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 But what happens when the lienholder is a bank that merged, went out of business, or has an outdated address on the DMV record?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 Must use address from DMV registration records, even if you know it's outdated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?

Banks and credit unions require notarized bills of sale for all financed vehicle purchases in Nevada to verify transaction authenticity, prevent fraud, and establish clear loan collateral documentation. Mobile notary service coordinates buyer-seller signings at **$45 for single documents** or **$55 for multi-document packages** including title transfers throughout Summerlin and Las Vegas Valley.

Financial institutions refuse loan disbursement without notarized bills of sale because notarization provides legal proof that both parties willingly executed the transaction and that signatures are authentic. Lenders use notarized bills of sale to perfect security interests in vehicles and ensure title documentation meets state and federal lending compliance standards.

🏦 Lender Notarization Requirements:

• All bank-financed private party purchases require notarized VP-104 bills of sale
• Credit unions mandate notarization for loans over $5,000 regardless of Nevada law
• Online lenders (LightStream, PenFed, Consumers Credit Union) require notarized documentation
• Auto loan refinancing often requires notarized bills of sale for vehicle valuation verification
• Buy-here-pay-here dealerships typically notarize all retail installment contracts

📝 Common Lender-Required Documents:

• Nevada DMV Form VP-104 bill of sale with notarized seller signature
• Odometer disclosure statement (often on VP-104 reverse) with notarization
• Lien release from previous lender if paying off existing loan
• Title transfer assignment with notarized seller signature
• Purchase agreement or sales contract showing agreed price and terms

Related Questions

• Does Nevada DMV require bill of sale notarization?
• Can mobile notary notarize bill of sale same day?
• How much does mobile notary cost in Las Vegas?