Driver Authorization Cards

    Nevada residents who cannot meet the proof of identity requirements for a driver's license or ID card may be able to obtain a Driver Authorization Card.

    DACs authorize the holder to drive a vehicle on Nevada public streets or highways and is not valid as identification to obtain any benefits, licenses or services or for federal purposes such as boarding aircraft or entering facilities where ID is required.

    Customers without a Social Security number may use MvDMV to get a duplicate DAC, change your address and more. See Online Services.

Sample iamge of an adult Driver Authorization Card

Documents You Will Need

To apply for a Driver Authorization Card, you must meet the requirements in three areas:

  • Proof of Identity
  • Translations of any documents not in English
  • Proof of Nevada Residency

All documents must be originals. We do not accept photocopies. Documents with an expiration date must be valid and unexpired.

You may provide any of the documents required for a Real ID or standard license,

OR one of the following documents:

  • U.S. Military Identification Card
  • U.S. Military Dependent Identification Card
  • DD Form 214 - "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"
  • U.S. Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Identification Card (Pyramid Lake tribe only)

OR two of the following documents:

  • A driver’s license or identification card issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or any territory of the United States
  • A driver authorization card issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or any other territory of the United States
  • A passport issued by a foreign government
  • A birth certificate issued by a foreign government
  • A consular identification card
  • Any document issued by a foreign government that the DMV determines is substantially similar to a consular identification card

Any document in a language other than English must be properly translated to English before it can be accepted. Any document translated from a foreign language to English is required to include all of the following:

  • A typed or electronically printed translation which is signed by a translator approved by the DMV
  • The full and complete translation of the entire document
  • No abstract translations will be accepted
  • A typed or electronically printed statement conveying:

      • "I, [insert translator’s full legal name], certify that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further certify that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] into the English language and that I am proficient in both languages.
      DMV Approved Translator Number______________"

See DMV Approved Translators to locate a translator in your area.

You must present two of the following documents which show your name and Nevada residential address.

Original printouts from online accounts are accepted.

Original or Certified Copy Dated Within 60 Days

  • 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
  • Record from an educational institution in Nevada which establishes enrollment or an ID card issued by the educational institution that lists the address
  • Record from a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park or campground located in Nevada indicating no fewer than 30 days of consecutive residency in this state
  • Voter registration card issued by a county clerk or county registrar of voters pursuant to NRS 293.517
  • Documentation of receipt of benefits from any State of Nevada program of public assistance
  • Leave and Earnings Statement or equivalent or successor form which indicates Nevada residency of an applicant who is a member of the military deployed outside Nevada on active duty
  • Notarized statement from the owner of a residence indicating that the applicant physically resides at the residence

Original or Certified Copy of Last-Issued Document

  • Document issued by an insurance agency or its agent, including, without limitation, an insurance card, binder or bill
  • Record, receipt or bill from a medical provider
  • Tax records other than property taxes
  • Record of property taxes assessed or paid
  • Deed of trust or other documentation of a current mortgage
  • Confidential Address Program (CAP) documents issued pursuant to NRS 217.462‑.471

DMV-Approved Forms

How to Apply

Driver Authorization Cards are issued under the same procedures as standard licenses. All of the same rules, regulations and fees apply.

You must apply in person at a DMV office and bring the required documents. Make an appointment at one of our offices.

The exact procedures depend on your age and current licensing status. Visit one of the following pages:

Residents of U.S. territories must take vision, knowledge and skills tests as outlined under Beginning or Teen Drivers. Cards are not issued to visitors or out-of-state students.

Testing

All applicants take a vision test at the DMV.

Applicants who are not currently licensed in the U.S. must take written and driving tests.

The written test is given at the time you apply. We do not make appointments for written tests.

You may make an appointment for a driving test only after you have passed the written test. Set your appointment before you leave the DMV office.

Schools

Private driving schools and instructors must be licensed by the DMV and meet minimum educational standards. See Schools for Training Drivers for licensed schools in your area.

Interpreters

Knowledge (Written) Test

An applicant who has a lack of English or Spanish language skills may use an interpreter during a written examination for a driver’s license, driver authorization card or instruction permit.

Interpreters must attest that they are approved by a governmental agency, court, educational institution, or non-profit advocacy group by presenting a letter from the approving agency and completing an "Affidavit of Oath for Interpreters" form at the DMV office. Self-certification as a DMV translator does not qualify.

The applicant must bear any cost of the interpreter’s services. Interpreters may not provide services for family members.

Skills (Drive) Test

The DMV does not allow interpreters to be present during any drive test.

Renewals

DACs are valid for four years and expire on your birthday.

The DMV will mail a renewal notice no later than 30 days prior to expiration.

Renewals must be completed at a DMV office in person. Make an appointment at one of our offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Driver Authorization Cards cost $22.25 plus an additional $25 testing fee if tests are required. Retests are $10 each. Renewals cost $22.25.

All applicants take a vision test. A written and drive test will be required if you have never been licensed in the U.S. Tests may be waived if you hold a current U.S. driver's license. See Testing.

Use MyDMV. If you do not have all of the information needed for a MyDMV account, apply in person at a DMV Office. The fee is $17.25.

There are only two differences between a DAC and a standard Nevada license. A DAC will state "Not Valid for ID" in the top portion. The blue banner will state "Driver Authorization Card" rather than "Driver License." The appearance is otherwise identical.

Check with the Highway Patrol or other law enforcement agency in each area where you will drive. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators has ruled that the DAC driving privilege should be valid in other states under national compacts and reciprocal agreements. However, each state or jurisdiction may set its own policies.

Yes. Nevada law requires residents of this state to surrender any out-of-state license or ID card in order to obtain a Nevada license or DAC. We will punch "VOID" on the card and return it to you to use until your new DAC arrives in the mail.

No. Commercial drivers must meet the proof of identity requirements for a Real ID or standard license and comply with federal commercial licensing laws. See Commercial Licensing.

If you have a license suspension or revocation in Nevada or any other U.S. state, you will not be able to obtain a DAC until the suspension or revocation is cleared.

All driver's license laws pertaining to demerit points, suspensions, revocations, insurance company reporting, etc., apply to DACs. See License Suspensions & Revocations and Demerit Point System.

Demerit points, suspensions, revocations and other driving information on your DAC will be reported to other states in the same manner as a standard license.

No. Nevada law specifically prohibits this:

    The Director shall not release any information relating to legal presence or any other information relating to or describing immigration status, nationality or citizenship from a file or record relating to a request for or the issuance of a license, identification card or title or registration of a vehicle to any person or to any federal, state or local governmental entity for any purpose relating to the enforcement of immigration laws. (NRS 481.063 Section 10)

Private businesses have the right to accept or deny a DAC. The DMV will accept the DAC as identification for Nevada DMV forms where signatures must be witnessed.

Nevada law specifies DACS are not accepted as proof of identity for any state services:

    A driver authorization card shall not be used to determine eligibility for any benefits, licenses or services issued or provided by this State or its political subdivisions. (NRS 483.291 Section 7)

DACs are also not accepted for federal purposes such as boarding aircraft or entering a federal building where identification is required.

Yes. This may be desirable if the person does not have the documents required for a driver's license but wishes to drive while obtaining them.

See Residency and Proof of Identity if you are a U.S. citizen or an immigrant with U.S. issued immigration documents.

Give the Gift of Life! One donor can save up to eight lives and heal more than 50 people.

You have the option of becoming an Organ Donor and having this listed on your driver authorization card. You may become a donor or remove the designation when the card is first issued, upon renewal or upon a change of address.

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