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If you have a motor vehicle, or are thinking of getting one, you probably have a few questions you want answered about registering your vehicle in the state of Nevada. This article will save you time with important information, whether you are looking for standard, specialty, or personalized Nevada license plates, especially if you live in an area where vehicles can't be registered. Here are some frequently asked questions about Nevada license plate lookup, courtesy of the State of Nevada.

Sample Nevada License Plate

Sample Nevada License Plate

Types of Available License Plate Numbers in Nevada


In addition to standard NV license plates, you can choose any personalized or customized plate number, as long as it's not offensive or in bad taste, has not been issued to someone else, and does not conflict with any standard-issue Nevada numbering system.

The standard license plate design in Nevada has a sunset background with dark blue lettering. Most plates can be personalized for a fixed rate and must follow the Nevada state guidelines before being approved for the road.
 

Custom Nevada License Plates


The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers different types of custom or specialty license plates. Information about these specialty license plate can be easily accessed from the Nevada DMV website. Various specialty license plates are available when registering your vehicle with the DMV. Some of the license plates you can get in NV include: 

Lost or Stolen License Plates in Nevada


In the event that your Nevada license plates are stolen, you should contact the police and file a report. Missing or stolen plates can be replaced directly from the DMV office. You’ll be required to provide the following when you apply for replacement license plates:Note: You cannot apply for the same plate number if they were stolen. You will be required to register new license plates for your vehicle.
 

Damaged License Plates in Nevada


If your license plates are damaged, you can apply for replacements with the DMV. You will be required to surrender any remaining plates in order to receive your new ones.
 

Disability License Plates in Nevada


If you are applying for disability license plates in Nevada, you will be required to submit the necessary medical documents to be eligible.

The Nevada DMV can issue the following disability license plates and placards:Placards must be hung from the rearview mirror and must be visible at all times. Disability placards and license plates enable people with disability to park in designated parking spaces throughout the community.
 

Filing a Nevada Plate Number Complaint


Every person has the right to report any plate number that they find offensive to the Nevada MVD to either review or recall it. This will be considered if the license plate: 

Costs and fees for standard plates in NV


To obtain a standardized plate, the DMV charges a plate cost recovery fee of $2.25 per plate, a technology fee of $1, and a prison industry fee of 50 cents per plate. This is in addition to any other registration fees that may be due. 

Transferring of License Plates in Nevada


A Nevada vehicle license plate can be transferred from one vehicle to another. For another person to use the existing license plates, one needs to complete a License Plate Release (SP 67) form. The new license plate owner must submit this form when applying for vehicle registration.
 

Swapping plates between vehicles in NV


Renewal registration cost for a full year is required if you are swapping plates between vehicles. Evidence of insurance and a smog check may be needed.
 

Swapping license plates on the same vehicle


A registration fee renewal is not required if one is simply changing license plates on the same vehicle and the registration is not yet due.
 

Nevada license plate visibility rules


The license plate specifications require plates to be readable from a distance of 100 feet in daylight and 110 feet at night when lit by standard headlights.
 

Registration decals in Nevada


This indicates the month and year that the license plate is due to expire. It is placed on the upper right corner of the rear plate.
 

Nevada license plate issuance


Nevada license plates are issued to individuals and businesses and not to vehicles. This enables individuals to transfer the existing license plates to a new vehicle.
 

Nevada license plate size


The license plate weight depends on the type of vehicle. Motorcycles and trailers under 1,000 pounds in weight are issued small plates, while trailers weighing 1,000 pounds and more are issued a full-sized plate.
 

Selling your vehicle in Nevada? What to do with the license plate?


When you sell your vehicle in Nevada, you should keep the license plate because it was issued to you (an individual or business), and not to the vehicle. An individual under Nevada license plate law has the right to use the plate for another vehicle or to turn it in for cancellation within 30 days for standard plates and 60 days for a specialty license plate.
 

License plates that you may see in NV


A Nevada license plate carries some words that are unique to it. Some of these include:

Loan: License plates with the word "LOAN" are issued to car dealers that loan vehicles to customers.

Dealers: These are issued to car dealers. They are used on vehicles held for sale in the dealer's shop. This license plate is also issued to wreckers, transporters, and body shops.

Apportioned: These license plates are issued to trucking firms, bus lines, and other businesses that are required to pay registration fees to multiple states.

Exempt: These license plates are issued to state and local government organizations that are exempted by law from paying Nevada Government Service Taxes.
 

Car Ownership in Nevada

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I get a personalized Nevada License Plate?

A personalized license plate in Nevada can be obtained by paying a fee. This will consist of the standard Nevada license plate design with your individual choice of up to 7 custom numbers or letters. For motorcycles and small trailers, the maximum number of permitted characters is 6.
 

Why run license plates before buying a used car in Nevada?

If you are buying a second-hand vehicle from a private seller, it is very important to run a license plate search and check the vehicle’s history. If you are unsure what type of plates to look for, it's probably a good idea to go to your local DMV office and find out.
 

How do I get a duplicate license plate in Nevada?

You can order a duplicate license plate to replace an old plate either online through a MyDMV account or in person. To be issued a personalized plate, you are required to set up an account on the DMV website. If you don't have an existing account, you must visit a DMV office to make an appointment.
 

What types of license plates are issued in Nevada?

Some other special license plates that are issued by the Nevada DMV include plates issued to law enforcement agencies. Other types of plates are issued to state elected officials and the Nevada congressional delegation. Examples of these special plates are Nevada Governor (Plate "1") and Lieutenant Governor (Plate "2").
 

Is there a restriction on ordering duplicate Nevada license plates online?

Yes, there is some restriction on ordering duplicate Nevada License plates: 

How do I renew my license plate that is about to expire when I am out of the state?

If you received a registration renewal notice, you can renew your vehicle’s registration online or by mail provided your license plate has not yet expired. Your new license plate will be sent to the address on record. However, and the post office will not forward it to you if you are not at your home address.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can renew in person, call, or email your name, Nevada driver license number, and current address for instructions. Also, check for license renewal options.
 

What is the late payment fee for late renewal of a license plate in Nevada?

If your license plate renewal is overdue 30 days or more, you will have to renew your motor vehicle license in person at a local Nevada DMV office. A $10 late fee may apply.
 

Who is eligible to renew their Nevada vehicle registration by mail?

Nevada vehicle owners who are members of the Armed forces, their spouses, dependents, or certain federal employees may be eligible to renew their vehicle registration by mail for up to 2 years after expiration. Please contact NV DMV for eligibility requirements.
 

How do I book an appointment for a Nevada license plate?

To book an appointment, you will need to visit the Dash Pass Appointment page. Appointments for general services are offered at the offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, and Reno. See other locations in Nevada for our additional offices. If you are renewing your vehicle registration in person, make sure you make an appointment well in advance to avoid late fees for an overdue renewal.
 

How many appointments can one make at a time for Nevada License Plates?

A registered owner can make only one appointment at a time for multiple transactions.

Why was I issued a standard driver’s license instead of a Real-ID license?

Nevada only issues REAL-ID driver’s licenses to people who fully comply with the federal Real ID Act of 2005. This means that for someone to be issued a Real ID or driver’s license, they must meet the requirements by visiting a DMV office in person and submitting a proof of address and identity. People who order a duplicate driver’s license online will be issued a standard license that is marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL OFFICIAL USE."
 

What are the fees charged for Nevada license plates?

The fees for a Nevada license plates depends on the type of vehicle. The first-time registration fee is approximately $30. A standard specialty license is around $8.
 

How can I get a Veteran Designation and Organ Donation permit on my license?

Veterans with an honorable discharge may present evidence of their honorable discharge to have a Veteran designation placed on their license. Visit archives.gov to obtain a copy of a DD-214 or other evidence of honorable discharge. Anyone may elect to become an Organ Donor.
 

What are Nevada VIN records?

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) records keep track of a vehicle's license plate identity and history. VIN Records include facts gathered from different databases such as Salvage, Junk, Recalls and Defects, Hail and Flood Damage. Others include Loss Records, Fire, Repair & Rebuild information, Vehicle Title Records, Prior Accidents and Damages, Mileage, Records of Inspections, Current and Past Owners. Year, Make, and Model are also covered.
 

What can I do if my specialty license plate choice is rejected or recalled?

If your customized or personalized license plate number is denied or recalled for any reason, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Office of Administrative Hearing.
 

What happens to an expired personalized Nevada license plate?

A Nevada personalized license plate that has expired, or has been surrendered, becomes available to other applicants 18 months after expiration.
 

How do I order my NV license plate number?

Nevada plate numbers can be ordered online, by mail or fax, and in person at your nearest Nevada DMV.
 

Which NV license plates cannot be ordered online?

Some specific Nevada vanity plate numbers cannot be ordered online. These are plate styles that require special qualifications. Examples of license plates that cannot be ordered online include: Firefighter, Veteran, Mason, Peace Officer, Girl Scout Gold Award, and Eagle Scout.
 

Is Nevada a 2-plate state?

Yes, Nevada is one of 31 states in the US that require both front and rear license plates.
 

Can I order a Nevada license plate as a gift?

You can order a special license plate in Nevada as a gift. This can be done by mail or fax. Place your name and address on the application and the recipient's name under "Name of the person the license plate will be registered to, if other than the applicant."
 

Does Nevada require a smog check?

Yes, smog checks (emission tests) are required every year for vehicles registered in Nevada. Inspection stations are privately owned. You can renew your vehicle registration and do the smog check at the same time. You’ll need the last 4 digits of your VIN and the current odometer reading. Some inspection stations can transmit the results of your emission testing and your vehicle registration renewal fees to the DMV for convenience (additional fees/surcharge may apply).
 

Looking Up License Plate Numbers in Nevada

If you want to look up available license plate numbers in Nevada, you can use FindByPlate to search by state.

All you have to do is submit the license plate number you want and the state (Nevada), and you’ll get results for your chosen plate's availability, and if already taken, it’s history.