How to Renew Your Nevada Driver's License

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

Nevada lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired by more than five years, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to change your address or name.

Nevada residents can renew up to 60 days before their license expires or up to five years after it expires. The state does not require you to pass a written test or vision test when you renew, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or the DMV has a specific reason to require one.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Nevada DMV website costs $20 and takes minutes if your license is not expired and you don't need a Real ID.
Mail renewal costs $20 and takes two to three weeks; you'll need to send your current license and a completed process to the DMV.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a Real ID, or if you're changing your address or name.
Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of identity, proof of Nevada residency, and a Social Security number verification — online and mail renewal cannot process these.
Nevada DMV offices are located in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Elko, and Winnemucca; appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

Online renewal through the Nevada DMV website

The Nevada DMV website allows you to renew your license online if your license is currently valid (not expired), you have a Social Security number on file, and you don't need a Real ID. The process takes about five minutes. You'll need your current Nevada driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $20.

After you complete the online form and pay, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail.

Mail renewal with a paper process

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from the Nevada DMV website or request one by phone at 775-684-4DMV (775-684-4368). Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Nevada DMV.

The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. This method takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Do not mail cash. If you're changing your address, write the new address clearly on the process form. If you're changing your name, you'll need to include a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) — mail renewal cannot process name changes without this document.

In-person renewal at a Nevada DMV office

Visit a Nevada DMV office in person if your license has expired by more than five years, if you need a Real ID, or if you're changing your name or address and want to do it when ready. Nevada has five DMV offices: Las Vegas (on South Eastern Avenue), Reno (on South Virginia Street), Carson City (on North Carson Street), Elko (on Idaho Street), and Winnemucca (on Melarkey Street). You can find the exact addresses and hours on the Nevada DMV website.

Bring your current driver's license (or an expired license if yours has been expired for more than five years), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Nevada residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring the certified document that shows the change. The renewal fee is $20 in person. Most offices accept walk-ins, but appointments are recommended and can be scheduled on the Nevada DMV website.

Real ID renewal requirements and timeline

If you want a Real ID-compliant driver's license, you must renew in person. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Nevada began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and the federal government requires a Real ID or passport to board a domestic flight as of May 2025.

To get a Real ID license, bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Nevada residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The fee is $20, the same as a standard renewal. Processing takes about 10 business days, and the DMV will mail your Real ID license to your address on file.

What to do if your Nevada license has expired

Nevada allows you to renew your license up to five years after it expires. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person using the same process as a current license holder. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot drive on an expired license, so do not delay.

When you renew an expired license in person, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written test, depending on how long it has been expired and the reason for the expiration. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal. The fee remains $20.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're changing your address, you can do so during online renewal by updating your address on the DMV website before you complete the transaction. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the process form. For in-person renewal, tell the DMV staff your new address when you submit your process.

If you're changing your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal cannot process name changes. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name and mail it to your address on file within 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Nevada driver's license if I live out of state?

No. Nevada requires you to be a Nevada resident to hold a Nevada driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Nevada resident, you can renew by mail or online if you're may be able to access.

What happens if I drive on an expired license?

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Nevada and can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Do I need to take a new photo for license renewal?

For online and mail renewal, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit at no extra cost.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Nevada does not suspend your license solely for unpaid traffic fines, so you can renew. However, if your license has been suspended for another reason (such as a DUI conviction or failure to maintain insurance), you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Nevada DMV to check your license status.

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.