Nevada driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

Nevada lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your photo.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have changed your address or name since your last renewal, and whether you need a new photo. Nevada does not require you to retake the written or driving test during renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have certain medical conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Nevada DMV website works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal; you will receive your new license by mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to update your address, name, or photo.
  • Nevada driver's licenses are valid for eight years for most adults and five years for drivers under 21.
  • You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Nevada.

Online renewal through the Nevada DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no appointment. You go to the Nevada DMV website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about your current information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

You can only use online renewal if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not want a new photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

The online renewal fee is the same as in-person renewal. As of 2024, a standard eight-year license renewal costs $60. You cannot use online renewal if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you have a medical condition that requires DMV review.

Mail renewal for unchanged information

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access — your address, name, and photo must all stay the same. You request a renewal form from the Nevada DMV by phone at 775-684-4DMV (775-684-4368) or through the DMV website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license faster, do not use mail renewal — go to a DMV office instead.

Mail renewal is useful if you live far from a DMV office, have a busy schedule, or prefer not to visit in person. However, if you need to change your address, name, or photo, you cannot use this method.

In-person renewal at a Nevada DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You can walk in to any Nevada DMV office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait time.

Bring your current driver's license or expired license, proof of Nevada residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address.

At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer questions about your medical history and driving record, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Documents and fees you will need

For any renewal method, you need to pay the renewal fee. A standard eight-year license renewal costs $60 as of 2024. A five-year renewal for drivers under 21 costs $40. These fees are subject to change; check the Nevada DMV website for current rates.

For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired driver's license and proof of Nevada residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address.

For online or mail renewal, you do not need to bring or mail any documents — just your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity online, or your completed form and payment by mail.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Nevada driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Most adult licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Licenses for drivers under 21 are valid for five years. You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires, which gives you a six-month window to start the process.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Nevada. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license is expired, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and driving test.

If you are renewing close to your expiration date, use online renewal or visit a DMV office in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, so if your license expires in less than three weeks, do not use mail renewal.

Nevada DMV office locations and hours

Nevada has DMV offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and several other cities. The main Las Vegas office is located at 333 West Nye Street, Las Vegas, NV 89155. The main Reno office is at 405 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.

You can find the full list of office locations, hours, and services on the Nevada DMV website. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. If you do not have an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day. Early morning visits typically have shorter wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Nevada license if it expired more than five years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. You must go to a DMV office in person. You may be required to retake the written test and driving test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

You can keep your current photo if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a DMV office, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your address changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No, commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Nevada DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.