Beginning Drivers 18 & Older
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You must provide proof of identity and take all three tests - vision, knowledge and skills - if you have never been licensed in the U.S. or if your prior U.S. license has been expired, suspended or revoked for more than one year. See Driver License Testing for details.
Driver education is not required for beginning drivers 18 and older. If you desire instruction, see Schools for Training Drivers.
Apply for an Instruction Permit first. If granted, you will then be eligible to schedule a driving skills test and obtain a full license.
If you are under 18, see Nevada Teen Driving. If you are currently licensed in the U.S. and are moving to Nevada, see our New Resident Guide.
Nevada has three standards for proof of identity:
See Proof of Identity and Residency and choose the card that is right for you. Be sure to bring all of the required documents.
Your existing driver's license or state ID is not adequate proof of identity unless it is Real-ID compliant.
Make an appointment and apply in person at a DMV Office.
You must:
Any existing ID you may have will be hole-punched and returned to you. You will be issued an interim paper document that certifies your driving privilege.
You have the choice or whether to receive an Instruction Permit or schedule a Skills Test. An instruction permit allows you to drive with a licensed driver, 21 years or older, with at least one year of driving experience seated next to you at all times. If you choose a permit, it will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
If you choose to schedule a skills test, you will receive only an interim document until you complete the skills test. You may not drive until the test.
Fees vary depending on your age and whether you choose an instruction permit. A $25 testing fee will be charged prior to the written test and covers both the written test and the initial skills test.
If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in Nevada or another U.S. state, you must follow that state's reinstatement requirements. The DMV checks the national Problem Driver Pointer System, Social Security Online Verification and the validity of your address. See Driver License Suspensions - Out of State Issues and Answers.
Nevada does not issue licenses or ID cards to tourists. Other non U.S. citizens may, or may not, be eligible for a license or a driver authorization card depending on their specific immigration status.
Residents of most foreign countries and all U.S. territories must meet the Proof of Identity requirements and take vision, knowledge and skills tests to qualify for a driver license.
Email us before applying for a license. Please include the Status Code issued by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The type of license or ID issued is determined by immigration status.
Non citizens who possess U.S. issued immigration documents may qualify for a Real ID or a standard Nevada license or ID card. Others may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card. See Proof of Identity and Residency and choose the card that is right for you.
Non U.S. Citizens who have applied for, but not received, a Social Security number may attest to this on the driver license application. They are not required to provide proof of a Social Security number.
Canadian applicants surrendering a non-commercial Canadian driver’s license follow the same testing procedures as an applicant surrendering a license from another U.S. state. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for applicants 21 and older.
The DMV will waive the driving skills test for applicants from Taiwan who hold a valid class B Taiwan driver’s license. This applies to a Nevada Class C Non-Commercial license only.
Taiwanese nationals may apply for the waiver if they meet all of the following conditions:
Applicants must take the vision and knowledge tests and meet all other requirements including Proof of Identity and Residency.
The DMV is authorized to waive the fee for homeless persons under 25 years of age to obtain an original, renewal or duplicate driver license or ID card. You must apply in person at a DMV office and complete the declaration form.
