License Renewal in Nevada

Renew Your Driver's License in Nevada

Every so often, you'll need to renew your NV driver's license when it is near its expiration date (or in some cases, expired). Fortunately, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes the process fairly simple. You'll just need to take a few steps to get your driver's license renewed.

For information about other types of driver's licenses or permits, please see our other pages:

Continue reading this page to learn how to renew your regular, non-commercial NV driver's license.

Nevada REAL ID Driver's License

The Nevada DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.

You have the option to get a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant license upon renewal, though the DMV highly encourages you to obtain a REAL ID. For further details, visit the DMV's guide to NV REAL IDs.

When to Renew Your NV Driver's License

NOTE: If you have moved to a new address and need to renew your Nevada driver's license, you'll need to update your address with the NV DMV first.

Nevada has transitioned so that most driver's licenses are valid for 8 years. Licenses for certain individuals including those with medical conditions and sex offenders must be renewed annually. Consult the NV DMV's list of shorter-term licenses to find out if yours qualifies.

Your license will indicate when you need to renew and you may have the option of renewing in person, by mail, by kiosk, or online.

If you're not sure whether your license is valid, check your driving record.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If you are in need of a duplicate Nevada driver's license, you may be able to renew it instead of replacing it. Contact your local NV DMV office before proceeding.

To learn how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Nevada, visit our Replacing a Lost License page.

Expired Driver's License

If your Nevada driver's license has been expired for 30 days or less, you can still renew it by mail or in person (see “Renew Your Nevada Driver's License" below). If your driver's license has been expired for 31 days, you can renew it in person at a NV DMV office  or by mail (Contact the DMV to make sure you qualify). You must pay an additional $10 late fee. 

Remember, don't drive with an expired license.

If it has been 1 year or longer since your Nevada driver's license was valid, you will need to re-take the written test. If it has been 4 years or longer, you'll need to re-take the road test also. If you had a REAL ID license and it is expired more than 1 year you may be required to show all of the identity and residency documents again.

If you are out of state when you receive your renewal notice, your driver's license can be renewed by mail, as long as you meet certain requirements (see “ Renew Your Nevada Driver's License" below). You will still have to pay the $10 late fee.

Renew Your Nevada Driver's License

Upgrading to a REAL ID license?

If you'd like to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license when you renew, you'll need to do so in person so that you can show the required proofs of identity and residency. Don't worry—you'll only have to bring these once!

You can renew your NV driver's license online, by mail, and in person* at your local Nevada DMV office. If you are going to be outside of NV you can renew your license early.

To renew online, by kiosk, or by mail, you must have a renewal notice that states you may renew online, by mail, or using a DMV kiosk. You may not have more than 3 moving violations or have had a driver's license suspension, revocation, or cancellation within the last 4 years.

* NOTE: You must renew in person if you need to make a name change or you're upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license. For more information, read our page about Changing Your Name.

Online

To renew your NV driver's license online:

  • Your license must not be expired.
  • You must have a renewal notice with an access code.
  • You may NOT be upgrading from a standard license to a REAL ID license.

You can renew by visiting the Nevada DMV website and:

  • Enter the required access code found on your renewal notice.
    • Contact the NV DMV office directly if you did not receive a notice.
  • Pay your NV driver's license renewal fee:
    • 8 years: $41.25.
    • Drivers 65 years old and older (4 years): $17.25.

Your renewed NV driver's license will arrive in the mail. If you don't receive it, you can check the status of your renewed license by contacting the Nevada DMV.

By Mail

If you're out of state, call  (775) 684-4830 or (877) 368-7828 to see if you're eligible to renew by mail.

If eligible, you will need to send payment for your renewal fee.

  • You can send a check, money order, or Credit/Debit Card Authorization (Form ADM-205). Do NOT send cash.
  • See “Fees to Renew Your NV Driver's License" below for specific details.

For more details, please see “Out-of-State Residents and Military" below.

In Person

In-person renewal is required for REAL ID upgrades and recommended if you are not renewing early, have multiple transactions, or not eligible to renew online, by kiosk, or by mail.

If you received a postcard from the NV DMV requesting you to renew your license in person, you must visit your local DMV office. If you're a military member on active duty, you may be exempt from this rule.

To renew your driver's license in person, you'll need to:

  • Visit your nearest Nevada DMV office.
  • Bring your expiring NV driver's license.
    • You will only need additional documentation if
      • You need to show immigration status.
      • You're upgrading to a REAL ID (see the required documents list for details).
  • Pass a knowledge test and driving skills test, if you have been convicted of more than 3 moving violations, or received a suspension, cancellation, or revocation within the past 4 years.
  • Pay the required driver's license renewal fee:
    • See “Fees to Renew Your NV Driver's License" below for specific details.

You will receive a temporary driver's license, and the Nevada DMV will punch a hole in your expiring license. You will receive your new driver's license by mail.

Out-of-State Residents & Military

NV Residents Out of State

If you are unable to renew your NV driver's license in person due to living outside of the state temporarily, you may be able to renew by mail. See Renew Your Nevada Driver's License above.

Military License Renewals

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you're in the armed forces (or a spouse or dependent of a military member), the Nevada DMV does not grant automatic license extensions while you are deployed or stationed out of state. It DOES allow you to renew by mail continually during your absence. If you have a renewal notice with an Internet access code, the DMV encourages you to renew online.

To renew by mail, follow the steps listed above, AND include a copy of your Leave and Earnings Statement or federal employment record.

If your license expires while you're away, you may be eligible to renew by mail up to 2 years after its expiration date.

For more details, you'll need to contact the NV DMV.

Fees to Renew Your NV Driver's License

The amount you'll need to pay for your driver's license renewal depends on your age.

If you're:

  • Under 65 years old, you may renew for 8 years for $41.25.
  • 65 years old and older, you may renew for 4 years for $22.25.

Accepted Payment Methods

The Nevada DMV accepts the following payment methods, depending on how you opt to renew your driver's license:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Credit/debit card.

Be sure to contact your local Nevada DMV office for specific details on how to pay your fees.

Forms

ADM-205
Credit/Debit Card Authorization
You may need to complete this authorization form to submit a credit/debit card payment to the NV Department of Motor Vehicles.
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