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 tax — 7% combined in Omaha, 7.25% in Lincoln, and up to 7.5% in some cities) 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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Transferring any motor vehicle? Our guide covers VIN verification, title transfer timelines, payment safety, and the eight things to do before handing over the keys — applicable to any car, truck, or SUV. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →
Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
5.5%
Title Required
Yes
Nebraska title certificate required; title transfer must be completed within 30 days of sale. County treasurer issues the new title — bring the signed title, bill of sale, and odometer disclosure to your county treasurer's office.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
State sales/use tax is 5.5%. Local rates apply on top: the combined rate is 7% in Omaha and 7.25% in Lincoln, and reaches 7.5% in some cities such as Grand Island. 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 vehicle inspection by the county sheriff ($10) 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
- Signing in the wrong spot on the title. On most Nebraska titles the seller, buyer and odometer sections are on the lower half of the front, not the back. A signature in the wrong place, or any alteration, makes the title mutilated, and the seller must get a duplicate title before the sale can go on.
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.
Nebraska Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQs
Does Nebraska have an official bill of sale form for vehicles?
Yes, but using it is optional. The Nebraska DMV publishes a bill of sale form, and any written document that identifies both parties, the vehicle (including VIN and odometer), the sale price, and the date of sale is also acceptable. The seller must give the buyer a bill of sale or a completed DOR Form 6; the signed certificate of title is the core ownership document.
How much sales tax will I pay when I title a car in Nebraska?
The state rate is 5.5%. If you live in Omaha the combined rate is 7%; in Lincoln it is 7.25%; a few cities, such as Grand Island, reach 7.5%. You pay this to the county treasurer when you go to transfer the title — it is calculated on the sale price stated on the bill of sale.
I bought a car from out of state — is there anything extra I need to do?
Yes. Nebraska requires an inspection for vehicles brought into Nebraska from out of state. The county sheriff does the inspection, for a $10 fee. Bring the verification along with the out-of-state title and bill of sale to the county treasurer.
What happens if I miss the 30-day title transfer window?
If the sales tax is not paid within 30 days of purchase, the county treasurer collects interest from the thirtieth day plus a $5 penalty. Plan to complete the transfer as soon as possible after the sale.
The seller's title shows a lien. What do I need?
You need a signed, written lien release from the financial institution listed on the title. The county treasurer will not transfer title to a new owner if an active lien is shown and no release is presented.
What does the Nebraska DMV bill of sale form ask for?
The DMV's one-page form (revised 1/2014) asks for the date of sale, the price, and the year, make, model and VIN. It has spaces for the seller's and buyer's full names, addresses and phone numbers, plus both signatures. It also includes a line where the seller states they are the lawful owner and the vehicle is free of liens. A note at the bottom says a bill of sale must be completed at the time of sale, but you do not have to use this form.
Can my spouse sign the Nebraska title for me?
No. The Nebraska DMV says spouses cannot sign as an agent for one another. Every name on the title must sign the seller's section. Someone holding a power of attorney can sign, but must use the DMV's format on the signature line, for example 'John Q. Public by John Doe, POA'.
How do I sell a vehicle when a co-owner on the Nebraska title has died?
It depends on the word between the names. If the names are joined by 'OR' or say 'With Rights of Survivorship', the survivor can sign the title over and give the county treasurer a copy of the death certificate. If the names are joined by 'AND' or 'AND/OR', the survivor cannot get the title in their name until a county judge decides ownership in probate.
The vehicle is out of state. How do I get the Nebraska inspection?
Vehicles brought into Nebraska need a county sheriff's inspection before they can be titled. If the vehicle is still in another state, that state's police may inspect it, but they must use the Nebraska Vehicle Inspection Form (NSP455). The completed form goes to the Nebraska State Patrol Auto Fraud Division in Lincoln with the $10 fee for approval.