Free Nebraska Car Bill of Sale
Nebraska charges twice, two different ways: at titling, the county treasurer collects sales tax (5.5% state plus local, via Form 6 on the bill-of-sale price); and annually at registration, a Motor Vehicle Tax based on the vehicle's age and original MSRP, which declines as the vehicle ages. Titles transfer at the county treasurer's office (not central DMV) within 30 days.
Free PDF includes a light diagonal watermark. Go Pro to remove it. Already subscribed? Sign in.
First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →
Nebraska Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
5.5%
Title Required
Yes
Nebraska title must be transferred within 30 days. County treasurer's offices handle title transfers, not the central DMV.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
Nebraska private-party vehicle sales ARE subject to sales tax: 5.5% state plus local rates, collected by the county treasurer at titling via Form 6 on the bill-of-sale price (due within 30 days). SEPARATELY, an annual Motor Vehicle Tax based on age/MSRP is assessed with each registration, declining as the vehicle ages.
Inspection Requirements
Nebraska does not require a state safety or emissions inspection.
Nebraska Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete a bill of sale (the DMV's optional courtesy form or your own) with VIN, year, make, model, odometer, sale price.
- Seller signs the title over to buyer.
- Buyer takes the bill of sale (or DOR Form 6) + signed title to county treasurer within 30 days.
- Buyer pays 5.5% state + local sales tax (via Form 6, on the sale price) PLUS the annual Motor Vehicle Tax + title fee + registration.
Common Pitfalls
- Believing the "no sales tax on private sales" rumor — Nebraska DOES charge 5.5% state plus local sales tax at titling, collected by the county treasurer via Form 6 on the bill-of-sale price.
- Going to the Nebraska DMV central office — county treasurer's offices handle title transfers.
- Missing the 30-day deadline — sales tax paid after day 30 carries interest from the thirtieth day plus a $5 penalty.
- Not noting the odometer reading — required on model-year-2011-and-newer vehicles (federal 20-year rule; 2010-and-older exempt).
- Writing a false price on Form 6. The form warns that a seller who willfully prepares a false or fraudulent statement can be charged with a Class IV felony, with a fine up to $10,000, up to five years in prison, or both.
Pro Tip
NE car: bill of sale/Form 6 + county treasurer + 30-day transfer + 5.5%-plus-local sales tax at titling AND the annual age-based Motor Vehicle Tax.
Nebraska Car Bill of Sale — FAQs
Is there sales tax on a private vehicle sale in Nebraska?
Yes — a persistent rumor says otherwise, but Nebraska DOES charge sales tax on private-party sales: 5.5% state plus your local rate (for example, an extra 1.5% in Omaha), collected by the county treasurer at titling via Form 6 on the bill-of-sale price. Separately, an annual Motor Vehicle Tax based on the vehicle's age and original MSRP is assessed each year at registration.
Where do I transfer a car title in Nebraska?
Nebraska title transfers happen at the county treasurer's office, not at a central DMV. Bring the signed title, a bill of sale or Form 6, proof of insurance, and payment for the $10 title fee, sales tax, and registration.
Can I handwrite a car bill of sale in Nebraska?
Yes. The Nebraska DMV says a bill of sale must be completed at the time of sale, but you do not have to use its courtesy form. A handwritten page works if it covers what the DMV form asks for: sale date, price, both parties' full names, addresses and phone numbers, the car's year, make, model and VIN, and both signatures.
What is Nebraska Form 6?
Form 6 is the Nebraska Sales/Use Tax and Tire Fee Statement for Motor Vehicle and Trailer Sales. It lists the buyer, seller, car and price, and works out the state and local tax. The buyer brings two copies to the county treasurer within 30 days and pays the tax plus a $1 fee for each new tire. The Department of Revenue tells buyers to keep their copy for at least six years.
When does Nebraska's 30-day clock start on a private car sale?
Form 6 says the date of purchase is the earlier of two dates: the date on the title or the date the buyer took the car. If the buyer drives off before the title is signed, the clock starts that day. A due date that falls on a weekend or holiday can be paid the next business day without penalty.
How do I sell a car in Nebraska if the owner has died?
If the owner's personal property totals $100,000 or less and no probate case is open, an heir can use the DMV's Affidavit for Transfer of Decedent's Vehicle/Motorboat. At least 30 days must pass after the death. The affidavit must be notarized and filed with the county treasurer, along with the death certificate. The title is then issued to the heir, not to a buyer, so the heir sells the car after that.