What you need to get a Nevada driver license

Nevada issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, prove your identity and Nevada residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

The process takes place in person at a DMV office. You cannot complete it online or by mail. Nevada has DMV locations in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Elko, and several other cities, so you will go to the one nearest you.

The whole process—from your first visit through passing both tests—usually takes a few hours if you pass on your first attempt. If you fail either test, you will need to return for a retest.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Nevada DMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to start the process.
  • Nevada requires both a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test before you receive your license.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, though 16- and 17-year-olds follow different rules than adults.
  • A Nevada driver license costs $60 for an eight-year license, and you will pay additional fees for the written and driving tests.
  • If you already hold a valid license from another state, you can transfer it to Nevada without retaking the tests.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID. A driver license from another state also works. The document must not be expired.

You also need proof that you live in Nevada. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign your process in person at the DMV.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Nevada traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous driving conditions. You can study using the Nevada DMV's free online manual, which is available on the DMV website. Many people also use the practice tests available there to prepare.

You have up to three hours to complete the written test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts.

The driving test and what happens during it

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test with a DMV examiner. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping at signs, and merging into traffic.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting one business day. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Transferring a license from another state

If you already hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to retake the written or driving tests. You can exchange it for a Nevada license by visiting a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Nevada residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

The exchange process is faster than getting a license from scratch—usually 30 minutes to an hour. You will pay the $60 license fee. Your new Nevada license will have the same expiration date as your old one, unless your old license was set to expire soon.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake both the written and driving tests. Nevada does not issue licenses to people whose previous license has been expired for more than a certain period, which varies by state.

Special rules for drivers under 18

Nevada issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and 16. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test and bring a parent or guardian to the DMV.

You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. During that time, you must follow restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no more than one passenger under 18 in the car, and no use of cell phones while driving.

At age 17, you can take the driving test and receive a provisional license. A provisional license has the same restrictions as a learner's permit. At age 18, those restrictions lift and you have a full adult license.

Costs and how long your license lasts

A Nevada driver license costs $60 and is valid for eight years. The written test costs $15 and the driving test costs $10. If you retake either test, you pay the fee again.

If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years instead of eight, and the cost is $35. You will renew it more often, but the fee per renewal is lower.

You can renew your license by mail or online if it has not been suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your address or name. If you need to renew in person, you can do so at any DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Nevada driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead. You will still need to prove your identity and Nevada residency with the same documents as anyone else.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting one business day. You will pay the $10 test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though some people find it helpful to get more practice driving or take a driver education course before trying again.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

No, it is not required. However, if you are under 18, taking an approved course can lower your car insurance rates. Some courses also let you skip the written test if you pass their final exam.

How do I renew my Nevada driver license?

If your license is not suspended and nothing major has changed, you can renew online or by mail. If you need to renew in person, visit any DMV office with proof of residency and your current license. Renewal fees are the same as the original license fee.

Can I get a Real ID driver license in Nevada?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. To get one, bring the same documents as a regular license plus an original or certified birth certificate. The Real ID license costs $5 more than a standard license.