What you need to bring to the DMV
Nevada requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you go to the DMV. You do not need to gather every document listed below — you need one from each category. Bringing more than one from each category will not speed up the process, but it can help if one document is rejected.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth, or a military ID. If you are under 21, you can also bring a school ID issued by a Nevada school. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement. The document must show your current Nevada address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, will be accepted.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving you live in Nevada, and one showing your Social Security number before you visit the DMV.
- The written test covers Nevada traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Nevada Driver's Handbook online for free before you go.
- The vision test measures whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the DMV.
- You will take a driving test with a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle, and the test takes about 30 minutes.
- A standard Nevada driver's license costs $60 and is valid for eight years; you can renew it by mail or online before it expires.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written test on Nevada traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages; ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.
The Nevada Driver's Handbook, available free on the Nevada DMV website, covers everything the test asks about. It explains right-of-way rules, speed limits, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass; there is no limit on retakes, though you will pay a small fee each time.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Many DMV locations let you take the test on a computer, which shows you your score when ready.
The vision test and what happens if you do not pass
The DMV will test your vision to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. The test checks how clearly you can see objects at a distance and whether you have any blind spots. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test measures your vision with your correction in place, not without it.
If you do not pass the vision test, the DMV will not issue you a license until you see an eye doctor and bring back a form signed by the doctor saying your vision is safe for driving. This form is called a medical report or vision report. You pay for the eye exam yourself; the DMV does not cover it. Once you bring the signed form back, you can continue with the rest of the licensing process.
The driving test: what to expect and how it works
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. You will drive your own vehicle if you bring one, or you can use a DMV vehicle if you do not have access to a car. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you start.
During the test, the examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe habits like checking your mirrors, signaling before you turn, and maintaining a safe speed. You will be asked to perform a three-point turn or parallel park, depending on which DMV office you visit.
If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, though you will pay a fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Cost and how long the license lasts
A standard Nevada driver's license costs $60 and is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, and you will need to renew it at that time. The renewal fee is the same as the initial license fee.
You can renew your license before it expires by mail or online through the Nevada DMV website, as long as your vision and medical status have not changed. If you renew online or by mail, you do not have to visit the DMV office or retake any tests. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will have to go back to the DMV in person and retake the written and driving tests.
Where to go and how to find your nearest DMV office
Nevada has DMV offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and several smaller cities. You can find the address and hours of your nearest office on the Nevada DMV website. Some offices are busier than others; offices in smaller cities often have shorter wait times than those in Las Vegas or Reno.
You do not need to make an appointment at most Nevada DMV offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Check the Nevada DMV website to see if your local office takes appointments.
What to do if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must have written permission from a parent or guardian before the DMV will issue you a license. The parent or guardian must sign a form in front of a DMV staff member. You cannot sign the form yourself, and a photocopy of a parent's signature will not be accepted.
Drivers under 18 in Nevada receive a restricted license rather than a standard license. A restricted license means you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, until you turn 18. These restrictions are printed on your license card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Nevada DMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Vietnamese. Call your local DMV office or check the Nevada DMV website to confirm which languages are available at your location. You may need to request a translator when you arrive.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Each retake costs a fee. Most people pass within two or three attempts. The examiner will tell you which skills you need to practice before your next test.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?
You do not have to bring your Social Security card. You can bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. Any one of these documents will work as proof of your Social Security number.
Can I renew my license online?
Yes, if your license has not been expired for more than one year and your vision and medical status have not changed. You can renew online through the Nevada DMV website. If your license has been expired longer than one year, you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written and driving tests.
What happens if I move to a different address in Nevada?
You must update your address with the Nevada DMV within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the Nevada DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You do not need to retake any tests or pay a fee to change your address.