How Nebraska Handles Manufactured Home Titles
In Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (Nebraska DMV) is responsible for issuing and transferring manufactured home titles. Nebraska processes manufactured home titles at county treasurer offices, with the Department of Motor Vehicles overseeing the program. Nebraska has an unusual provision: manufactured homes that are permanently affixed to land owned by the homeowner are classified as real property by statute and no longer require a separate title — the title is automatically retired when the affixation is recorded.
Before filing anything, call Nebraska DMV at (402) 471-3918 and describe your situation. Their staff can confirm which current form version you need and whether your documents are complete — a 10-minute call that prevents weeks of delay from a rejected submission.
Required Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| H&HB-119 | Nebraska Application for Certificate of Title — manufactured homes |
| H&HB-120 | Lien Release Statement |
| Lien Release (lender form) | Required if a lender is listed on the current title — must be obtained from the lender and submitted with the transfer |
| Heirship / Small Estate Affidavit | Used when transferring after the owner’s death if the estate qualifies under Nebraska’s small estate threshold |
Step-by-Step: Standard Sale Transfer
- Obtain the current title from the seller — The seller’s name on the title must match their government-issued ID exactly. Check for any lienholder listed on the front of the title document.
- Have the seller sign the title assignment section — The seller signs the back of the title in the designated assignment area. If two names appear on the title, both must sign unless the title specifies survivorship rights (e.g., “or” vs. “and”).
- Resolve any liens — If a lender is listed, obtain a signed lien release before filing. Nebraska DMV will not issue a clean title while an active lien is recorded.
- Complete the transfer application (H&HB-119) — Fill in all required fields. Download the current version from the agency’s official website on the day you file — forms change periodically.
- Submit to Nebraska DMV — File in person at the appropriate office or by mail. Include all forms, the original signed title, and payment.
- Receive new title — Nebraska DMV issues a new title in the buyer’s name. Store it securely — replacement titles take additional time and fees.
Fee Schedule (2025)
| Transaction Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title transfer (sale) | $10 title fee |
| Duplicate / replacement title | Typically $10–$50 |
| Estate / heirship transfer | Same as standard transfer fee |
| Lien filing (new lender) | $2–$15 |
| Estimated total | $35–$100 |
Always confirm current fees with Nebraska DMV at (402) 471-3918 before filing — fee schedules change.
Timeline in Nebraska
County treasurer offices: 1–3 business days in-person. Mail to Nebraska DMV: 3–5 weeks.
Documents Required for Every Transfer
- Current title document (original — not a photocopy)
- Completed H&HB-119 (downloaded from Nebraska DMV website on day of filing)
- Government-issued photo ID for all signing parties
- Lien release from lender (if lienholder listed on title)
- Payment for fees
- For estate transfers: certified death certificate + signed heirship affidavit
Frequently Asked Questions
When a Nebraska manufactured home is permanently affixed to owned land and the affixation document is recorded with the county register of deeds, the title is automatically retired — the home becomes real property by statute. No separate title surrender application is required.
Nebraska charges sales tax on manufactured home purchases from dealers. Private party sales between individuals are generally exempt. Contact the Nebraska Department of Revenue for current rates and exemptions.
Never pay in full for a home with an active lien without a formal arrangement to clear it. The safest approach is to use an escrow: the seller's loan is paid off from the purchase price at closing, the lender releases the lien simultaneously, and only then does the title transfer to you. Contact Nebraska DMV at (402) 471-3918 to confirm the lien status using the home's serial number before committing to any purchase.
File a duplicate title application with Nebraska DMV using form H&HB-119 or the state's specific duplicate title form. You will need the home's serial number (found on the HUD data plate inside a cabinet or on the steel chassis frame), your photo ID, and payment of the duplicate fee. If there is a lienholder on the title, most states send the duplicate to the lienholder unless they provide written consent for you to receive it.
Related: After-Death Transfers · Lien Release Guide · Lost Title · Path Finder Tool