How do I Obtain a Nevada Car Title?

All cars titled in Nevada are on file with the state department of motor vehicles.

A car proves ownership of that vehicle and is necessary to transfer or sell the vehicle to another party, to register the vehicle, or if the owner needs to make changes to the title for any reason. If a car is titled, when purchased, in the state of Nevada, a certificate of title is issued to the owner or lien holder. According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), if an existing certificate of title cannot be found for a vehicle that was last titled in Nevada, a duplicate title must be obtained.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Get the Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title form (form VP-12) online at the Nevada DMV website or in person at a DMV location. The owner of the vehicle must be the one to fill out this form.

2. Complete the form by providing such information as the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the year, make and model of the vehicle. Each owner will have to fill in his name, address, and driver's license number or identification card number (FEIN for businesses). All owners of the vehicle on file with the DMV, whose names are listed with the word "and" between them, must be listed on the form.

3. Sign the form. All owners listed with the DMV must sign the form. If the car was financed when purchased, the finance company (also known as the lien holder) must also sign the form. Should the lien be paid in full, the owner can sign as the lien holder, but must submit an original notarized lien release along with the form. If the vehicle is leased, the lessor is the owner and must sign the form. All signatures must be either witnessed by a notary or a Nevada DMV representative.

4. Contact your state's DMV if the new title is being mailed to a state other than Nevada. Nevada DMV regulations require that the other state's DMV must submit a letter along with the Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title form. The letter must list the VIN, make and model of the car. It must also verify the car's title has not been surrendered to it.

5. Obtain and complete the Lost Title Affidavit form (form VP-206) if the owner never received the original Nevada certificate of title. Include this form along with the Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title form. The form can be found online at the DMV website or at a local Nevada DMV. This form must also be notarized or witnessed by a Nevada DMV representative.

6. Include the duplicate title fee with your application. As of August 2010, the fee is $20 if the vehicle stays in Nevada and $35 if the vehicle is not located or registered in Nevada. If there is a change of ownership involved, there is an additional $8.25 fee. If paying by check or money order, make checks payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles."

7. Submit the forms and fees necessary to either a local DMV office in the state of Nevada or mail them to the main office for the Nevada DMV at:

   Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

   555 Wright Way

   Carson City, NV 89711-0700

Tips & Warnings

• A third party who is not one of the owners listed on the title cannot obtain this information from the DMV under Nevada law unless the owners fill out and submit a Letter of Authorization to Release Information (IR-015) approving their request.

• According to the Nevada DMV, if you are issued a duplicate or different certificate of title, that becomes the valid title for your vehicle. Should anyone use a previously issued title for the vehicle, that may constitute fraud. Any invalid titles must be returned to the Nevada DMV for disposal.

• A duplicate title can only be obtained 30 days after the the previous title has been issued.

References

• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title form (form VP-12)
• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: The Lost Title Affidavit (Form VP-206)
• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: Registration and Title Guide
• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: DMV Forms & Publications
• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles: Letter of Authorization to Release Information (IR-015)

Resources

• Carfax: History 101-Car Ownership History and the Used Car Buying Process
• Autocheck: Learn About Title Brands