You need a Nevada license if you live or work in Nevada and want to drive on its streets and highways (border state employees and military members stationed here are excluded). You apply at a full-service DMV office and prove who you are and where you live.
Deadline for new residents to apply for a Nevada license after becoming a resident
Handbook p. 6 ↗To get a Nevada license you must:
- Complete an application form and visit a full-service DMV office
- Be at least 16 years old
- Prove your full legal name, age and Nevada residency
- Prove your Social Security Number, if one has been issued to you (not needed for a DAC)
How long cards are valid
| Card | Valid for |
|---|---|
| First-time license, under age 65 | 8 years; expires on your birthday |
| Driver license, age 65 and older | 4 years |
| Identification card | 8 years |
| Issued on limited-term immigration documents | Until the DHS departure date, or 1 year if none |
Know the rule
No Nevada driver license or identification card is ever valid for more than eight years (NRS 483.290).
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
Under 18? A parent who has custody, a legal guardian, or another person authorized by NRS 483.300 must co-sign your application — and shares liability for damages caused by the minor's negligence or willful misconduct while driving.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
A Nevada resident may hold only one driver's license or ID card. Surrender any card from another jurisdiction (other states, U.S. territories, foreign countries); it is voided and returned to you.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Your vision is always tested. All other tests may be waived only if ALL of these apply:
- Fewer than 3 moving violations in the past 4 years, and no suspended, revoked or canceled license
- No DUI convictions within the past 7 years
- No restrictions on your driving privilege that require evaluation
- A valid license from another state of the same class you're applying for in Nevada
- You are age 21 or older
You do not need a Nevada license if you are:
- An active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces with a valid license from your home state
- A non-resident (out-of-state student, tourist, seasonal resident) at least 16 with a valid home-state license
Know the rule
Non-residents driving in Nevada must still comply with Nevada traffic and financial responsibility laws.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
Every record is checked through the national Problem Driver Pointer System and the Commercial Driver's License Information System. If your privilege is suspended, revoked, canceled or denied in another state, you can't get a Nevada license until that's resolved — though you may qualify for an ID card.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Put it into practice
You move from Oregon to Reno at age 30 with a valid Class C license, one moving violation in four years and no DUIs. Apply within 30 days, surrender your Oregon license, and take the vision test — the other tests may be waived.