Moving to Nevada? Here's what to know about getting your license
If you're new to Nevada, you'll typically need to transfer your out-of-state license within a set time window. The fees, identification documents, and whether you need to retake the knowledge test depend on where you're coming from.
Documents you'll need
- Acceptable identity documents
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Present one unexpired original or certified copy of: a state-issued birth certificate, a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card, a Nevada Department of Corrections identification card (not valid for Real ID), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), or a driver license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state bearing a Real ID marking. If born outside the U.S., a Certificate of Naturalization (N-550) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560) is acceptable. Permanent Residents may use a Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 stamped 'Processed for I-551' (expired I-94 requires a Notice of Action I-797 showing an approved extension). Limited-term residents may use an Employment Authorization Card (I-766) or a valid foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa and an I-94 (with I-797 if the I-94 is expired); cards issued from limited-term documents will be marked 'Limited Term.' Hospital-issued birth certificates, out-of-state licenses without Real ID marking, foreign birth certificates, border crossing cards, and consular identification cards are not accepted as proof of name and age.
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Documents You Will Need, pp. 8-9
- Acceptable residency documents
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Present two documents reflecting a Nevada residential address. Dated within 60 days: rent or lease receipts, a residence lease showing you as lessee, public utility records, bank or credit card statements, employment check stubs, court documents, bills or receipts requesting payment, Nevada educational institution records or student IDs, hotel/motel/RV park/campground records showing 30 or more consecutive days of residency, voter registration cards issued under NRS 293.517, public-assistance documentation, military Leave and Earnings Statements (for deployed members), or notarized statements from a residence owner. Last-issued versions accepted: insurance agency documents (card, binder, or bill), tax records other than property taxes, property tax records, deed of trust or mortgage documentation, or Confidential Address Program documents under NRS 217.462-.471. Department-approved forms DMV 005 (Certification of Nevada Residency), DMV 115 (Relief Agency or Shelter Certification), and DMV 116 (Property Owner Residency Affidavit) are also accepted. A parent or guardian of an applicant under 18 may sign a DMV-approved form verifying that the applicant lives at their address.
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Proof of Nevada Residency, p. 11
- SSN proof requirements
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Present one original document showing your full Social Security Number: your Social Security Card, a W-2 with the full SSN, an IRS Form 1099, or a paystub with your full legal name. Handwritten paystubs are not accepted. Alternative documents may be approved by the Department with supervisory approval but are not allowed for Real ID issuance.
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Evidence of Social Security Number, p. 9
- Vision test required at issuance
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yes
Fees to expect
- Learner permit fee
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$22.25
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Fees (Under Age 65), p. 23
- Knowledge test fee
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$25.00
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Fees (Testing), p. 23
- Skills (road) test fee
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$25.00
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Fees (Testing), p. 23
- First-time license fee
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$41.25
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Fees (Under Age 65), p. 23
- Renewal fee
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$41.25
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Fees (Under Age 65), p. 23
- Non-driver ID card fee
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$21.25
Source: Nevada Driver's Handbook (March 2024), Chapter 1, Fees (Identification Card Fees, Age 18-64), p. 23
About the knowledge test
- Test format
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Nevada administers the knowledge test on automated testing equipment at the DMV, but a paper version is also available. If you have trouble reading or understanding the written test, you can request an oral examination instead, and the Basic Class C and motorcycle tests are offered in Spanish as well as English.
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