Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in Nevada

SUMMARY: How to Apply for a NV Driver's License

You must apply in person at a DMV office for a Nevada driver's license. You will need to:

Pass a vision exam, written knowledge test, and driving test (if you've never been licensed before).
Prove your identity and NV address.
Pay the required fees.

Keep reading for details!

Ready to get behind the wheel and out onto Nevada's open roads? Then we're ready to walk you through the process.

Continue reading this page to learn how to apply for a driver's license from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

NOTES:

If you're younger than 18 years old, please follow the instructions on our Applying for a Teen License page.
f you need a commercial driver's license, see our Applying for a New CDL page.

REAL ID Driver's Licenses in Nevada

The Nevada DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. You can choose to apply for either type of credential—the documentation needed to obtain each differs slightly. Details are below.

New to Nevada?

If you're new to Nevada, you must transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. During this process, you’ll also have the option to upgrade your license to one that is REAL ID-compliant—see the Apply for a Driver’s License section for more details.

NOTE: You do not need to obtain a NV driver's license if you are only temporarily in the state (i.e., visitors, students).

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

To transfer your out-of-state driver's license, visit a Nevada DMV office and:

Submit a completed Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form DMV 002E).
Show proof of your:
- Identity.
- Social Security number (SSN).
- Nevada residency (2 documents), certified or originals dated within the last 60 days.
  - The DMV provides a complete list of acceptable documents. Depending on the documents you present, you will be issued either a:
    - REAL ID license.
    - Standard license.
    - Driver Authorization Card.
- Name change, if applicable.
Surrender your current out-of-state driver's license or ID card.
Pass the vision test.
Pass the written knowledge exam (under 21 years old or if required). See the NV DMV website for more information.
- If you have a driver's license from another country or U.S. territory, you must also pass an on-road driving test.
Pay the required fees.

The NV DMV will mail you your driver's license. You will receive a temporary driver's license to use while you wait.

Types of Driver's Licenses in Nevada

The Nevada DMV offers different types of driver's licenses, depending on the type of vehicle you will be driving:

Non-commercial: Class A, B, and C.
- Standard.
  - Can be used for most identification purposes, but will NOT be allowed as proof of ID for domestic travel or entry into military or federal buildings past 2021.
- REAL ID.
  - These licenses may be used as identification when boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities.
- Driver Authorization Card (DAC).
  - Cannot be used for identification purposes.
Commercial driver's license (CDL).
Motorcycle license.
Instruction permit.

Apply for a Driver's License

Before you can take your driving test and obtain your full driver's license in Nevada, you must first apply for an instruction permit. Visit your local NV DMV office and:

Provide proof of your:
- Identity.
- Residency (2 documents)—must be certified or original documents dated within the last 60 days.
  - Depending on the documents you present as proof of your identity and residency, you will receive either a standard license, REAL ID license, or Driver Authorization Card.
Complete an Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form DMV 002E).
- Check the box on the form that reads "Real ID" to apply for a Nevada REAL ID license.
Pass a:
- Vision exam.
- Written knowledge exam.
Have your photo taken.
Pay the required fees.

With your instruction permit, you will be allowed to practice driving with a licensed driver who:

Is at least 21 years old.
Has been driving for at least 1 year.

Once you've passed your driving test, your driver's license will be mailed to you within 10 days.

DMV Written and Driving Tests

Before you will be issued a driver's license, you must pass both a written test and driving test.

Details for each of these are below.

Written Test
Driving Test

Written Knowledge Exam

You will be given 25 questions (multiple choice) as part of the written test. To pass, you must get at least 80% correct.

Pass the Written Test on Your First Try!

While you COULD spend hours studying the driver handbook, there's a better way to study. Utilize a free online practice test to prepare yourself for the actual format of your permit test. Plus, with rotating questions and answers, you can quiz yourself as many times as you want to make sure you pass on your first try.

Driving Exam

When you're ready to take the driving skills test, make an appointment with the NV DMV. You will need to provide your:

Social Security number.
Instruction permit number.

You will need to provide your own properly registered and insured vehicle for your road skills exam. It doesn't have to be registered in your name, but it must not be a rental car.

You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle safely. You may be asked to demonstrate that you can:

Use your signals properly when approaching a turn.
Make safe lane changes.
Stop and start your vehicle.
Drive up and down a hill.

NOTE: Driving tests are not offered at all NV DMV office locations.

Fees for a NV Driver's License

The fee for your driver's license will depend on your age and length of validity of your card. Your card may be valid for 8 years or 4 years.

Younger than 65 years old	$41.25
65 years old and older	$17.25 (valid for 4 years)
Driver Authorization Card	$23.25
Written and driving test	$25
Re-test	$10

The Nevada DMV accepts payment by:

Cash.
Check.
Money order.
Debit card.
Credit card.