What are the Requirements for a Nevada Driver’s License?

A driver’s license provides an unparalleled level of freedom and responsibility, allowing you to travel where you want, whenever you want. 

Obtaining your license, no matter what age you are, is a significant life milestone, and the focus is often on getting the best from your lessons or passing your test. However, before you embark on lessons, you must apply for your driver’s license from the Nevada DMV.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the licensing process, covering what the requirements are for obtaining a license, what paperwork you need to collect and present, what tests you’ll need to pass, and how to renew or replace your driver’s license if it expires or is lost.

Age Requirements

In order to apply for a Nevada driver’s license, you need to be a minimum of 16 years old. You must also have had your learner’s permit for at least six months. You must bring proof of identity to verify your age when applying for your driver’s license. 

Teens in Nevada are eligible to apply for their learner permit at the age of 15½. In order to obtain your learner’s permit, you must complete an online written test based on the DMV driver’s handbook. 

Proof of Identity and Residency

As part of the licensing process, you must prove that you are a legal resident of Nevada by providing a license, permit, or ID issued in compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005. You will also need proof of a Social Security number and two documents that show evidence of your Nevada residential address.

These documents can include:

• Receipt for the rent or lease of a residence
• Lease of a residence on which the applicant appears as the lessee
• Record from a public utility for a service address
• Bank or credit card statement
• Employment check stub
• Document from a state or federal court
• Record, receipt, or bill requesting payment

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may still be eligible for a Nevada driver’s license. You must present evidence of your immigration status, such as an I-20 form, a DS-2019, or other immigration documents during your application. Non-U.S. Citizens who have applied for, but not received, a Social Security number should indicate this on their application.

Social Security Number and Legal Presence

A social security number is crucial to validating your identity when applying for a driver’s license in Nevada. Proof of your social security number must be provided during the application and can include any of the following:

• W-2
• IRS Form 1099
• Printed pay stub
• Social Security Card

At the same time, you are required to provide proof of your legal presence in the United States and Nevada, in particular. This can include any of the following:

• Valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card
• U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

Vision and Medical Requirements

Before being granted a Nevada driver’s license, applicants must pass a vision test to assess their ability to drive in low-light conditions. The minimum level of acceptable vision for full driving privileges is 20/40.

If you require eyeglasses or contact lenses to reach this standard of vision, your license will be marked with ‘Restriction B.’ Depending on the results of your vision examination, you may be restricted to driving during daylight hours only, required to submit a yearly examination, or even denied a driver’s license.

Knowledge Test

The next step in obtaining your license is to pass the online written knowledge test. The Nevada knowledge test for a Class C, non-commercial license comprises 25 multiple-choice questions. You will need to score 80 percent or better to pass the test. This test can be taken at home or in any DMV office and is available in both English and Spanish.

Practice tests are available through the Nevada DMV website and are invaluable in ensuring you hit the 80 percent passing grade you need. There is a $25 fee for taking the knowledge and skills test for the first time and a $10 for all retests.

Road Test (Behind-the-Wheel Examination)

Also known as the skills test, the behind-the-wheel examination assesses your ability to drive by the rules of the road and how much you have learned during your driving lessons. If you are under 18, you must present a driver’s education Certificate of Completion and a Beginning Driver Experience Log before starting your test. 

Tests are administered by appointment and must be scheduled in advance. You can schedule your test online or by calling the following numbers:

• Las Vegas Area – (702) 486-4368
• Reno/Sparks/Carson City – (775) 684-4368

The driving skills test will assess your knowledge of the rules and regulations of the road and your ability to complete the following maneuvers:

• Observing right of way
• Stopping quickly
• Reversing
• Following at a safe distance
• Maintaining your lane
• Passing maneuvers
• Parking and parallel parking

Fees and Payment Options

As mentioned, the first time you take your test, both written and behind the wheel, there is a fee of $25. If you need to book any retests, this will cost $10 per retest. These fees can be paid online or at any DMV center when the tests are booked.

IX. Licensing for New Residents and Transfers

If you are moving to the Silver State, Nevada law requires new residents to change their license or ID within 30 days of relocating. However, you can quickly transfer your license at your local Nevada DMV. 

To transfer your license, you will need to present the following documents:

• Proof of Identity 
• Proof of All Name Change(s) if your current legal name differs from the Proof of Identity 
• Proof of Social Security number 
• Evidence of your Nevada residential address (two documents) 
• Your Existing State-Issued License, Permit, or ID Card

You must also complete an Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card in advance. Many of the documents above are the same as those needed to apply for a new driver’s license.

Unfortunately, there is no way to transfer a driver’s license from another country to a US driver’s license. Nevada does not grant tourists driving licenses, and immigrants must take the same tests as those applying for a new driving license. 

Renewing and Replacing a Nevada Driver’s License

The standard Nevada driver’s license expires every eight years. To renew your license, you will need to attend your local DMV with a completed renewal application form and the following documentation:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of address (2 documents)

The renewal fee is $42.25 for an 8-year license or $23.25 for a 4-year or limited-term permit. If your license expired more than 31 days ago, an additional $10 late fee is levied.

If you have lost or damaged your license, you can order a duplicate license or ID online with a MyDMV account as long as you fulfill the following requirements:

• You cannot replace a commercial driver’s license (CDL) online 
• Your address can not have changed
• The license you are trying to replace must be valid for at least 60 more days
• The permit must be valid, meaning that it cannot be a suspended license or a revoked license

You can also change your personal information at your local DMV or through your MyDMV account.

Start Earning Your License Today

With this guide in hand, you’ll have all the information you need to apply for your Nevada driver’s license. However, before you hit the road, you’ll need to have completed an approved 30-hour driver education course. 

Finding the right driving instructor can make a huge difference in how quickly you can pass your test and how enjoyable the process is. Northwest Driving School’s instructors take a learner-first approach to your lessons, putting your needs first and ensuring you are 100% confident before taking your final test.