Nebraska Vehicle Identification Number
How do I get a VIN history in the state of Nebraska?
Nebraska offers Vehicle Title & Lien and Driver & Vehicle Record searches online through the state Department of Motor Vehicles website, although these records do not provide any owner or registration information. Records which contain Nebraska only data are unavailable through the Department of Motor Vehicles unless it is for use in connection with an investigation or a proceeding in a federal, state, or local court, government agency, or self-regulatory body. All information which contains motor vehicle history reports, multi-state or Nebraska, is available through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System which is available for free on the Internet.
The vehicle history reports which are available from Nebraska under the jurisdiction of the Department of Vehicle Records are governed by the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and by the Nebraska Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act. In the overwhelming majority of cases, Nebraska laws do not permit the DMV to release names or address information to the general public and there is no need for the record holder to request that their information at the DMV be restricted from release. There are exempted uses which are permitted under the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act and the reasons for these exemptions are listed on their website.
On the same website as the motor vehicle records you can check to see if there are any liens against the vehicle. This is mainly for two types of liens, Storage-Repair Liens and Artisan’s Liens.
- Storage-Repair Liens are when someone is trying to put a claim (lien) on a vehicle which they have repaired or have stored, in agreement with the titled owner of the vehicle, and they still have the vehicle in their possession; and
- Artisan’s Liens are when someone is trying to put a claim on a vehicle which they have worked on, or furnished material for, in agreement with the titled owner of the vehicle, but the vehicle is no longer in their possession.
This website will not be able to tell if there are any liens on the vehicle at all, as they only have information from participating lenders which requires registering with the DMV, being assigned a Participating Lender ID, and having an established service relationship with a DMV approved provider. Although this may have been intended for us by those who have a financial claim on a vehicle, it does give you the ability to look and see if there is a claim on a car and it allows you a way to obtain a title from the state of Nebraska.
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Application for Copy of Vehicle Record
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicle Application for More than One Vehicle Record
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicle Application for Businesses which submit frequent requests for vehicle records:
Nebraska Subscription Services
Information about the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act:
Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act
Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act
Nebraska Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act
Exempted Uses Permitted Under The Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act in Nebraska:
Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act
Nebraska Electronic Title & Lien
Nebraska Electronic Lender Guide
ELT Non-Participating Lender Lien Release
ELT Non-Participating Lender Request for Paper Title
ELT Participating Lenders – May 26, 2017
Should you run additional VIN Checks in Nebraska?
Yes. The state website says that the motor vehicle records which they have are the same as those from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS.) The NMVTIS is an electronic system which allows consumers to check on the prior history and condition of a vehicle. The NMTVIS collects information about vehicles which have been with auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards and the information is used to ensure that the VINs of vehicles which have been destroyed are also destroyed and so that vehicles which have been branded as “junk” or “salvage” are not later re-sold or, if they are re-sold, are sold at a fair price for the proper condition.
Auto Recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards must report to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) the following information on each vehicle they receive each month:
- The name, address, and contact information for the reporting entity;
- The VIN;
- The date the vehicle was obtained;
- The name of the person or entity from whom the automobile was obtained (this information is for use by law enforcement and government agencies only);
- A statement of whether the vehicle was crushed or disposed of, sold, or other purposes; and
- Whether the vehicle is intended to be exported outside of the United States.
NMVTIS allows consumers to find information on the vehicle’s title, most recent odometer reading, brand history, and, sometimes, the historical theft data of the car. For vehicle purposes, “brands” are descriptive labels that are assigned to vehicles by the states which classify the vehicle’s condition (current or prior) into one of several categories including: junk, salvage, flood, etc.
If you run a check on NMVTIS and your vehicle returns no records, or it comes back as “clean,” that is a good thing.
Another useful source for motor vehicle history is VINCheck, which is endorsed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. They check if a car has been reported stolen and not recovered. You don’t want to go to get your new car only to find out that you have purchased a stolen vehicle. The National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) has a website which allows you to input your VIN and run a search which will let you know if there have been any recalls issued on your vehicle.
There are other companies, both public and private, which will run vehicle history checks for various amounts of money. It would be the most beneficial to find one that gives you the largest amount of up-to-date information for the least amount of money; however, in the long run it would be worth it to spend the money on a VIN check which alerts you to any possible liens currently on the car, if the car is stolen, if the car has been previously declared a lemon, or has been in a flood or a car accident in which it was declared totaled.
VINCheck – Recommended By The NICB
Lemon Laws in Nebraska
The Nebraska Lemon Law can be found in the Nebraska legislature Chapter 60. Motor Vehicles Act. Sections: 60-2701 to 60-2709. To qualify for protection under the Nebraska lemon law, the motor vehicle must have a defect which substantially impairs the use or the market value and which can’t be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
It also must meet the following conditions:
- It must be purchased in the state of Nebraska;
- It must be less that one (1) year old; and
- It must still be under warranty. A vehicle which is sold “as is” does not qualify.
The law does not cover trailers or self-propelled motor homes, although it does apply to vehicle converters. Even if your vehicle was sold with a two-year warranty, if you sell the vehicle then it is not eligible under the Nebraska Lemon Law. It might be under the Federal Lemon Law, The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. **There are contradicting facts regarding this on the Internet with the state of Nebraska website stating one year only while other website, including the Better Business Bureau state that they will cover used cars as long as they are under the manufacturer’s warranty.**
Your vehicle is considered a lemon in Nebraska if:
- It has been in the manufacturer’s service facility for four (4) times or more for repair on the same problem;
- The vehicle has been out of service for at least 40 days; AND
- There have been no unauthorized modifications made to the vehicle by you.
If your vehicle meets the above guidelines and you want to pursue legal action you must first notify the manufacturer. This notification should be done via certified mail and it is considered to be a warning to the manufacturer that you intend to pursue your rights under the lemon law. At this point the manufacturer has one final opportunity to fix the problem at a repair shop of their choosing, but one which is convenient for you. If the problem is not resolved after you have sent the letter to the manufacturer then you have two options: arbitration or court.
Arbitration is, in many states, the first choice as many manufacturers can only be sued after you go through arbitration. Some of the manufacturers are state certified, while others are not. Additionally, some manufacturers can be sued only after you have attempted arbitration while others don’t require arbitration before. However, you should note that if you win either the arbitration or the lawsuit, you may be entitled to a refund of the fees you paid when you purchased the vehicle (sales tax, license fees, etc).
The Better Business Bureau Auto Line is in charge of the Arbitration Process and will monitor the arbitration process and you can begin the process on the Internet by going to the BBB Auto Line website or by calling 1-800-334-2406. These manufacturers are certified by the Nebraska DMV:
- Hyundai, Isuzu, Ford, Kia, Nissan, Infiniti, General Motors, Volkswagen, and Audi.
- General Motors prefers that you address them personally, by certified letter, to the specific car manufacturer, including:
- Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac/GMC, Saturn and Saab.
These manufacturers are not certified, meaning you will definitely lose money on the fees and taxes even if you win your case, but they may agree to purchase or replace your vehicle:
- Land Rover, Mazda, Saturn, Tesla, Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Honda/Acura models 2013 and newer.
Nebraska Better Business Bureau Auto Line Summary
Nebraska Better Business Bureau Auto Line Information
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Lemon Law Information
State of Nebraska Arbitration information
Manufacturers who are certified by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles to participate in Arbitration in the state of Nebraska:
Lemon Law – Informal Arbitration
National Center for Dispute Settlement
Should I hire an attorney for a Lemon Law Case?
Yes. The information on the lemon law in the state of Nebraska is confusing when it comes to covering used cars which are still under the manufacturer’s warranty and when it comes to arbitration v. court. While some manufacturers will pay for your state taxes and fees others will not and it would be a wise idea to consult with an attorney prior to deciding if you are going to pursue a lemon law case against anyone. If so, would you do arbitration first?
An attorney will also know if they can ask for compensation for other expenses from the manufacturer such as: rental cars (if applicable,) hotel rooms, (if applicable,) and attorney fees. If you choose to retain an attorney, you should ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. Be sure and find one who is familiar with the lemon laws in the state of Nebraska and has experience working with lemon law cases. You can always contact the Nebraska Bar Association for a list of lawyers in your area.
Before you hire an attorney, you should interview them and ask them questions such as:
- What number of cases have they won and lost?
- How many of their cases have been lemon law cases?
- Are they familiar with Nebraska law?
- Do they take cases on a contingency basis?
- If so, what percentage of the winnings would they receive?
When a lawyer takes a case on a contingency basis then they do not get paid unless you win your case.
Nebraska State Bar Association
State of Nebraska DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
1 Wellington St
1 308-367-4525Buffalo County Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles
1512 Central Ave
1 308-236-1250Sarpy County Driver’s License Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
1210 Golden Gate Dr
1 402-595-1834Driver Licensing Office
Department of Motor Vehicles
2918 N 108th St
1 402-595-3106Nebraska Department-Motor Vehicles
Car Dealer
921 Broadway
1 308-882-4358Nebraska Department-Motor
State Government Office
451 Main St
1 308-432-6112DMV Drivers License Exam Office
Driver’s License Office
4208 S 50th St
1 402-595-2039DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
7414 N 30th St
1 402-595-2040Cass County Treasurer
Department of Motor Vehicles
346 Main St
1 402-296-9320Lancaster County Motor Vehicle
County Government Office
625 N 46th St
1 402-441-7497Burt County Drivers Exams
Department of Motor Vehicles
111 N 13th St
1 402-374-2940Wayne County Treasurer
Department of Motor Vehicles
510 N Pearl St
1 402-375-3885Driver License Exams
Department of Motor Vehicles
612 Grant St
1 402-223-1350Scottsbluff County Auto
County Government Office
1825 10th St #2
1 308-436-6616Dodge County License Exam
Department of Motor Vehicles
435 N Park Ave
1 402-727-2902Red Willow County Drivers Exam
Department of Motor Vehicles
502 Norris Ave
1 308-345-4139Douglas County Treasurer
City Tax Office
7414 N 30th St
1 402-444-7103Sarpy County Department of Motor Vehicle
Department of Motor Vehicles
1210 Golden Gate Dr
1 402-593-2148Douglas County Treasurer’s Office
City Government Office
411 N 84th St
1 402-444-7103Douglas County Treasurer
County Government Office
2910 N 108th St
1 402-444-7103Cheyenne County Treasurer
Department of Motor Vehicles
1000 10th Ave
1 308-254-2733Nebraska Driver Licensing Office
Driver’s License Office
5730 S 144th St
1 402-595-2424Douglas County Treasurer
County Government Office
5730 S 144th St
1 402-444-7103Hall County Motor Vehicle Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
121 S Pine St #2
1 308-385-5030Scottsbluff County Driver Lcns
County Government Office
1825 10th St
1 308-436-6597Motor Vehicles Department
Department of Motor Vehicles
302 3rd St
1 402-755-4291Dakota City DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
1601 Broadway St
1 402-494-8260Douglas County Treasurer
Tax Collector’s Office
4202 S 50th St
1 402-444-7103Rock County Treasurer
Department of Motor Vehicles
400 State St
1 402-684-3515County Treasurer
Department of Motor Vehicles
424 N Colorado Ave # 8
1 308-832-2730County Offices Driver License
County Government Office
500 W 4th St
1 402-462-1958Driver Examiner
County Government Office
216 S 9th St
1 402-643-2980
Permanently closed - General Motors prefers that you address them personally, by certified letter, to the specific car manufacturer, including: