Nevada driver's license renewal: the basic path
Nevada lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $60 for a five-year license, and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you have no medical conditions that need to be reported to the DMV.
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person or mail in a paper form. The in-person route is fastest if you need your license quickly; the mail route works if you have time and prefer not to visit an office. Your current Nevada driver's license, proof of residency, and payment are the main things you will need no matter which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Nevada DMV website is available if your license is not expired and you have had no address changes.
- A five-year Nevada driver's license costs $60 to renew, and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person; in-person renewal is faster if you need your license urgently.
- You will need your current Nevada driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment for whichever renewal method you choose.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to take a written test and vision test at a DMV office instead of renewing through the standard process.
Renewing online through the Nevada DMV website
Go to dmvnv.com and select the renewal option. You will need your current Nevada driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that may have changed.
Once you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact the DMV.
Renewing by mail in Nevada
read the DL 43 form (process for Driver's License or Identification Card) from the Nevada DMV website, or call the DMV at 702-486-4368 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail your form, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $60 to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you once processing is complete. Because mail can be delayed, plan ahead if you have a specific date by which you need your license. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
Renewing in person at a Nevada DMV office
Visit any Nevada DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and $60 in cash or card payment. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check dmvnv.com to see wait times before you go.
The in-person process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, and your new license will be printed on the spot. You can drive home with your new license the same day. If the office is busy, wait times can be longer, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning often means a shorter wait.
When you cannot renew through the standard process
If your Nevada driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must visit a DMV office in person. You will need to take a written test and a vision test, just as if you were getting your first license. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
If you have had a medical condition reported to the DMV, or if the DMV has flagged your record for any reason, you may also be required to renew in person. The DMV will contact you if this applies to you. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the DMV at 702-486-4368 before you try.
What to bring: documents and payment
For any renewal method, you will need your current Nevada driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box does not count as proof of residency.
Payment is $60 for a five-year license. Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards and credit cards. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing in person and do not have a card, some DMV offices accept cash, but call ahead to confirm.
Nevada DMV office locations and contact information
Nevada has DMV offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and several smaller cities. The main Las Vegas office is at 333 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89155. The main Reno office is at 405 S. Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701. You can find the full list of office locations, hours, and current wait times on dmvnv.com.
Call the Nevada DMV at 702-486-4368 for questions about your renewal, to check on the status of a mail renewal, or to confirm what documents you need. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. You can also email questions through the contact form on dmvnv.com, though phone calls are usually answered faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Nevada driver's license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Nevada, you cannot renew your Nevada license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Nevada license by mail or in person at a DMV office if you want to, but it is not required.
What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives in the mail?
If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license during the processing period. Carry your confirmation number or a copy of your mail receipt as proof that you have renewed. If you are pulled over, show the officer your confirmation number or receipt.
Can I renew my Nevada license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid fine, the DMV may place a hold on your license for other reasons. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out the status before you renew.
How long is a Nevada driver's license valid after I renew it?
A renewed Nevada driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime during the last year before it expires.
What if I need to change my name or address when I renew?
If you have changed your name, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have only changed your address, you can update it during online renewal. For mail or in-person renewal, provide your new address on the form or tell the DMV employee.