figure to calculate the 5.5% state sales tax plus any local option tax. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." Note: Nebraska may assess tax on the fair market value for transfers between non-family members at below-market prices.
Sign, Notarize, and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale in the presence of a notary public. Remember: Nebraska requires notarization of both the bill of sale and the title. Complete both documents at the same notary visit. Print two copies of the bill of sale and take all documents to the county treasurer within 30 days.
Nebraska Title Transfer Process
After completing and notarizing both the bill of sale and title, the buyer must visit their county treasurer's office to complete the transfer. Nebraska processes title transfers at the county level through the 93 county treasurer offices across the state.
Complete the Sale with Dual Notarization
Sign and notarize both the bill of sale and title, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Nebraska minimum liability insurance before visiting the county treasurer
Visit Your County Treasurer's Office
Bring the notarized title, notarized bill of sale, photo ID, and proof of insurance within 30 days
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($10), registration (value + weight based), sales tax (5.5% + local), and motor vehicle tax
Receive Your New Title and Plates
Nebraska issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides license plates or a plate transfer
Nebraska Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Nebraska charges a 5.5% state sales tax on vehicle purchases, with local taxes that can push the total to 8%. In addition, Nebraska has a separate motor vehicle tax based on the vehicle's value. Here's a breakdown of all costs:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 5.5% of sale price |
| Local Option Tax | 0-2.5% additional (varies by municipality) |
| Motor Vehicle Tax | Based on vehicle value (annual, paid at registration) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $10 |
| Registration Fee | Based on vehicle value + weight |
| License Plates | $3.30 (or transfer existing plates) |
| Duplicate Title | $10 (if title is lost) |
Sample Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Nebraska-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Nebraska county treasurer offices, including a notary acknowledgment section.
STATE OF NEBRASKA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer — Notarization Required
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Nebraska Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Nebraska Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Nebraska vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, notarization, and DMV requirements.
Official Nebraska Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your county treasurer, and access government forms for your Nebraska vehicle transaction.
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle information
Nebraska Title Transfer Information
Step-by-step title transfer instructions and forms
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Nebraska Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Nebraska? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Nebraska Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Nebraska Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Nebraska Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Nebraska Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Nebraska General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Nebraska ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Nebraska Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Nebraska Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Nebraska-compliant document in minutes. Includes notary section. Accepted by all 93 Nebraska counties.
No account required. Free to create and preview.