Read this page carefully to ensure you have everything you need to make your trip to the DMV a success!
Several states require former residents to return license plates. Others have fines or penalties if you fail to notify them of your move. See 50 State DMV Links.
Avoid repeat visits! Make sure you have all necessary documents. Contact us in advance with any questions. You can transfer your driver's license and vehicle registrations in one visit.
See Disabled Parking for handicapped plates and placards.
See Proof of Identity & Residency for lists of acceptable documents. You must bring original or certified copies of all of the following:
All applicants take the vision test. Drivers under age 21 are required to take the knowledge test.
You may be exempt from knowledge and skills tests if you are age 21 and older, currently hold a valid license from the U.S., a U.S. territory or Canada, and none of the requirements below apply.
Drivers who have never been licensed or those who currently hold a license from most foreign countries must take knowledge (written) and skills (driving) tests. See Beginning Drivers 18 and Older or Nevada Teen Driving.
Drivers who have misplaced their actual license may be required to take the knowledge and skills tests if the DMV cannot verify their licensing status.
Transferring drivers will be required to take the knowledge test if any of the following conditions exist:
All applications are checked through the national Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). If your license is currently suspended, revoked, or canceled in another state, see Driver License Suspensions.
You must bring all of the following to register a car, truck, RV or motorcycle. Most trailers must be registered and titled,
See Other Vehicle Types below for trailers, boats, off-highway vehicles, etc.
Any vehicle or trailer which has never been registered or titled in Nevada must be inspected. Inspections are done at all DMV offices.
At the offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas and Reno, drive to the VIN inspection station outside the main DMV building first. No appointment is required. You may complete your VIN inspections in advance of your DMV appointment.
At rural offices, look for signs directing you to a VIN inspection station. If there is no station, the inspection is completed during the registration process. Go into the office first.
VIN inspections may also be completed by a sworn law enforcement officer, or at any participating business authorized by the Department in accordance with NRS 482.220, using the Vehicle Inspection Certificate (VP 015). Mopeds are inspected using the Moped Registration Application/Inspection (VP 30).
The DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders for the exact amount due, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Out-of-state checks are accepted with the approval of a supervisor.
Fees vary by age and the type of card. See Driver's License Fees.
Most Nevada driver's licenses are valid for 8 years and cost $41.25. Licenses issued to those 65 and older are valid for 4 years and cost $17.25. A motorcycle endorsement transfer is an additional $5.
A $25 testing fee applies for knowledge and skills testing.
Have your VIN or MSRP ready and use our Online Fee Estimate (Estimate only - total fees will be slightly higher). Nevada charges a basic Registration Fee and Governmental Services Taxes based on the value of your vehicle. See Registration Fees for a breakdown.
Expired registrations are subject to late fees. We do not give credits or refunds of other states' fees.
Standard license plates are $7 per pair. VIN inspections are $1 each. A title with no change in ownership is $20.
County Assessors can approve exemptions on vehicle Governmental Services Tax for many veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses and the blind. You must present a tax exemption statement from the assessor's office when registering your vehicle. Contact your County Assessor for specific requirements and contacts.
Active duty military members who are residents of another state but stationed in Nevada qualify for Governmental Services Tax exemptions. Spouses qualify as well. See Military Licensing for information and forms.
Native American tribal members who reside on tribal lands also qualify for exemptions. They must have the Application for Governmental Services Tax Exemption (VP 154) signed by the Tribal Chairperson.
No tax exemptions are based on age or the size/value of the vehicle.
| Print-Friendly Checklists | ||
|---|---|---|
| Driver License/ID: | English | Spanish |
| Driver Authorization Card (DAC): | English | Spanish |
See DMV Offices to find a location near you. Our technicians process non-commercial driver's license and registration transactions at the same time in a single visit.
Make sure you have all of the required documents such as proof of identity, your existing driver's license and vehicle registration, Nevada Evidence of Insurance, smog check, current odometer reading, etc.
Bring your existing license plates into the office with you. We do not loan tools.
Make an appointment! DMV offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas and Reno offer appointments.
Arrive early to complete your VIN inspection or complete multiple VIN inspections in advance.
If your license or registration will expire before your appointment, print the confirmation the email and carry that with you to present to law enforcement. You may also obtain a vehicle movement permit without an appointment at any DMV office.
Rural offices are walk-in based and do not set appointments. Urban area customers are discouraged from driving to rural offices for service. They may be turned away if the offices are at their maximum service capacity.
Several County Assessors in remote areas offer vehicle registration services. You must visit a DMV office to receive a driver's license or ID.
Commercial drivers must transfer their license at a CDL Office.
Vehicles 26,001 pounds and heavier are registered through the Motor Carrier Division.
Businesses which operate a fleet of 10 or more vehicles may register them through Fleets.
All licenses and ID cards are mailed. You can track your card through a MyDMV account after you have applied. Sign up using the information from the interim document issued at the DMV office.
Trailers are exempt from insurance, odometer and emission requirements but are otherwise registered and titled in the same manner as motor vehicles.
Trailers may be registered for one year or three years.
Towable tools (air compressors, tow dollies, cement mixers, etc.) do not have to be registered unless they exceed 70 inches in width.
If your former state does not register and/or title trailers, contact us for an explanation of requirements.
Motorcycles are registered and insured under the same procedures as cars and trucks. See Motorcycles & Trimobiles.
Mopeds 50cc or less, with less than 2 horsepower, must be registered but you do not need insurance or a Class M license. Mopeds over 50cc are considered motorcycles. See Mopeds.
Riders on motorcycles, trimobiles and mopeds are required to wear helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Eye protection or a windscreen is also required.
Off-highway vehicles, ATV's, non-street-legal motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc. must be registered.
Applications are accepted by mail only and decals are issued by mail only.
Water vessels are registered and titled by the Nevada Division of Wildlife.
Trailers are registered by the DMV.
You must be a Nevada resident and provide a Nevada street address to obtain a driver license. You may not hold licenses or ID cards from multiple states.
Active duty military members, their spouses, dependents and others living temporarily in Nevada are not required to transfer their license and registration.
Licenses are not issued to visitors. Foreign nationals may or may not be eligible for a license or a driver authorization card depending on their specific immigration status. Contact us for details and see Residency and Proof of Identity.
