Vehicle Registration

Nevada does not issue a permit or license based on an autonomous vehicle’s level of automation, nor does the DMV test or certify vehicles. Nevada law allows all automation levels to operate on public streets.

Self-Certification for Testing

Manufacturers and developers interested in testing their vehicles in Nevada must submit their completed “Autonomous Vehicle Testing Registry Application” or “Alternative Electronic Transportation System Application” packet to the address listed below. The packets outline the bond and insurance directives, fees and other requirements.

Once the packet has been reviewed and all requirements are met, the DMV will issue a Certificate of Compliance for testing along with sets of red license plates for each vehicle listed.

Self-Certification for Operations

Prior to registering an autonomous vehicle in Nevada, the manufacturer or developer must self-certify to the DMV that they are in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 482A and/or 482B of the Nevada Revised Statutes.

The manufacturer or developer must submit a completed Autonomous Vehicle Certification Registry – Operation & Registration (OBL 326A) or an Alternative Electronic Transportation System Vehicle Certification Registry – Operation & Registration (OBL 327A) packet to the address listed on the forms.

Certification is based only upon the make, model and year of the vehicle(s) listed in the packet. If the manufacturer or developer incorporates their technology into other makes and models, they must submit an additional packet to the DMV for certification.

Once the packet has been reviewed and all requirements are met, the DMV will issue a Certificate of Compliance for operations based on the make, model and year of the vehicles listed.

Please email DMV_AV@dmv.nv.gov with any questions regarding the autonomous vehicle regulations, autonomous testing application process, or consumer deployment.

Laws, Regulations & Legislative Bills

• Autonomous Vehicles – NRS Chapter 482A, NAC
• Alternative Electronic Transportation Systems - NRS Chapter 482B, Proposed Regulations (Pending Codification)
• 2021 Assembly Bill 412
• 2019 Assembly Bill 23
• 2017 Assembly Bill 69
• 2013 Senate Bill 313
• 2011 Assembly Bill 511

Getting a Motorcycle Driver's License

Registration

Motorcycles and trimobiles are subject to the same registration requirements as other vehicles. You must have a properly signed-off title or Dealers Report of Sale and Nevada Evidence of Insurance. If you purchased a motorcycle from a Nevada dealer, you may register it online without visiting a DMV office.

Registration fees and governmental service taxes are calculated in the same manner as other vehicles; however, motorcycles are exempt from emission inspections and odometer reporting. Motorcycle registrations are assessed an extra $6 fee to help fund Nevada Rider safety programs throughout the state.

Off-Road to On-Road Motorcycle Conversions

An off-road motorcycle may be converted for use on Nevada public roads if it meets the definition of an off-highway, two-wheeled motorcycle; is properly equipped and has been certified as safe to operate on Nevada public roads and highways by a licensed Nevada motorcycle dealer or a Nevada-registered motorcycle repair shop. See the following forms for more information: Conversion Information, Motorcycle Equipment, Motorcycle Highway Use Affidavit (VP 254).

Motorcycle Laws and Legal Definitions

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. There are special situations and conditions that they and other drivers need to be aware of, so everyone can safely share the road.

• Motorcycle operators have the right to use a complete traffic lane. Two motorcycles may share a lane.
• Because of their smaller size, motorcycles are less visible and may appear to be farther away than they really are.
• It is difficult for other drivers to judge how fast a motorcycle is going.
• Motorcycles may be forced from their position on the road by strong winds or a rough road surface.
• Turn signals are not self-canceling on most motorcycles. Before you make a lane change or turn that depends on what a motorcycle’s path is, be sure you know what a motorcyclist is doing. Watch for clues such as operators or passengers turning their heads to look behind, or operators beginning to lean or tilt their motorcycles.
• If you are coming up behind a motorcycle, slow down sooner than you would for another vehicle. Leave plenty of space.
• Always dim your headlights when approaching a motorcycle. Because motorcyclists balance as well as steer their vehicles, the blinding effect of your high beams can be far more dangerous to them than to drivers of cars or trucks.
• Bad weather and slippery roads can be real problems for motorcyclists. Allow even more following distance when it is raining or the road is slippery.

Mopeds

You need a driver’s license (any class) to operate a moped on Nevada public streets and a one-time registration is required, which remains valid for as long as the owner retains the moped. A Class M license and liability insurance are not required.

How to Register Your Moped

Inspection

• Schedule an appointment if you’re in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, or Carson City and arrive a half hour early to complete your vehicle inspection.
• Bring a completed Moped Registration Application/Inspection (VP 30) form and have the vehicle inspected at a DMV office or the Sheriff's Office in any county that doesn't have a DMV office. Do not mail the form.
• The inspection costs $1 and will determine whether the vehicle meets the definition of a moped. If it is determined to be a motorcycle, the owner will have to comply with all motorcycle laws.
• A new moped inspection is required whenever ownership changes or a new registration is completed.

Registration

• Register a moped in-person at a DMV office and bring your Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, any existing title, sales contracts, or receipts.
• If you purchased your moped from a dealer, be sure to bring all the paperwork including the Dealer’s Report of Sale.
• Registration fees for a typical moped will cost approximately $60, which includes a $33 registration fee, one year of Governmental Services Taxes based on the vehicle’s value, and license plate fees. Tax exemptions and fee credits can be applied.
• Mopeds are issued a distinctive license plate and a handicapped version is available.
• The DMV will issue a title for a moped if the owner meets the requirements. If not, the DMV will issue a registration only.
• Mopeds must be registered but are not required to have liability insurance.

Moped Laws

• Moped drivers must obey the same rules and regulations as other types of vehicles.
• Mopeds must be given the use of a complete traffic lane. Do not pass a moped in the same lane.
• Mopeds must ride in the extreme right-hand lane of a multi-lane road unless preparing to make a left turn, if it is unsafe to do so, or if otherwise directed by a police officer.
• Moped defined NRS 482.069.
• Safety equipment NRS 484D.130. Mopeds must have almost all the same safety equipment (lights, mirrors, etc.), except for turn signals, as a motorcycle to be driven on a public street. Helmets use is required. See the Motorcycle Equipment Tip Sheet.

Golf Carts

You may drive a golf cart on a public street that is specifically approved by a local government. It is the responsiblity of the owner to know which roads are allowed.

A DMV permit and insurance are required in Clark County where carts are used as general transportation. Golf carts that require permits must be inspected at a DMV VIN Inspection Station (locations) prior to first-time registration.

Permits cost $10 per year and expire on December 31st. You must complete the Golf Cart Permit Application (SP-16) and have a Nevada Evidence of Insurance card to register. Renewal notices are sent in early December each year and the best way to renew is by mail.

A golf cart is defined in NRS 482.044 and golf cart permits in NRS 482.398.

Low Speed/Neighborhood Electric Vehicles

Low speed vehicles (LSV) or neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) are small, four-wheeled vehicles that may be operated on any public street that has a speed of 35 miles an hour or less. Drivers must have a valid class C or higher driver’s license.

Prior to its first registration, an LSV or NEV must be inspected at a DMV VIN inspection station (locations) or by a peace officer or other authorized agent, who also complete the Vehicle Inspection Certificate (VP 015) for vehicle identification number verification.

LSVs and NEVs are subject to the same registration requirements as other vehicles including insurance, taxes, and emission inspections. You must present a Nevada Evidence of Insurance card, the Vehicle Inspection Certificate form, and all the other documents required for registration. See Vehicle Registration. They are issued standard-sized license plates.

LSV and NEV renewals are identical to those for other vehicles. You will receive a renewal notice that will indicate whether an emission inspection is required. You may use any of the normal Renewal Options.

LSVs and NEVs are built to specific federal vehicle standards by licensed manufacturers and must meet the NRS definition and carry a Federal Certification Safety label. Dealers and related businesses based in Nevada must be licensed by the DMV.

An LSV is defined in NRS 484B.637, which includes highways upon which LSVs can be operated.

Off-Highway Vehicles

An off-highway vehicle is defined in NRS 490.060. See the Nevada Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles to register an off-highway vehicle or large-terrain vehicle.

Salvage Vehicles

What is a Salvage Vehicle?

“Salvage vehicle” means a motor vehicle that at any time has been declared a total loss vehicle, flood-damaged vehicle, non-repairable vehicle or had “salvage” or a similar word or designation placed on any title issued for the vehicle.

• Total Loss - A vehicle that has been damaged to the extent that the estimated cost of repair, not including the cost associated with painting any part of the vehicle, would exceed 65 percent of the fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the damage was incurred. Vehicles with less than 65 percent damage are not considered salvage vehicles.
• Flood Damaged - A vehicle that has been submerged in water to a point that the level of the water is higher than the door sill of the vehicle and the water has entered the passenger, trunk or engine compartment of the vehicle and has come into contact with the electrical system of the vehicle; or a vehicle that is part of a total loss settlement resulting from water damage.
• Non-Repairable - A vehicle, other than an abandoned vehicle, that has value only as a source of parts and scrap metal, or has been designated by its owner for dismantling, or has been stripped of all body panels, doors, lights, etc., or has been burned or destroyed beyond a restorable condition.

Salvage vehicles in Nevada are issued an orange-colored Salvage Title. A salvage vehicle may not be registered or operated on any public street until it has been rebuilt and inspected. Once a salvage vehicle has been repaired, it becomes a rebuilt vehicle and may be registered and/or sold if the proper procedures below have been followed. Non-Repairable vehicles are issued a Certificate and may not be restored to operating condition.

Older Vehicles

Vehicles 10 model years old or older are not considered salvage vehicles if the only repairs needed are a limited number of items. Specifically, the hood, the trunk lid, and/or up to two of the following: doors, grill assembly, bumper assembly, headlight assembly and taillight assembly.

If the vehicle requires more repairs than this, the 65 percent damage rule applies. For example, the 65 percent rule would apply if the grill, front bumper and one headlight assembly were replaced. If only the hood, the grill and the bumper were replaced, the 65 percent rule would not apply and the vehicle would not be considered a salvage vehicle.

Rebuilt Vehicles (Non-Salvage)

Vehicles which have had certain repairs must be titled as Rebuilt even if they do not meet the definition of a salvage vehicle. See Non-Salvage Rebuilt Vehicles.

Vehicle Restoration

If the vehicle to be restored is five model years old or newer, it must be brought to a DMV Inspection Station for completion of the Authorization for Vehicle Restoration prior to any repairs. Vehicles may not be restored, titled or registered unless this has been completed. This is not necessary for vehicles six model years old or older.

Authorization for Vehicle Restoration (VP 209)

Garages, body shops and rebuilders must repair vehicles to the common standards published and applied in the automotive repair industry. Air bags and seat belts must be repaired to the standards set in federal law. The business must keep records of the repair including any identifying information of parts.

When the reconstruction has been completed, the Certificate of Inspection must be completed by a Nevada registered garage, licensed body shop or licensed rebuilder.

The vehicle must then be brought to a DMV inspection station for completion of the Certificate of Inspection. Once this is accomplished and all other registration requirements have been met, the vehicle may be registered and titled. The vehicle may be sold once the new title has been issued.

All future titles will be a normal Nevada Certificate of Title but will be "branded", which means the title will be labeled with the word "Rebuilt" or other appropriate term. The brand cannot be removed.

• Certificate of Inspection/Affidavit of Construction (VP 064)
• Certificate of Inspection/Affidavit of Construction - Motorcycles (VP 064M)
• Certificate of Inspection/Affidavit of Construction - Trailers (VP 223)
• Nevada Engine Swap Fact Sheet (EC 054)

Salvage Vehicle Laws and Penalties

Any person who transfers an interest in a motor vehicle in this state shall, before the transfer, disclose in writing to the transferee any information that the transferor knows or reasonably should know concerning whether the vehicle is a salvage, rebuilt or reconstructed vehicle. (NRS 487.830)

A person shall not remove, cause to be removed or conceal a marking on:
(a) A salvage title or other title which indicates that the vehicle is a salvage vehicle; or
(b) A certificate of title or other title for a rebuilt vehicle which indicates that the vehicle is a rebuilt vehicle. (NRS 487.840)

Violations are felony criminal offenses if the vehicle is valued at $250 or more. Courts may order jail terms, fines and restitution. 

Any purchaser or lessee also may bring a civil suit against the offender. If successful, the purchaser will be awarded court costs, attorney's fees and whichever of the following is greater:

• Three times the amount of actual damages;
• Five thousand dollars; or
• Actual damages and such punitive damages as may be allowed by the court.

You may not remove any salvage vehicle from the State of Nevada with the intent to sell it without first obtaining a Salvage Title.

Chapter Number and Title	Statutes	Code
Chapter 482 - Motor Vehicles and Trailers: Licensing, Registration, Sales and Leases	NRS	NAC
Chapter 487 - Repair, Removal and Disposal of Vehicles (Body Shop and Garage)	NRS	NAC

Boats

Boats are registered and titled by the Nevada Division of Wildlife. Boat trailers are registered by the DMV in the same manner as motor vehicles.

Utility and Travel Trailers

Utility and travel trailers must be registered with the DMV. They are exempt from insurance, odometer and smog requirements but are otherwise registered and titled in the same manner as motor vehicles. Trailers may be registered for one or three years. Small license plates are issued for trailers under 1,000 pounds.

Homemade Trailers

If you are assembling or building your own trailer, you must have it inspected before it can be registered and titled. Review the Trailer Equipment Requirements (PDF) and the Construction Affidavit (VP 223) before you begin work.

Towable Tools

Towable tools (air compressors, tow dollies, cement mixers, etc.) do not have to be registered unless they exceed 70 inches in width.

RVs, Motor Homes, and Fifth Wheel Trailers

Recreational vehicles, motor homes, and fifth wheel trailers must be registered and titled by the DMV. All registration requirements, fees and taxes are identical to other vehicles. Gasoline-powered RVs and motor homes must pass emissions testing in the urban areas of Clark and Washoe Counties and all RVs are exempt from odometer reporting at registration. You may need special driver license classes or endorsements to drive large vehicles or multiple trailers. See Driver License Classes.

Recreational Park Trailers

Recreational park trailers or “park models” of up to 400 square feet, a vehicle which is designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or seasonal use (NRS 482.1005), are titled by the DMV. Trailers of more than 400 square feet are considered manufactured homes.

You must present all proof of ownership documents such as a Dealer’s Report of Sale, a sales or lease contract, a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, and an existing title. See Titles. A VIN inspection (locations) is required on trailers brought in from another state and the DMV may collect sales taxes on out-of-state dealer sales.

Recreational park trailers are registered and taxed by County Assessors in the same manner as manufactured homes. Contact the Nevada Department of Transportation for information on movement permits.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and office trailers (commercial coaches) are titled by the Nevada Housing Division, which also licenses dealerships, installers, and other segments of the industry. Manufactured homes are registered and taxed by County Assessors. The Nevada Department of Transportation issues movement permits and the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol can provide traffic control services if needed.