Junk a Car in Nevada: Title, No-Title & Plate Rules

How do I sign over a car title in Nevada?

The seller signs the seller section of the title exactly as their name appears. If owners are joined by 'AND', all must sign; if joined by 'OR', either one can sign. Any loan or lien must be paid off and released before the sale. For model year 2011 and newer, the seller writes the current mileage in the Odometer Reading section; for 2010 and older, the seller may check the exempt box. For 2011 and newer vehicles, the buyer must receive the paper title. The seller also completes a Bill of Sale (VP 104) for their records.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Nevada?

In general, no. The DMV warns buyers not to buy from a private party unless the seller has a title in their name, and a bill of sale alone isn't proof of ownership. For model year 2011 and newer, a bill of sale with a duplicate title application is not accepted, so get the duplicate first. Licensed wreckers may buy vehicles directly from an owner who provides title documents, or acquire them with salvage, non-repairable or junk certificates or through the abandoned-vehicle lien process. A charity that receives a donated vehicle without an endorsed title can use the Donation Affidavit (VP-275), filed with VP-213, a VIN inspection (VP-15) and proof of mailings.

How do I get a duplicate title in Nevada?

Use Form VP 012, Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title. It must be notarized or witnessed by a DMV representative, and all owners joined by 'and' must sign. The fee is $20 if the vehicle stays in Nevada, or $35 if it is not located or registered in Nevada, plus an $8.25 title processing fee. If a paid-off lien is still on a paper title, include an original notarized lien release.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Nevada?

Yes. File a Registration Cancellation and Vehicle Resale Notification through the MyDMV portal after the sale. The DMV's FAQ says to file the Vehicle Resale Notification within 5 days when you donate a vehicle.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Nevada?

Nevada plates stay with the seller. Cancel the registration in MyDMV, then put the plates on another vehicle you own or surrender them by mail or at a DMV office (or County Assessor in rural areas). Cancel the registration before dropping insurance to avoid fines. You get a credit for unused registration fees. The DMV's plate-surrender page gives 60 days to use standard plates and 30 days for specialty plates. To let someone else use your plates, complete a License Plate Release (SP-67), which the new plate owner submits.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Nevada?

A vehicle is salvage if it is declared a total loss (repairs over 65% of fair market value), flood-damaged or non-repairable. An owner with no insurance or loan, or who keeps the car, must apply for a salvage title within 30 days using Form VP-213 and the original title, with a $10 fee, mailed to the DMV Salvage Unit, 555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711. A Non-Repairable Vehicle Certificate is free and covers vehicles worth only parts or scrap; such a vehicle can't be restored to operating condition. Only licensed wreckers may dismantle, scrap or wreck vehicles (NRS 487.050). Junk certificates are issued only to licensed wreckers or tow operators.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Nevada?

A property owner or manager can have a licensed tow operator or wrecker remove an abandoned vehicle by signing a Private Property Abandoned Vehicle Release form (NRS 487.230). The tower may place a lien for towing and storage. It must try to identify the owner within 15 days of storage and notify them by certified or registered mail within 15 days of identifying them. When a property owner requests the tow, the registered owner is presumed responsible for the costs. A DMV appraiser values the vehicle, and the value decides whether it goes through a junk certificate or a lien sale under NRS Chapter 108.