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 But what happens when the lienholder is a bank that merged, went out of business, or has an outdated address on the DMV record?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 Must use address from DMV registration records, even if you know it's outdated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

Nevada DMV Financial Responsibility Unit typically processes DLD-68 affidavits within 10-15 business days after receipt. During peak filing periods (post-holiday weekends, summer travel months), processing may extend to 20 business days. Drivers should keep mailing receipts and notary-sealed copies as proof of compliance until DMV updates their license record.

Reddit users in r/Vegas and r/Reno consistently report frustration with the lack of immediate confirmation. Unlike online renewals, DLD-68 submissions receive no automated acknowledgment. You can check your license status at dmv.nv.gov or call DMV's Financial Responsibility Unit at (775) 684-4368 to confirm receipt. Mobile notaries who provide professional affidavit services typically give clients sealed duplicate copies and time-stamped documentation for DMV verification if questioned during the processing window.

⏱️ Processing Timeline:

• Days 1-3: USPS delivery to DMV Financial Responsibility Unit (certified mail recommended)
• Days 4-8: DMV staff review affidavit for completeness, notary seal validity, and supporting documents
• Days 9-15: DMV enters filing into system; license suspension hold removed if affidavit approved
• Days 16-20: Confirmation letter mailed to your address on file (optional; not always sent)

📋 Proof of Compliance: Drivers throughout Downtown Summerlin, Henderson, and North Las Vegas frequently request notary-sealed extra copies of their DLD-68 to carry in their vehicle during the processing period. If stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof of filing before DMV's computer system reflects the update.

Related Questions

• Can I submit the DLD-68 form online or through email?
• What's the difference between a police crash report and the DMV's DLD-68 affidavit?
• What can I do if DMV rejects my DLD-68 submission?

A Trustee signs with valid ID and evidence of capacity, typically a Certificate of Trust or relevant trust excerpt that authorizes real property transfers. A Power of Attorney (POA) agent signs with the original, properly executed Power of Attorney that grants authority to convey real estate. The signature block must show title capacity exactly, for example “Jane Doe, Trustee” or “John Smith, Attorney in Fact for Mary Smith.” We verify capacity and attach a Nevada-compliant acknowledgment so your deed records without delay. See Trusts and Estate Documents, Power of Attorney, and Real Estate Closing Notarization. Mobile appointments available in Rancho Oakey, Scotch 80s, West Sahara, and Painted Desert.