Nebraska Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Nebraska?

Nebraska issues several short-term permits and license plates that allow highway operation until permanent registration. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles manages the program at the state level, while county treasurers handle most customer transactions locally.

Licensed dealers issue In Transit paper stickers at the point of sale. County treasurers issue nonresident 30-day plates and temporary stickers for specialty plates pending manufacture. The DMV issues metal transporter and repossession plates directly to qualified businesses.

Physical forms range from adhesive paper stickers to stamped metal plates with registration certificates, depending on the class of permit.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Nebraska?

Nebraska does not publish a general renewal or reissue process for any class of temporary plates. Each permit expires on the stated date without renewal options.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Nebraska?

• A buyer receiving delivery from a licensed dealer receives an In Transit sticker per §60-376, displayed on the vehicle before leaving the lot.
• A nonresident purchasing a vehicle in Nebraska must obtain a 30-day plate from the county treasurer to drive home, per §60-382.
• A buyer from a private party (not a dealer) may operate the vehicle for thirty days without a plate, provided the bill of sale is available on demand per §60-365.
• Businesses transporting or modifying vehicles they do not own must display a transporter plate on each unit in transit.
• Finance companies moving repossessed vehicles must use a repossession plate per §60-375.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Nebraska?

1. Gather required documents: assigned certificate of title or manufacturer’s statement of origin, proof of insurance, and valid photo ID.
2. Choose the correct queue: a licensed dealer issues the In Transit sticker at sale; the county treasurer processes the nonresident 30-day plate; the DMV office in Lincoln processes transporter and repossession applications.
3. Submit the application in person at the appropriate office or by mail to the DMV for transporter and repossession plates.
4. Pay the applicable fee described in the next section.
5. Receive the permit: dealers immediately hand over the In Transit sticker; county treasurers issue plates on-site; DMV mails transporter plates after approval.

Transporter applicants use the Transporter Plate Application found on the DMV forms page.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Nebraska?

The nonresident 30-day plate fee of $21.70 is charged by the county treasurer, as currently published by the Nebraska DMV.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Nebraska?

No. Nebraska does not offer online processing for any temporary plate or permit for individual buyers.

The Dealer Automated Services portal allows licensed dealers to submit title applications electronically, but consumers cannot access this system. Online registration renewal only covers permanent plates.

Buyers needing a nonresident 30-day plate must visit the county treasurer in the county of purchase. The county treasurer office locator lists all locations statewide.

For most purchases, the In Transit sticker issued by the dealer at the point of sale is the standard route and does not require a separate trip.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Nebraska?

Operation beyond the expiration of a temporary permit triggers §60-3,170, which is a class III misdemeanor under the Motor Vehicle Registration Act.