Vehicle registration comes with more steps than the license, and several of them happen before you see a clerk. The Nevada DMV runs a Rapid Registration service online for new residents, and the VIN inspection and emission test are the two items that most often delay the visit.
What to bring
The DMV's New Resident Guide lists the items for registering a vehicle that was last registered out of state.
- Nevada Evidence of Insurance. The DMV states that out-of-state insurance is not accepted.
- A Nevada emissions inspection report, if your vehicle needs one. See the smog check page.
- A completed VIN inspection.
- Your current registration and the current odometer reading.
- Your out-of-state license plates.
- Form VP 222, only if someone else registers the vehicle for you.
The VIN inspection
A VIN inspection verifies the vehicle identification number. At the major offices, including Reno and Carson City, the DMV says to drive to the VIN inspection station outside the main building first and finish it before your appointment. A sworn law enforcement officer with capacity, or an authorized business using Form VP 015, can also complete it. Rural offices handle it during registration if no station is available.
Titles, liens and plates
You do not have to surrender your out-of-state title to register. If a lienholder holds the title, the DMV works from the lien paperwork. If you lose the title, you must request a duplicate from the previous state before you can sell the vehicle. Specialty, personalized and veteran plates are available when you register.
Online or in person
The DMV describes Rapid Registration as built for new Nevada residents, private party purchases and out-of-state vehicle sales, and says most registration services can be completed online. A fee calculator on the DMV site estimates the cost for your vehicle weight and county. Fees vary and are set by the DMV, so use its calculator rather than a number from a web page that may be out of date.
Taxes and exemptions at registration
Registration includes the governmental services tax. County assessors can approve exemptions for veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses, blind individuals and active duty military stationed in Nevada. The DMV states that there are no tax exemptions based on age or vehicle size or value. You present the assessor's exemption statement when you register. More on the tax side is on the taxes page.
If your car travels with the move
Some households ship a vehicle with their goods. The auto transport page and the car shipping guide explain how that works, and you can add it to your free estimate. The 30 days still run from the day you become a resident, so schedule the VIN inspection for the week the car arrives.