Free Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale
The Nebraska DMV publishes a bill of sale form, but using it is optional — any written document that captures the key transaction details works, and the seller must give the buyer a bill of sale or a completed DOR Form 6. Sales tax of 5.5% (plus local rates up to 7.25% in Omaha and Lincoln) is paid by the buyer to the county treasurer when the title is transferred, which must happen within 30 days of the sale. Federal odometer disclosure is required for vehicles of model year 2011 or newer.
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Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
State sales/use tax is 5.5%. Local rates apply on top: Douglas County (Omaha) reaches 7%, Lancaster County (Lincoln) reaches 7.25%. Buyer pays the tax to the county treasurer at time of titling.
Inspection Requirements
Nebraska does not require a safety inspection for private-party vehicle sales. Out-of-state vehicles require a VIN verification before the county treasurer will issue a Nebraska title.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by County Treasurer — not the same agency that handles cars in Nebraska. Plan for separate filings.
Nebraska Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Write a bill of sale recording seller name, buyer name, addresses, date, sale price, year/make/model, VIN, and odometer reading
- Seller signs the back of the Nebraska certificate of title over to the buyer, including odometer disclosure in the title's designated field
- If a lien appears on the title, obtain a signed lien release from the lienholder before the sale closes
- Complete a separate federal Odometer Disclosure Statement if the title form does not include an odometer section
- Buyer takes the signed title, bill of sale, and odometer disclosure to the county treasurer within 30 days to transfer title and pay sales/use tax
- Out-of-state vehicles require a VIN inspection at a Nebraska DMV office or authorized inspector before the county treasurer will title the vehicle
- Both parties keep a signed copy of the bill of sale for their records
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the 30-day title-transfer deadline means sales tax paid after day 30 carries interest from the thirtieth day plus a $5 penalty — don't wait
- Failing to get a lien release when the title shows a lienholder; the county treasurer will reject a title transfer without it
- Underreporting the sale price on the bill of sale to reduce tax — the price is reported on DOR Form 6, so record the true figure
- Skipping the odometer disclosure for a vehicle of model year 2011 or newer — this is a federal violation, not just a state oversight
- Relying on a handshake deal; without a written bill of sale the buyer has no proof of purchase and the seller has no proof the vehicle changed hands
Pro Tip
Keep your signed bill of sale and odometer disclosure permanently — they establish the date of sale and protect both parties if a dispute arises after the transaction.