What You Need to Get a Nevada Driver's License

Nevada requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to issue a driver's license

Nevada's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver's licenses to residents who meet age, identity, and residency requirements. You cannot get a license without showing documents that prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. The process is straightforward if you have the right paperwork, but missing even one document will stop your process and require you to return another day.

Nevada does not issue licenses to non-residents, so you must be a Nevada resident to hold one. You also cannot hold a valid license from another state at the same time. If you already have a license from another state, you will need to surrender it or show proof that you have applied for cancellation before Nevada will issue yours.

Key Takeaways

You must bring one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one document proving Nevada residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return).
Nevada requires you to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs before you receive your license.
If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving before you can test for a full license.
The DMV charges a fee for each license, and the cost depends on the type of license and how long it is valid — standard licenses are valid for five or eight years.
You can renew your license by mail if you are over 21, have not had any violations, and your license has not been suspended or revoked.

Identity documents Nevada will accept

Nevada accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. Your document must show your full legal name, date of birth, and a photograph (except for birth certificates). The DMV will not accept expired documents, documents with alterations, or documents that are not in English.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a valid military ID card, a valid tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are a permanent resident, you can use your Permanent Resident Card (green card) if it is valid and shows your photograph.

If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to obtain one before the DMV can issue your license. A certified birth certificate is often the easiest to get — you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born, usually by mail or online.

Proof of Nevada residency

You must show one document that proves you live in Nevada. The document must show your name and current Nevada address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Older documents will not be accepted.

Documents the DMV accepts include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government check or benefit statement. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, you can bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there, along with the document.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address or the address of a social service agency where you receive mail. Bring a letter from the shelter or agency on their letterhead confirming your address and the dates you have been there.

Proof of Social Security number

You must show one document that displays your Social Security number. The DMV accepts an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, a tax return (federal or state), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a benefit statement from Social Security, the Veterans Administration, or another government agency.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. You will need to bring your birth certificate and proof of identity to the Social Security office. Processing usually takes two to four weeks.

Vision and knowledge testing

Before the DMV issues your license, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely — you must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The knowledge test covers Nevada traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The DMV provides a study guide online and at each office. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time.

Requirements for drivers under 18

Nevada has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You cannot get a full driver's license until you have completed a driver education course and held a learner's permit for at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night.

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old, pass the vision and knowledge tests, and have a parent or guardian sign your process. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat next to you.

Once you have completed the 50 hours of supervised driving, you can take the road test to get your full license. You must be at least 16 years old. If you pass the road test, you will receive a license with restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car for the first year.

Fees and license validity

Nevada charges different fees depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license is valid for five or eight years, and the fee depends on which you choose. A Real ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license but can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

You can pay the fee at the DMV office when you explore. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are a low-income resident, you may be able to get a fee reduction — ask at the DMV office.

Renewing your license by mail

If you are over 21, have not had any traffic violations or license suspensions in the past five years, and your license has not expired more than one year ago, you can renew by mail. You do not need to visit the DMV office or retake the tests.

To renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form (which you can read from the Nevada DMV website), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing usually takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail.

If you cannot renew by mail because of violations or suspensions, or if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit the DMV office in person and retake the vision and knowledge tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Nevada driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Nevada issues driver's licenses to permanent residents and some visa holders. You must show a valid passport with a valid U.S. visa, a Permanent Resident Card, or a work visa. Bring the same identity, residency, and Social Security documents as any other applicant. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard license, but Nevada offers an alternative identification card through the DMV.

What happens if I move to Nevada from another state?

You must get a Nevada license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Nevada residency, and your identity and Social Security documents. You will need to pass the vision test and knowledge test again. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered or you must show proof you have applied for cancellation.

How long does it take to get a Nevada driver's license?

The DMV office visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have all your documents. Processing and mailing your license takes another one to two weeks. If you fail the knowledge test and need to retake it, you may need to return another day.

Can I change my name on my driver's license without renewing it?

Yes. Bring your current license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change, and pay the name-change fee. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name. You do not need to retake the tests.

What do I do if I lose my driver's license?

Visit the DMV office and report it lost. Bring your identity and residency documents. The DMV will issue a replacement license and may charge a replacement fee. If your license was stolen, you can also file a police report, which may help if someone uses it fraudulently.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.