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 But what happens when the lienholder is a bank that merged, went out of business, or has an outdated address on the DMV record?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 Must use address from DMV registration records, even if you know it's outdated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. A sworn Affidavit for a Nevada matter can be notarized anywhere by a legally commissioned notary. The critical details are:

• Correct certificate type: Affidavits require a jurat with an oath or affirmation and signature in the notary’s presence.
• Accurate venue: The certificate must show the actual state and county where the oath occurred, not Nevada.
• Local compliance: The out-of-state notary should use their jurisdiction’s compliant wording. If needed, the filing attorney can attach a Nevada-compliant form for clarity.

For clients who cannot travel, we coordinate facility signings and witnesses. See Affidavits and Sworn Statements, Hospital Notarization Service, and Notary with Witnesses Provided. We routinely serve legal teams near UNLV Campus Area, Downtown East, The District at Green Valley Ranch, and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Not all Nevada title transfers legally require notarization, but many DMV transactions are delayed or rejected without notarized signatures. Nevada DMV strongly recommends notarization for seller assignments, odometer disclosure statements, and bills of sale to verify signer identity and prevent fraud. Mobile title notarization eliminates delays and ensures DMV acceptance throughout Henderson and Las Vegas Valley.

Private party vehicle sales particularly benefit from notarization because financial institutions often refuse to process loans without notarized documents. Commercial dealerships processing dealer-to-dealer transfers may use alternative verification methods, but consumer transactions involving liens, out-of-state buyers, or financed vehicles typically require full notarization for DMV acceptance and title insurance purposes.

📋 When Notarization Is Strongly Recommended:

• Private party sales with lender financing requirements
• Out-of-state buyer or seller title transfers
• Vehicles with outstanding liens or lien releases
• High-value vehicles requiring title insurance
• DMV title corrections or erasure explanations

⚠️ DMV Rejection Prevention:

• Nevada DMV clerks may reject unclear or suspicious signatures
• Banks and credit unions require notarization for loan collateral verification
• Title insurance companies mandate notarization for coverage eligibility

Related Questions

• What are Nevada DMV VP-136 power of attorney notarization requirements?
• Do I need a notary for a bill of sale in Nevada?
• How much does mobile notary service cost in Las Vegas Valley?