How to Renew Your Nevada Driver's License

Nevada renewal options depend on your age and how long your license has been expired

Nevada lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how old you are, and whether you need to update your address or photo. If your license expired less than one year ago, you have the most options. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person.

The Nevada DMV charges $60 for a standard five-year renewal. If you are 65 or older, a five-year renewal costs $42. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on which renewal method you choose.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Nevada DMV website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the DMV address in Carson City.
In-person renewal at any Nevada DMV office is required if your license expired more than one year ago, and you can walk in without an appointment at most locations.
You must renew in person if you are changing your address, need a new photo, or want to add or remove endorsements like motorcycle or commercial driving privileges.
Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Renew online if your license expired less than one year ago

The Nevada DMV online renewal system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license has been expired for less than one year, you are under 65 years old, and you do not need to change your address or photo. You will need your current Nevada driver's license number and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $60 fee.

Go to the Nevada DMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and driving record. You will not take a new photo during online renewal—your existing photo will be used on your new license. Once you submit your process and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks.

Renew by mail for a slower but hands-off process

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need a new photo or address change. You will need to complete Form DL 43, which you can read from the Nevada DMV website or request by phone. Include your current license, the completed form, and a check for $60 (made out to the Nevada DMV) in an envelope.

Mail your packet to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, 333 West Nye Lane, Carson City, NV 89706. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation that your mail was received, so consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process.

Renew in person at a Nevada DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you want to add or remove endorsements. You can walk into any Nevada DMV office without an appointment. The main office is in Carson City, but there are branch offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and other cities. Check the Nevada DMV website for the office nearest you and its hours.

Bring your current license, proof of Nevada residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $60 in cash, check, or card. If you are 65 or older, bring proof of age. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year

Nevada treats licenses expired for more than one year as invalid, so you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal—bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $60—but the DMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired and your age.

Call the Nevada DMV before you go to ask whether you need to take a test. If you do, you will need to study the Nevada Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. The test takes about 15 minutes. If you pass, your renewal is processed when ready and your new license is mailed within two weeks.

Address changes and photo updates during renewal

If you are moving within Nevada or need a new photo, you must renew in person. You cannot change your address or get a new photo through online or mail renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment.

The DMV will take a new photo at no extra cost as part of the renewal process. If you are not happy with the photo, you can request a retake, but you may have to pay a small fee. Your new license with the updated address and photo will be mailed within two weeks.

Temporary licenses and driving while you wait

If you renew in person, you can ask for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This lets you drive legally while your new plastic license is being mailed. If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

If your license is already expired and you have not yet renewed, you are not permitted to drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fines. Renew as soon as possible, either online (if may be able to access), by mail, or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Nevada license if I moved out of state?

No. Nevada only renews licenses for people who still live in Nevada. If you have moved, you must get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Nevada license by mail or in person at a DMV office.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. Go to a DMV office in person and bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of Nevada residency. The DMV will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old one was still valid.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

All renewal methods result in your new license being mailed within two weeks of approval. Online and in-person renewals are processed faster than mail renewals, but the mailing time is the same. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the DMV office.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person or if you request a new photo. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will need to go to a DMV office instead.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

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.