Yes. Nevada law (NRS 108.270) requires you to send certified mail, return receipt requested, to both the registered owner AND all lienholders shown on the DMV title record. Missing either notification invalidates your entire VP-147 lien sale process, even if you properly notified the owner. This is the number one reason auction houses reject VP-147 submissions from tow operators.

The confusion is understandable. A former tow operator explains on automotive forums: "Tow company has to send 3 certified letters to both the titled owner and the lien holder over about 6 week period before they can lien sale the vehicle." But what happens when the lienholder is a bank that merged, went out of business, or has an outdated address on the DMV record?

📋 Nevada's Dual Notification Requirement Explained:

• Registered owner notification: Required because they own the vehicle subject to the lien. Must use address from DMV registration records, even if you know it's outdated
• Lienholder notification: Required because they have a secured interest in the vehicle. The lender loaned money against the vehicle and has first rights to any sale proceeds
• Multiple lienholders: If DMV records show two lienholders (first lien and second lien), you must notify both separately
• Timing: Send both certified letters on the same day; the 30-day waiting period runs from the date of mailing

⚠️ What If You Can't Find Current Lienholder Information? If the lienholder on DMV records is a bank that no longer exists (merged, acquired, or failed), you have several options:

• Research the successor bank: Wells Fargo acquired Wachovia, Chase acquired WaMu, etc. Send certified mail to the current entity at their registered agent address
• Contact Nevada DMV Title Research: They can sometimes provide updated lienholder contact information for lien sale purposes ($15 title search fee)
• Document your good-faith effort: Keep records of your research attempts (internet searches, phone calls to bank customer service, successor bank inquiries). If certified mail returns undeliverable, this documentation supports your VP-147
• Consider legal consultation: For high-value vehicles or complex lien situations, consult an attorney before proceeding with lien sale. Wrongful sale to a vehicle with valid lien = potential lawsuit

💡 The Most Common Mistake: Tow operators send certified mail only to the registered owner, assuming the bank "knows" the vehicle was towed because the owner stopped making payments. Wrong. The lienholder must receive independent notification of the impending lien sale. Without proof of certified mail to the lienholder (green return receipt or returned undeliverable envelope), your notarized VP-147 affidavit will be rejected by Pahrump auctions, Copart, IAA, and DMV during title transfer processing.

🏢 We provide on-site VP-147 notarization at tow yards throughout Aliante, North Las Vegas, and Clark County. During your notarization appointment, we can review your certified mail documentation to ensure both owner and lienholder notifications are properly documented before you sign the affidavit under oath.

Related Questions

• What if certified mail comes back undeliverable or refused? Can I still do lien sale?
• After lien sale, do I owe the owner or bank any excess money from the auction?
• Who at my tow company can sign VP-147? Manager or owner only?

Yes, event venues can legally refuse to accept notarizations from notaries outside their preferred list if they have that clause in their venue rental agreement or policies. As private property owners, venues have the right to set contractual requirements affecting how documents are processed. However, many venues do this to maintain administrative control and reduce liability, not because outside notaries are legally invalid.

Why Venues Impose Restrictions:

• Control over document chain-of-custody
• Assurance that notarizations meet specific lender or insurance requirements
• Coordination with their escrow or legal team
• Risk mitigation (perceived, not always valid)

🤝 Negotiation Strategies:

• Request venue approval in writing for your outside notary before scheduling
• Provide credentials showing your mobile notary's commission status and insurance
• Explain the cost savings or scheduling flexibility of mobile notaries
• Ask for exception clauses in the contract before signing
• Propose that the venue's preferred notary attend at a specific time/location if acceptable

⚠️ Key Point:

Your outside mobile notary is legally valid in Nevada regardless of venue preference. Their refusal is contractual, not legal. If notarization terms weren't disclosed before signing, communicate early to resolve conflicts. Professional mobile notaries in Durango and Summerlin can often coordinate with venue staff to facilitate acceptance or work around restrictions.

Related Questions

• Can Vendors Get Event Contracts Notarized After Signing if They Forgot Originally?
• How Do You Notarize Event Contracts When Vendor and Client Live in Different States?
• Can You Get a Bank's Signature Card Notarized by a Different Notary Than the Bank Requires?

Out-of-state buyers have three primary options for closing when they cannot attend in person: Remote Online Notarization (RON), local notarization in their home state, or coordinating a mobile notary to travel. Remote Online Notarization is increasingly accepted by title companies and Nevada lenders, allowing the buyer to sign and notarize documents via secure video call from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel or complex multi-state coordination.

Option 1: Remote Online Notarization (RON) ⭐ Recommended

• Buyer signs documents via video with commissioned Nevada eNotary
• No travel required; all-digital workflow
• Nevada law recognizes RON for real estate transactions
• Typically completes in 1-2 business days
• Lower cost than travel or apostille alternatives
• Title company must approve RON platform in advance

Option 2: Home State Notarization (More Complex)

• Buyer uses local notary in their home state
• Notarization must be recognized in Nevada (reciprocity applies)
• May require apostille certification for multi-state validity
• Coordination required with title company & lender
• Potential delays due to notary availability mismatch
• More expensive (notarization + apostille fees)

Option 3: Notary Travel (Premium Option)

• Mobile notary travels to buyer's location for in-person signing
• Rarely done due to cost and logistics
• Only practical for high-value transactions or complex situations

✅ Best Practice for Nevada Property Buyers:

Early communication is critical. Contact your title company within days of purchase agreement to confirm they support Remote Online Notarization. Many do. If your title company doesn't support RON, explore Option 2 with their guidance on apostille requirements. Lake Mead Mobile Notary provides real estate closing coordination, connecting out-of-state buyers with certified notaries in Las Vegas and Summerlin to streamline closing timelines.

Related Questions

• Are You Allowed to Use Your Own Notary for Real Estate Closing Instead of Title Company's?
• What Happens If a Deed Is Notarized Incorrectly—Can It Be Fixed?
• How Do You Notarize Event Contracts When Vendor and Client Live in Different States?