How to get a driver's license in Nevada
This page explains, step by step, how to get a Nevada driver’s license for a regular car and which documents to bring. In Nevada, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues instruction permits, driver licenses, Driver Authorization Cards and ID cards at its offices and publishes the Nevada Driver’s Handbook. This guide is based on the DMV web pages and the Nevada Driver’s Handbook (March 2024 edition). Where the Driver’s Handbook and the web pages do not say the same thing, this guide leaves the point out or tells you to check the DMV’s page. Requirements change, so check the DMV website before you go. This site is independent and is not a government agency.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-26. Requirements can change: always confirm with Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles before you go.
How it works
Who does what
In Nevada, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues instruction permits, driver licenses, Driver Authorization Cards (DAC) and ID cards. To get a license you complete an application form and visit a full-service DMV office. The DMV publishes the Nevada Driver’s Handbook in English and in a Spanish edition.
You need a license to drive
You need a Nevada driver license if you live or work in Nevada and want to drive on Nevada streets and highways. Border-state employees and military members stationed in Nevada are excluded.
Source: [1]
The Class C license
This guide is about the Class C license. Class C permits operation of cars, vans, pickups and mopeds under 26,000 lbs GVWR. A Class C driver may tow a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less, and the combination of vehicles may not exceed 70 feet.
Where first-time applicants start
The DMV has separate starting points for first-time applicants: adult 18 and older, teen, Driver Authorization Card, ID card, new resident and motorcycle. All first-time applicants for a driver license, ID card or DAC must provide proof of identity and residency.
Source: [2]
If you are under 18
An applicant under 18 needs a co-signer: a parent who has custody, a legal guardian or another person authorized by law. The co-signer shares liability for any damages caused by the minor’s negligence or willful misconduct while driving.
Source: [1]
Under 18: from permit to license
The steps
The DMV lays out five steps for teens: the written test, the instruction permit, driver education, the road test and the license. The steps below follow the DMV’s order.
Source: [3]
Step 1: the written test and the instruction permit
Nevada residents can apply for an instruction permit at age 15½. To get one, you complete a driver license application, pass a vision test and a knowledge test, and have a parent or guardian available to authorize issuance. The vision test needs a minimum of 20/40 in at least one eye, and Restriction B is added if you need glasses or contacts. Driver education is not required to get an instruction permit.
Step 1: what to bring for the permit
Anyone under 18 who applies for an instruction permit, driver license or DAC must prove that they meet the minimum Nevada school attendance requirements. Bring:
- The Certification of Attendance (DMV 301), which is valid for 60 days. School attendance requirements do not apply to applicants 18 and older.
- Unless you already have a Nevada ID card: proof of identity (for example a certified U.S. birth certificate), proof of Social Security and two documents showing your Nevada residential address.
- The Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002) and the Minor Affidavit and Information Sheet (DP-38).
Source: [4]
Step 1: your permit
You receive an interim paper permit to begin driving, and your instruction permit arrives by mail within 10 business days. A Nevada instruction permit is valid for one year, and you must carry it with you when you are driving.
Step 2: driver education
Most first-time drivers under 18 in Nevada must complete a driver education course. You can enroll as early as age 15½, and you complete the course after passing the written test. Home-schooled students are not exempt. There are three options:
- A course at a locally offered, DMV-approved school: 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.
- A course online with a DMV-approved school: an approved online course plus 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.
- Only if there is no classroom course within 30 miles of your home and you do not have internet access: 100 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, 10 of them in the dark.
Step 2: your certificate
Professional schools issue a Certificate of Completion, which you present when you apply for your license. High schools may issue a certificate, report card or transcript.
Step 2: driving schools
The DMV licenses private driving schools and instructors in Nevada. Driver education offered through public schools, colleges and universities follows Department of Education standards and is not listed in the DMV directory.
Source: [25]
Step 3: practice driving and the log
You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. A licensed driver who is 21 or older and has at least 1 year of driving experience must be seated next to you at all times. Time spent with a professional driving instructor counts toward your hours.
Source: [5]
Step 3: the log
Keep a written log of all driving practice with the date, time and duration of each session. You must use either the RoadReady app or the DLD-130 form (Beginning Driver Experience Log); other logs are not accepted. You must still have your parent or guardian sign the first page of the DLD-130 form, even if you use the app. The handbook says the log must be completed in blue or black ink before you arrive for your drive test.
Step 4: the road test
If you are under 18, you must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months before you apply for a driver license. For the road test the DMV lists these requirements: you hold a valid instruction permit for 6 or more months, and you have had no at-fault crashes, moving violations or drug or alcohol convictions in the past 6 months. Before you can take the driving skills test, you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice. The Tests section tells you what happens on the test.
Step 4: what to bring to the road test
Schedule your driving skills test at a DMV office near you, or online if you already have a permit. Bring:
- A parent or guardian, to sign forms.
- Your instruction permit.
- Proof of identity and residency.
- Your completed driving log (the RoadReady app or the DLD-130 form and its addition sheets).
- The Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002).
- A vehicle with valid registration and insurance. Rentals are not allowed.
Step 5: get your license
After you pass the road test, you return to a DMV office to process your license. When you apply, you present a Certificate of Completion of a driver education course and your Beginning Driver Experience Log (DLD-130). Your instruction permit is hole-punched and returned, and you receive an interim paper license. Your license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
Step 5: your license design
Minor licenses are printed vertically to indicate underage status, with the 18th birthday printed in red.
Source: [8]
Rules for young drivers
Riding with an instruction permit
With an instruction permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older, has at least one year of licensed driving experience and is seated beside you.
Passengers
If you are 16 or 17 when you get your license, for the first 6 months you drive you may not carry passengers under 18, except immediate family members. Violations can extend the restrictions and bring fines.
Night driving
Teens may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This curfew lasts until you turn 18, regardless of when your license was issued. Exceptions apply.
When a minor license can be suspended
Minor licenses can be suspended for alcohol or drug offenses (even non-driving ones), firearms violations and habitual truancy. For a first offense of habitual truancy, the license can be suspended for at least 30 days but not more than 6 months, or the issuance can be delayed for 30 days.
Parents
A parent or guardian who signed the Financial Responsibility Statement may cancel a minor’s license, or the instruction permit, at any time before the driver turns 18. To cancel, they complete the Minor Affidavit (DP-38) and bring the form and the license or permit.
Parents Driving Guide
The DMV links a Parents Driving Guide and the RoadReady app for teens, and lists a Parents Supervised Driving Program guide with the Class C materials.
Age 18 and older
The steps
Adults 18 and older follow three steps: pass the written test, take the road test and get licensed. An instruction permit is an optional extra step.
Source: [9]
The instruction permit is optional
An instruction permit is not required for beginning drivers 18 and older. If you choose not to get one, you cannot schedule your drive test online. After passing the written test, you schedule your drive test in person at the office.
Source: [9]
If you get a permit
An adult permit lets you drive with a licensed driver who is 21 or older and has at least one year of driving experience, seated next to you at all times. Its results are valid for 1 year; if it has expired for more than 30 days, you must retake the test. The permit is mailed within 10 business days. You can start a Quick Card online, but you still have to visit an office to pay, show your documents and be photographed.
Source: [10]
Which tests you take
If you have never been licensed in the U.S., or your prior license has been expired, suspended or revoked for over one year, you must provide proof of identity and pass all three tests: vision, knowledge and skills.
Source: [9]
The road test
To take the adult road test, you must be at least 18 and have passed the written knowledge test. Bring acceptable proof of your identity and Nevada address, and valid insurance and registration for the vehicle you are testing in.
Source: [12]
Getting your license
After the road test, you return to the DMV to process your license. If you have an instruction permit, it is hole-punched and returned. You receive an interim paper license, and your license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
Source: [13]
No Social Security number yet
If you have applied for a Social Security number but have not yet received it, you may attest to this on your application.
Source: [9]
Visitors and suspended privileges
Nevada does not issue licenses or ID cards to tourists. If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in Nevada or another U.S. state, you must follow that state’s reinstatement process and resolve any out-of-state issues before you apply in Nevada.
Source: [9]
Moving to Nevada
How soon
The Nevada Driver’s Handbook says drivers moving into Nevada must apply for a license within 30 days after becoming a resident.
Source: [1]
Who counts as a resident
The DMV says you are considered a Nevada resident if you declare Nevada as your legal residence, live and work (or run a business) in Nevada, use Nevada as the home state for your vehicle or vehicles, or claim Nevada residency to access state-specific benefits. To get a Nevada driver license, you must live at a Nevada street address (no P.O. boxes).
Source: [14]
Who does not have to transfer a license
The DMV lists these people as not required to transfer a license: an active duty military member, spouse or dependent; people living in Nevada temporarily; and out-of-state students. The handbook says an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces does not need a Nevada license if they have a valid license from their home state.
One license only
A resident of Nevada may hold only one driver license or ID card. If you have a license or ID card from another jurisdiction, you must surrender it to get a Nevada license or ID card. The DMV punches it "VOID" and returns it to you.
Tests if you hold a license from another state
If you are 21 or older and currently licensed in the U.S., a U.S. territory or Canada, you take the vision test. The DMV’s New Resident Guide says these license holders may be exempt from the knowledge and skills tests if none of the conditions below apply; this exemption is only for applicants 21 or older. The New Resident Guide says you must take the knowledge test if:
- your license was expired or surrendered for more than 1 year (and the skills test too if it was more than 4 years);
- you have had 3 or more moving violations in the past 4 years;
- your license was suspended, revoked, canceled or disqualified in the past 4 years;
- you have a DUI conviction within the past 7 years;
- you have license restrictions that require reevaluation; or
- you are applying for a different license class.
Tests if you have never been licensed or hold a foreign license
If you have never been licensed, you take the knowledge and skills tests. A person licensed in a foreign country other than Canada takes the vision, knowledge and skills tests; a skills test waiver may be granted to Taiwan nationals. If you are currently licensed in the U.S., a U.S. territory or Canada but have misplaced the actual license, you take the vision and knowledge tests.
Taiwan driver license
Applicants who are 21 or older, hold a valid Class B Taiwan driver license, present a Verification Certificate of Driver’s License from a Taiwan Consulate Office (translated if it is not in English) and complete the Drive Test Waiver for Taiwan Nationals (DMV 015) may qualify for a drive-test waiver. They must still pass the vision and knowledge tests and provide proof of identity and Nevada residency.
What to bring
A transfer needs proof of identity, proof of all name changes if applicable, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of Nevada residential address, your existing state-issued license, permit or ID card, and DMV-approved translations for any non-English documents. The Documents to bring section explains each one.
Source: [14]
Checks
The DMV checks all applications through the Problem Driver Pointer System. If your driving privilege is suspended, revoked, canceled or denied in another state, you will not be allowed a Nevada license until the out-of-state issue is resolved.
License and registration in one visit
Nevada DMV technicians process non-commercial driver license and registration transactions at the same time in a single visit. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted for the registration; Nevada evidence of insurance is required.
Source: [14]
Documents to bring
What every applicant brings
For a Real ID or a standard license or ID card, the DMV lists:
- Proof of identity (one document).
- Proof of all name changes, if applicable.
- Proof of Social Security number (one document).
- Two proofs of Nevada residential address, for example a utility bill or lease.
- DMV-approved translations for any non-English documents.
- All documents must be valid originals or certified copies.
Source: [15]
Three sets of identity documents
Nevada has three sets of identity documents: one for a Real ID, one for a standard license or ID card, and one for a Driver Authorization Card. A Real ID card must show your physical address; standard and DAC cards may show a physical or mailing address.
Source: [15]
Proof of identity for a standard license
The documents for a standard license or ID card include a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. state birth certificate, immigration documents and the Nevada Department of Corrections ID card. Licenses and ID cards are marked "Limited Term" when immigration documents are used to prove identity.
Proof of identity for a Real ID
For a Real ID you present one valid, unexpired document from this list:
- U.S. passport or passport card.
- U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy).
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560).
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551).
- Foreign passport with an I-94 stamped "Processed for I-551", or with a valid visa and I-94.
- Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
Source: [16]
Proof of a name change
If your name has changed, bring documents showing all name changes: a government-issued marriage certificate, a divorce decree, adoption records or a court order. Social Security cards are not accepted as proof of a name change. The DMV uses the name exactly as listed on your documents. For multiple name changes you must present proof of each change, and divorce decrees must clearly reference your former name before marriage. A surviving spouse who wants to revert to previous middle and last names presents the marriage certificate and the death certificate; the names must match on both.
Source: [16]
Proof of a Social Security number
Present one document: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, an IRS Form 1099 or a printed pay stub. The document must list your current legal name and the complete Social Security number. The Nevada Driver’s Handbook says handwritten pay stubs are not acceptable.
Proof of Nevada residency
You present two documents that show your name and your Nevada residential address. Documents must be originals or certified copies, and original printouts from online accounts are accepted.
Residency documents the DMV lists
The DMV lists these documents for proof of residency, among others:
- Dated within 60 days: a rent or lease receipt, a lease agreement with your name, a utility bill, a bank or credit card statement, an employment check stub, a court document, a Nevada school record or student ID with address, a hotel, motel, RV park or campground record for a stay of 30 or more days, a voter registration card, a public assistance benefit letter, or a Military Leave and Earnings Statement.
- Original or certified copies of: an insurance card, binder or bill, a medical bill or provider record, tax records, a property tax record, a mortgage or deed of trust, or Confidential Address Program documents. The DMV pages and the handbook do not give the same date rule for these documents.
- DMV-approved forms: Certification of Nevada Residency (DMV 005), Relief Agency/Shelter Certification (DMV 115) and Property Owner Residency Affidavit (DMV 116).
Residency for applicants under 18
A parent or guardian of an applicant under 18 may prove residence with two documents or by signing a DMV-approved form verifying that the applicant lives at the same address as the parent or guardian.
Source: [1]
Translations
Any document in a foreign language must be translated by a DMV-approved translator before it can be accepted. Abstract translations will not be accepted. The translation must be a full translation with the date, translator number, printed name and signature, and the certification statement.
Source: [1]
Changing your name at the DMV
If you are legally changing your name, you must first update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Allow at least 2 business days for SSA records to update. Then bring your current license or ID card, the original legal document authorizing the name change and the DMV 002 application; an updated Social Security card is not sufficient. The handbook says name changes must be made in person at a local DMV office.
Verification
Any document you present as proof of name, date of birth, Social Security number or lawful status is subject to scanning, storage and electronic verification.
Source: [1]
Real ID
How to recognize it
A Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner, in a Nevada outline or circle with a star cutout. A standard license has no gold star and is marked as not for Real ID purposes. It is valid for driving in Nevada. Nevada customers have the option to obtain either a Real ID compliant or a standard driver license or ID card.
What it is for
The DMV says a Real ID-compliant driver license, a current U.S. passport or another accepted form of identification is required to get through airport security or enter secure federal buildings. A standard Nevada license or ID card cannot be used by itself for domestic flights or secure federal buildings. A Real ID is not required to vote, to apply for federal benefits or for general driving.
Source: [16]
How to get one
You must visit a DMV office in person with the correct documents, and you apply by appointment. For a Real ID you need proof of identity, proof of name changes if any, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of Nevada residence and DMV-approved translations. A Real ID card must show your physical address.
Source: [16]
Only once
You only need to show the documents once. At renewal, your license remains Real ID compliant. Permanent and limited-term residents must show current immigration status at each renewal, and documents are needed to change your name, date of birth or Social Security number. A license or ID that already has the gold star is a Real ID and stays one at renewal.
One card only
A person may not hold multiple licenses or state ID cards; upgrading to a Real ID replaces your standard license. If you order a duplicate in person, you may wish to upgrade to a Real ID at the same time if you have not already done so.
What is not accepted
Examples of documents not accepted for a Real ID are hospital-issued birth certificates, military ID cards and border crossing cards. Military IDs are not accepted as proof of identity for a Real ID.
Source: [16]
Driver Authorization Cards
Nevada Driver Authorization Cards (DAC) cannot be used for boarding aircraft or accessing federal facilities.
Source: [16]
Driver Authorization Card (DAC)
What a DAC is
A Driver Authorization Card allows eligible Nevada residents to legally drive on public roads even if they cannot meet the identity requirements for a standard driver license or ID. A DAC states "Not Valid for ID" in the top portion. It is not valid as ID to obtain benefits, licenses or services, nor for federal purposes such as boarding aircraft.
Source: [17]
What it lets you do
A DAC authorizes you to drive on Nevada public roads, meet Nevada driving requirements, and register and insure your vehicle in Nevada.
Source: [17]
Who can apply
U.S. citizens and immigrants with U.S.-issued documents may also apply for a DAC. A Social Security number is not necessary to obtain a DAC. A person with a suspension or revocation in Nevada or any U.S. state cannot get a DAC until it is cleared.
Tests
If this is the first time you apply for a DAC or any other driver’s license in the United States, you take a knowledge test and a drive test. All applicants take a vision test.
Source: [17]
Identity documents
The DMV page and the handbook agree that you can show one U.S. military ID card or U.S. military dependent ID card, or two documents from a second list that includes a foreign passport.
How long it lasts
A DAC is valid for four years and expires on your birthday. You must always carry your DAC with you while operating a motor vehicle. Renewals must be completed at a DMV office in person, and a renewal notice is mailed 30 days before expiration.
Your information
The DMV’s DAC page says Nevada law does not allow the DMV to release information on legal presence or immigration status from a license or DAC record for the enforcement of immigration laws.
Source: [17]
Starting online
The DMV’s DAC process starts with a DriveNV account, then your original documents, then the vision, knowledge and skills tests as required.
Source: [17]
At the DMV office
Appointments
All DMV services are by appointment only, except plate drop-off, past-due debt payments, VIN inspections at some offices and title drop-off after a Turbo Titles payment. You book through the DMV’s scheduling platform, where you can also find, view and modify your appointment. The Nevada DMV does not charge for booking appointments. Appointments for rural offices can only be made a day in advance.
Source: [18]
Booking a road test
You can schedule the drive test online. If someone else schedules it for you, they need your permit number or SSN. If you are under 18, you must have an instruction permit to schedule a behind-the-wheel test. With a permit you can book online. An adult without a permit books the drive test in person at the office, where staff help schedule.
Starting online
You can start a first-time license, ID card, instruction permit or DAC online with a Quick Card. A Real ID, driver license or ID card cannot be obtained online: an office visit is required to show original identity documents. Online services also include address change, duplicate license, license and ID renewal, drive test scheduling and the online written permit test.
Source: [23]
Fees
Fees apply, for example a testing fee and a retest fee for the written test, and a late fee may apply if your license has been expired 30 days or more. The amounts change, so use the fees page in the list of links on this page.
The tests
Which tests you take
The tests are a vision test, a knowledge (written) test and a skills (road) test. Which of them you take depends on your situation; the sections above explain it.
The vision test
All applicants take a vision test. The minimum level of acceptable vision for full driving privileges is 20/40; for the instruction permit it is 20/40 in at least one eye. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, Restriction B is placed on your license. Drivers who do not meet 20/40 may be licensed to drive in daylight hours only, may in some cases be denied a license, or may be required to submit a yearly examination, depending on the nature of the vision problem.
The written test: format
The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need 80% to pass, which is 20 correct answers. You have 60 minutes online; in person there is no time limit.
The written test: online
You can take the test online with KnowTo Drive Nevada, 24/7, with no appointment needed. You need a computer with a front-facing camera; touch-screen devices are not supported. Results are automatically sent to the DMV.
Source: [6]
The written test: in person
In person, the DMV’s test page says the test is given on touch-screen computers, by appointment. Written testing closes 30 minutes to 1 hour before the DMV office closes. The Nevada Driver’s Handbook says that if you have problems reading or understanding the written test, you may request an oral examination.
Interpreters
An applicant with limited language skills may use an interpreter during a written examination for a non-commercial driver license, driver authorization card or instruction permit. The interpreter must present an approval letter, cannot interpret for family members and must submit an Affidavit of Oath (DLD 11) at each test; the applicant pays the interpreter fees. The DMV does not allow interpreters to be present during any drive test.
Source: [6]
If you fail the written test
If you fail, you can retake the test the next day. If you are disqualified, you can retake it after 24 hours. A retest fee applies. Your written test results are valid for 1 year from the date you pass.
Source: [6]
Preparing for the written test
The DMV offers a practice quiz and the Nevada Driver’s Handbook for study. The handbook is on the DMV’s handbooks page in the list of links on this page.
The road test
The examiner inspects your vehicle and grades your driving performance. Serious violations, such as speeding or failure to yield, mean automatic failure. The handbook says the road test covers preparing to drive, vehicle control, entering traffic, lane use, speed control, turns, parking, backing up, stopping, passing and attention to traffic. You will not be asked to violate any traffic laws, and you will be penalized if you do.
The road-test vehicle
The vehicle needs valid registration and insurance, and a teen may not use a rental. It must be in safe operating condition with all equipment in good working order, including the brakes, speedometer and muffler, and it should have a safe, clean seating area beside the driver for the examiner. The handbook says:
- The examiner checks the registration and plates, the insurance card, the lights, the horn, the seat belts, the tires and the wipers.
- Passengers and animals are not allowed in the vehicle during the road test.
- Use of a cell phone during the drive test is automatic failure, and parking assist and cruise control may not be used.
If you fail the road test
You get feedback on what went wrong, and you may need to wait up to 30 days to retest.
Permit results expire
Instruction permit results are valid for 1 year. If a permit has expired for more than 30 days, you must retake the knowledge test.
After you pass
Your interim license and card
After your road test you return to the DMV to process your license, and you receive an interim paper license. All licenses and ID cards are mailed, and your license arrives within 10 business days. You can check the mailing date in a MyDMV account, using the interim document information.
Insurance
After you pass, contact your insurance agent. All licensed drivers in your household must be disclosed.
Organ donor
You can choose organ donor status at original issuance, at renewal or at a change of address. Anyone may elect to become an organ donor during the application process.
Veteran designation
When you apply, you have the opportunity to declare yourself an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces. You can do this at initial issue or at renewal by bringing a discharge document, and you sign a written release for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.
Source: [1]
Medical indicator
You can optionally have a medical indicator added to your card with a Confidential Physician Report (DLD-7).
Source: [1]
Keeping your license
How long a license lasts
Most drivers under 65 and ID card holders get an eight-year card, and it expires on the birthday. Drivers 65 and older receive a four-year license. If U.S. immigration documents prove identity, the card expires on the departure date shown on those documents and is marked "Limited Term"; if the document says "D/S", the card expires one year from issuance.
When to renew
It is your responsibility to renew on or before your expiration date. A license renewal becomes available online or in person 60 days before the due date. You may be required to pass a vision test, a knowledge test and an on-road driving skills test.
If your license has expired
A late fee may apply if your license has been expired 30 days or more. If it has been expired 1 year or more, you also have to take the written test; if it has been expired 4 years or more, you also have to take the skills test. A knowledge test may also be required if you have had three or more moving violations in the last four years or any suspension, revocation, cancellation or denial in the last four years.
Source: [19]
Renewing online
You can renew online if you are a Nevada resident, your license has not been expired more than 364 days and is not suspended, revoked or canceled, you have not changed your name, you self-certify your vision and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving ability. Online renewal prints a temporary license that is valid immediately, and the card is mailed in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you hold an instruction permit, a commercial license or a DAC, if your license has a term of less than four years, if you have had three or more moving violations in four years, or if a testing requirement applies. The DMV’s renewal page lists the age limits for online and mail renewal.
Source: [19]
Renewing by mail
Some drivers can renew by mail; the DMV’s renewal page lists who is eligible. You cannot renew by mail if you have an instruction permit, a commercial license or a DAC.
Source: [19]
Renewing in person
Instruction permits, commercial licenses and Driver Authorization Cards must be renewed in person at a DMV office. Instruction permits have annual renewals. The DMV’s teen permit page says that if a teen’s permit expires, a parent or guardian must sign a new Financial Responsibility Statement.
If you are out of state
Nevada residents temporarily living out of state and active military members can renew remotely. The handbook says Nevada does not automatically extend the license expiration date for military personnel.
Real ID at renewal
If your license already has the gold star, you already have a Real ID and keep it when you renew.
Source: [19]
Replacing a lost license
If your driver license becomes illegible, lost or stolen, apply for a duplicate immediately. You may apply online or in person. A driver license duplicate can be ordered online with a MyDMV account if your card does not expire within the next 60 days and is not suspended or revoked; commercial license duplicates are ordered in person. You can also order a duplicate in person at a DMV office by appointment, with the DMV 002 application.
Changing your address
Nevada law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving, including if you move out of state permanently. You can change your address online with MyDMV (a new card is mailed), in person at any office, or by mail with form DMV 22. The DMV does not accept address changes by email. Commercial license address changes must be made in person, and your vehicle address must be updated separately. The handbook and the DMV pages do not say the same thing about DAC address changes, so this guide leaves them out.
Changing your name
You must notify the DMV of a name change within 30 days. The name-change steps and the documents are in the Documents to bring section.
Source: [1]
Giving up a license for an ID card
You can surrender your Nevada driver license for an ID card in person at a DMV office.
Nevada ID card
Who can get one
A Nevada identification card is for Nevada residents. The minimum age is 10. You complete an application and present the same proof of residency and identity as for a driver license.
How long it lasts
An ID card is valid for eight years and expires on your birthday, unless limited-term immigration documents are used; then it expires on your departure date, or one year from issuance if no date is listed.
Source: [1]
One card only
You cannot hold both an ID card and a driver license, even if they are from different states. Issuance of an ID card automatically surrenders your driving privileges; the handbook says this does not apply to a seasonal resident ID card applicant.
Seasonal resident ID
A seasonal resident ID is for a person who is not a Nevada resident and who temporarily resides in Nevada for at least 31 consecutive days each year, keeps a temporary residence in Nevada, returns to their state of residence at least once a year and does not work in Nevada. These cards are marked to show that the holder is licensed in another state, and they are not issued to tourists from foreign countries.
Source: [22]
Official links
- Nevada DMV: Driver license and ID cards (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: License and ID fees and exemptions (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: First Nevada license, ID or DAC (which tests you need) (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Teen driving (5 steps) (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Teen instruction permit (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Driver education for teens (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Teen road test (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Get your teen license (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: New adult drivers (18+) (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Written knowledge test (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: New resident guide (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Proof of identity and residency (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Real ID (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Driver Authorization Cards (DAC) (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Appointments (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Renew your license or ID card (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Duplicate license, ID or DAC (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Name and address changes (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Nevada identification cards (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Driving schools (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Handbooks (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada Driver’s Handbook (PDF) (dmv.nv.gov)
- Parents Supervised Driving guide (PDF) (dmv.nv.gov)
- Nevada DMV: Online services (MyDMV, DriveNV) (dmv.nv.gov)
Practice-hours log · A free log for supervised driving practice: add each session, see your total and night hours, and print it. Saved only on your device.
Ready for the knowledge test?
Practice free with questions from the Nevada driver's manual.
Sources
- Nevada Driver’s Handbook (DMV 700, March 2024; printed page = PDF page) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- First Nevada License, ID or DAC (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Nevada Teen Driving (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Get a Teen Instruction Permit (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Driver Education for Teens (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Written Knowledge Test (teens) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Teen Road Test (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Get Your Teen License (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- New Adult Drivers (18+) Nevada Driver License (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Instruction Permit (18+) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Written Knowledge Test for (18+) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Take a Road Test (18+) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Get Your License (18+) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- New Resident Guide (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Proof of Identity & Residency Requirements (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Nevada Real ID (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Driver Authorization Cards (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Appointments (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Renew Your License or ID Card (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Duplicate Driver License, ID or DAC (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Name and Address Changes (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Nevada Identification Cards (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Online Services (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Driver License & ID Cards (license classes) (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- Driving Schools (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
- DMV Handbooks & Resources (dmv.nv.gov) — Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles