--- title: Registering Your Car in Nevada: DMV Steps for Newcomers url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving to Reno and Sparks: the complete guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/) - Registering your car in Nevada # Registering your car in Nevada Nevada requires a new resident to register a vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident or getting a Nevada license, whichever comes first (NRS 482.385). The DMV needs Nevada insurance, a VIN inspection, your current registration and an odometer reading. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) 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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/). - 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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/taxes/). ## If your car travels with the move Some households ship a vehicle with their goods. The [auto transport page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/auto-transport/) and the [car shipping guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/shipping-a-car-when-you-move/) 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. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Nevada DMV, New Resident Guide](https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm) - [Nevada DMV, Vehicle Registration](https://dmv.nv.gov/registrationmain.htm) - [Nevada Legislature, NRS Chapter 482](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-482.html) ### Licensed movers U.S. DOT No. 30611 MC-109375 Nevada CPCN 1070 Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's) Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955 [Check our USDOT record](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=30611) · [Ready to Move? (FMCSA)](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/ReadytoMoveBrochure_2022Update.pdf) [Licenses and authority](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Getting a Nevada driver's license and REAL ID](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/) - [Nevada smog checks in Washoe County](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/) - [Auto transport with your move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/auto-transport/) - [Nevada taxes for new residents (no state income tax)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/taxes/) Moving to Reno guides ## Read next - [Nevada smog checks in Washoe County](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/) - [Setting up utilities in Reno and Sparks](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/utilities/) - [Schools and enrolling kids (Washoe County School District)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/schools/) - [Registering to vote in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/voter-registration/) - [The Nevada homestead exemption](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/homestead-exemption/) - [Reno weather and climate by month](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/weather-and-climate/) - [Living at 4,500 feet: altitude and moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/altitude/) - [Winter driving and chain controls around Reno and Tahoe](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/winter-driving/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How long do I have to register my car in Nevada? NRS 482.385 gives a new resident 30 days from becoming a resident or from getting a Nevada driver's license, whichever is earlier. ### Can I register online? Yes. The DMV's Rapid Registration is designed for new residents, though you still need the VIN inspection and any emission test first. ### Does my out-of-state insurance count? No. The DMV requires Nevada Evidence of Insurance and says out-of-state insurance is not accepted. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) G Greg S. January 22, 2025 3 O'Brien movers came down from Reno to South Lake Tahoe to assist our company moving a lot of big furniture out of a large warehouse. They showed up on-time, were friendly, and were professional and got the job done quickly and diligently. Will definitely use them again. ### Owner's reply Thanks for the great review Greg! We really appreciate you taking the time to do that for us. We look forward to working with you again! B Bruce E. December 25, 2024 My family moved exclusively with Bekins when I was young and O'Brien's made it a pleasure to return to this fine local company. I would be pleased to have any members of O'Brien's as friends and highly recommend O'Brien's to anyone needing the services they provide! ### Owner's reply Bruce thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. It was an extreme pleasure to work for you, please do not hesitate to call us for any help you need in the future. L Leticia H. November 1, 2024 O'Brien's Moving and Storage packing crew were great!! They were fast, friendly and most importantly, very professional. Thank you guys. ## Get a long-distance estimate Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070