What Nevada requires from immigrants explore for a driver license
Nevada issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent resident status. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Nevada residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts a range of documents from immigrants. Your identity can be proven with a valid passport, consular ID card, or other government-issued ID from your country of origin. For residency, you'll need documents showing you live in Nevada — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement all work. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number.
The process itself is the same as for any other applicant: you pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a road test. Nevada does not have a separate track for immigrants, and you are not required to prove how long you've been in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada issues driver licenses to immigrants of any immigration status, including people without lawful permanent residency.
- You will need proof of identity (passport or consular ID), proof of Nevada residency (utility bill or lease), and either a Social Security number or an ITIN.
- The written test, vision screening, and road test are the same for all applicants; Nevada does not have separate requirements for immigrants.
- If you don't have an ITIN yet, you can explore through the IRS before visiting the DMV, or ask the DMV about their process for applicants without a number.
Documents you'll need to bring to the DMV
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. For identity, bring a valid passport, consular ID card, or government-issued ID from your country. If your document is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation.
For residency, bring one document that shows your name and Nevada address. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your Nevada address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have neither, contact the DMV before your visit to ask about their process — some offices can work with applicants who are in the process of obtaining an ITIN.
Bring your current driver license if you have one from another state or country, even if it is expired. Bring proof of your name change if you have changed your name since your identity document was issued (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
How to get an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security number
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You can obtain one by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you had no income in that year. You can also explore directly using IRS Form W-7.
To explore for an ITIN, you will need to submit Form W-7 along with proof of identity and proof of residency. The IRS accepts the same types of documents the DMV does — a passport, consular ID, utility bill, or lease agreement. You can mail your process to the IRS or submit it in person at an IRS office or an authorized acceptance agent.
Processing an ITIN process by mail typically takes four to six weeks. If you need your ITIN quickly, contact an IRS Taxpayer information Center in Nevada to ask about in-person filing, which can sometimes be faster. Once you receive your ITIN, you can use it when you explore for your Nevada driver license.
The written test and what to expect
Nevada's written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You have one hour to complete it.
The DMV offers the written test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Korean. When you schedule your appointment or arrive at the DMV, tell them which language you need. If your language is not available, you may bring a translator, but the translator cannot be a family member or someone with a financial interest in your getting a license.
You can study for the test using the Nevada DMV's free online practice test, which is available in English and Spanish on their website. The practice test covers the same topics as the real test and gives you a sense of the question format. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in one day if you do not pass on your first attempt.
The vision screening and road test
After you pass the written test, you will have a vision screening. The DMV checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you can retake it on another day after you have seen an eye doctor.
The road test comes next. You will drive with a DMV examiner for about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and stopping. They will also observe how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to other drivers. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current.
If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another one. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you will need to pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so do not be discouraged if you do not pass the first time.
Scheduling your DMV appointment and what happens next
You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the Nevada DMV website, by phone, or by visiting a DMV office in person. Online scheduling is usually the fastest option. You will choose your nearest DMV location, select a date and time, and receive a confirmation number.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DMV staff will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fees. Current fees for a driver license are set by Nevada and vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. Ask the DMV about the current fee when you schedule.
If you pass all three parts — the written test, vision screening, and road test — you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued.
Special situations: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other statuses
If you have DACA status, you can obtain a Nevada driver license using the same process as any other applicant. Bring your DACA approval notice or employment authorization document (EAD) as proof of identity if you prefer, though a passport or consular ID also works.
If you are in the United States on a visa — such as an H-1B, F-1, or L-1 visa — you can also obtain a Nevada driver license. Bring your passport and visa, along with your I-94 arrival/departure record (which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website) or your I-20 form if you are a student.
Nevada does not distinguish between applicants based on immigration status during the licensing process. The same documents, tests, and fees explore to everyone. If you have questions about whether your specific immigration status affects your ability to get a license, contact the Nevada DMV directly before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a permanent resident or citizen to get a Nevada driver license?
No. Nevada issues driver licenses to immigrants of any immigration status, including people without lawful permanent residency or U.S. citizenship. You need proof of identity, proof of Nevada residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN — that is all.
What if my identity document is not in English?
Bring the original document and a certified English translation. A certified translation is one prepared by a professional translator and stamped as accurate. Many translation services in Nevada can provide certified translations, and some DMV offices can direct you to one.
Can I use my consular ID card instead of a passport?
Yes. Nevada accepts consular ID cards as proof of identity. Your consular ID must be valid and government-issued. If it is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
What if I don't have a Social Security number or ITIN yet?
Contact the Nevada DMV before your appointment to ask about their process. Some offices can work with applicants who are in the process of obtaining an ITIN. You can also explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting the DMV — the process takes four to six weeks by mail.
Can I bring a family member to translate during the road test?
No. If you need a translator during the written test, the DMV can provide one in several languages. For the road test, you cannot use a family member or anyone with a financial interest in your getting a license. If your language is not available through the DMV, contact them in advance to discuss your options.