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New Resident Guide

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New Nevada residents must obtain their driver license within 30 days. You must register your vehicles at the same time or within 60 days, whichever is sooner. The initial fine for failing to register your vehicle is $1,000. It may be reduced to not less than $200 upon compliance.

NOTICE
The DMV will not be able to process driver license or ID transactions on Saturday, February 13. The Social Security Administration will be doing computer maintenance and verification of your number will not be available. The DMV will also be closed Monday, February 15, for Presidents' Day. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Blue Dot  Residency Requirements

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You must be a Nevada resident and provide a Nevada street address to obtain a driver license.

Active duty military members, their dependents and others living temporarily in Nevada are not required to transfer their license and registration. If you obtain non-military employment, however, you become a Nevada resident and must obtain a Nevada license and registration.

Licenses are not issued to visitors, out-of-state students or foreign exchange students. Other foreign nationals may or may not be eligible for a license depending on their specific immigration status. E-Mail or call for details and see Beginning Drivers 18 & Older.

Nevada Revised Statutes 483.141 “Resident” defined.
1. “Resident” includes, but is not limited to, a person:
(a) Whose legal residence is in the State of Nevada.
(b) Who engages in intrastate business and operates in such a business any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or any person maintaining such vehicles in this state, as the home state of such vehicles.
(c) Who physically resides in this state and engages in a trade, profession, occupation or accepts gainful employment in this state.
(d) Who declares himself to be a resident of this state to obtain privileges not ordinarily extended to nonresidents of this state.
2.

The term does not include a person who is an actual tourist, an out-of-state student, a foreign exchange student, a border state employee or a seasonal resident.

Blue Dot Items Needed for Typical Transfers

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DRIVER LICENSE

Blue Check MarkYour Valid, State-Issued Driver License or ID Card
This must contain your name and date of birth. You must also provide additional proof of identity as listed below. Your existing license will be hole-punched and returned to you along with an interim document that allows you to drive. Your Nevada license will then be mailed to you. See Central Issuance.

If your license is expired, revoked or suspended, see Driving Tests. If you have never been licensed in the U.S., see Beginning Drivers 18 & Older or Nevada Teen Driving. 

Blue Check MarkAdditional Proof of Identity

ASI Logo

Advanced Secure Issuance (ASI)
The DMV is implementing its new ASI licensing program from January through March, 2010. Documentation requirements will differ depending on whether the office you visit has implemented ASI.

Start Here for any driver license or ID card transaction.

See our ASI Home Page for more information on this program.

If your license is expired, revoked or suspended, see Driving Tests. If you have never been licensed in the U.S., see Beginning Drivers 18 & Older or Nevada Teen Driving.

Nevada requires special endorsements for Class C license holders to tow multiple trailers or trailers in excess of 10,000 pounds. Additional testing is required.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Blue Check Mark Nevada Evidence of Insurance card
Be sure the name(s) on your insurance match the names(s) on your registration exactly. 
Insurance must be issued by a Nevada-licensed carrier. Out of state insurance is not accepted. If you are moving from another state, you must notify your agent or insurance company that you have moved to Nevada. Or, purchase a new policy here.

Nevada insurance is necessary to comply with our Insurance Verification Program. The minimum liability insurance requirement is $15,000/$30,000/$10,000. You must keep a Nevada Evidence of Insurance card in your vehicle at all times and present it to law enforcement upon request.

Blue Check Mark Nevada Emissions Vehicle Inspection Report (if needed)
 Smog checks are required on gasoline and diesel powered cars and trucks, 1968 and newer, based in and around Las Vegas and Reno. New vehicles are exempt on their first and second registration. Diesel vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds are also exempt.

You must have a Nevada smog check even if your vehicle was recently tested in another state. Nevada emissions inspection stations are privately owned and decentralized. Look for a station near your new home or see Business License Verification for sortable lists. See Diesel Inspection Stations if you have a diesel vehicle. See Emissions for more information.

Blue Check Mark Your Current Registration(s) and License Plates
 New residents must surrender their out-of-state plates. If you do not have the registration slip, we will teletype your home state for verification. Expired registrations are subject to late fees. 
Most trailers must be registered and titled if used on any public street.
If your home state does not register and/or title trailers, call or e-mail for an explanation of requirements.

Blue Check Mark Title(s), Unless Held By Lienholder
 You have the option of retaining your out-of-state title. However, we strongly suggest getting a Nevada title if your vehicle is paid for. This will minimize problems when you sell your vehicle.

Blue Check Mark Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections
 Any vehicle or trailer which has never been registered or titled in Nevada must be inspected. This is done at DMV offices. At larger offices, drive to the VIN inspection station outside the main DMV building first.

If you live in the Gardnerville area, you may have the inspection completed at an Authorized Inspection Station. VIN inspections may also be completed by law enforcement officers using the Vehicle Inspection Certificate VP-015.

Blue Check Mark Fees
 DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders for the exact amount due, electronic checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Out-of-state checks are accepted with the approval of a supervisor.

Have your VIN ready and use our Online Fee Estimate for estimates of vehicle registration fees. (Estimate only - total fees will be slightly higher.) Nevada charges basic registration fees and taxes based on the value of your vehicle. We do not give credits or refunds of other states' fees.

Driver Licenses cost $22, $17 for those 65 and older. A $25 testing fee applies for knowledge and skills testing.

Blue Dot  Get Organized/At The DMV

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Be Prepared - Minimize your time at the DMV by being prepared before you come in. Make sure you have all of the required documents such as proof of identity and your existing vehicle registration. You may wish to fill out an Application in advance.

Get your Vehicle Identification Number(s) ready and use our Online Registration Fee Estimates. (Estimate only - total fees will be slightly higher.) Have the Emissions Inspection completed if one is required.

Visit our License Plates pages if you are interested in personalized or specialty plates. We encourage you to order custom plates by mail if you can place the order approximately 60 days before you register your vehicles.

E-mail or call with any further questions. If you are out-of-state, call 1-877-368-7828 or (775) 684-4368 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5  p.m. Pacific time.

You must obtain liability insurance from a Nevada-licensed carrier in the exact name(s) which will be on the registration. Coverage is verified electronically with your insurance company. Motorists who do not maintain Nevada liability insurance are subject to a registration suspension and $250 reinstatement fee. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted. 

You must present a Nevada Evidence of Insurance card for registration, keep a copy in your vehicle at all times and present it to any law enforcement officer upon request.

Find the office nearest your new home - Please start on our ASI Rollout page. County Assessors in certain rural areas offer vehicle registration services but you must visit a DMV office for a driver license or ID card.

If possible, come to the DMV in mid-morning or early afternoon weekdays to minimize your wait. Offices are usually slow the day before a holiday and busy the day after.

VIN Checks - All out-of-state vehicles and trailers must have their vehicle identification number checked at a DMV office (or by law enforcement). Larger offices have Inspection Stations outside the main building, and you should drive there first to complete the VIN check. At rural offices, come inside first. If you have multiple vehicles, you can have them inspected one at a time and then return to complete all of the registrations at once.

License Plates - Out-of-state license plates must be surrendered. Plates are usually removed at the DMV office. Be sure to bring your own tools.

Inside the Office - We do not make appointments. Larger DMV offices have an Information Counter. Bring all of your documentation to Information first. We will review the documentation, answer any questions and issue any required applications or forms.

DMV technicians handle both driver license and registration transactions at the same time, with only one payment required for all fees. We will invalidate your current driver license and return it to you along with a paper interim document. Your new license will be mailed to you. Standard-issue license plates are issued over the counter. If you order personalized plates, we will issue a paper movement permit and mail the new plates to you.

Blue Dot  Driving Tests

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Drivers who have never been licensed or those who currently hold a license from a foreign country or a U.S. territory must take vision, knowledge (written) and skills (driving) tests.

All drivers who currently hold a valid U.S. license must take the vision test. Drivers under the age of 21 are required to take the vision and knowledge tests.

Additionally, transferring drivers will be required to take the knowledge and skills tests if any of the following conditions exist:

  • Applying for a different type or class of license.
  • 3 or more convictions of moving violations in the past 4 years.
  • driver's license or privilege to drive suspended, revoked, cancelled, or otherwise disqualified during the past 4 years.
  • a DUI conviction (drug- and/or alcohol-related offense) within the past 7 years.
  • any license restrictions which must be reevaluated to ensure the driver has the ability to drive safely.

All applications are checked through the national Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled in another state, see Driver License Suspensions.

Commercial drivers who are not required to take a test may apply for their Nevada license at any full-service DMV Office. For those who require commercial testing, please contact a CDL Office.

Driver License Resources
Handbooks (PDF Format)
English | Español | Motorcycle
 
Beginning Driver Training Guide
English Español

Notice: The DMV is no longer printing paper copies of driver handbooks. They will be available only on the Internet once existing supplies are exhausted. Customers without Internet access should visit a public library.

Blue Dot  Teen Driving

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Drivers with an out-of-state instruction permit can drive in Nevada provided there is a licensed driver, 21 or older, with at least one year of driving experience seated next to the beginning driver at all times. 

Out-of-state permits must be surrendered to obtain a Nevada permit or license. Additional proof of identity is required as outlined above. You must be age 15½ and pass the vision and written tests to obtain a Nevada Instruction Permit.

The minimum age to obtain a driver license is 16. Most teens must complete driver education and a log of the dates and times of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience. See Nevada Teen Driving for complete details.

All drivers under 18 must obey a driving curfew. Teens are not allowed to drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling to or from a scheduled event such as work or school.

Blue Dot  Vehicle Registration Fees

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The basic registration fee for vehicles under 6,000 pounds is $33. There is a graduated scale for higher weights. Trailers up to 1,000 pounds are $12; 1,000 or above are $24. Nevada charges $28.25 for first-time vehicle titles and small fees for items such as license plates. 

Nevada also charges taxes based on the value of the vehicle:

  • Governmental Services Tax--helps fund local government and schools.
    Approximately 1.4% of the depreciated Manufacturers Retail Price
  • Supplemental Governmental Services Tax--helps fund road improvements.
    25% of Governmental Services Tax--Clark and Churchill counties only.
  • Sales Taxes on Dealer Purchases
    Rates vary by county. See the Nevada Department of Taxation Sales and Use Tax Publications for current rates.

Use our Online Registration Fee Estimates.  (Vehicle Identification Number or MSRP is required.)

County Assessors can approve Governmental Services Tax relief for veterans with war time service, disabled veterans, surviving spouses and the blind. You must present a tax exemption statement from the assessor's office when registering your vehicle. No exemptions are age-based. These exemptions only apply to the Governmental Services Tax. Contact your County Assessor for specific requirements and see NRS Chapter 371. Veterans may designate all or part of their exemption for the Nevada Veterans Home Account.

Active duty military members who are residents of another state but stationed in Nevada qualify for Governmental Services Tax exemptions. Complete the Governmental Services Tax Exemption Affidavit (VP-203) and mail it to us with your renewal notice, smog check if needed and a copy of your most current Leave and Earnings Statement.

Native American tribal members who reside on tribal lands also qualify for Governmental Services Tax exemptions. They must have the Application for Governmental Services Tax Exemption (VP-154) signed by the Tribal Chairperson.

Sales tax is collected on dealer sales of vehicles in Nevada or vehicles recently purchased from an out-of-state dealer for the purpose of Nevada registration. See Registration Requirements. Sales tax exemptions can be granted for bona fide gifts and certain purchases by military members. See Registration Forms. Sales taxes are not charged on private party vehicle sales that occurred on or after January 1, 2006.

Blue Dot  License Plates & Disabled Parking

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License Plates - Nevada requires two license plates on motorized vehicles except for motorcycles, unless the vehicle is not designed for a front plate and no front plate bracket is available from the manufacturer. Plates are issued to the owner and not the vehicle. Keep your Nevada plates if you sell a vehicle.

Personalized plates in the standard design are limited to 7 letters and/or numbers. They cost $36 when ordered and $20 per year to renew. Specialty plates are available for Nevada universities, veterans, Purple Heart recipients, Ex-Prisoners of War, street rods and a number of charitable causes. Costs for specialty plates vary. You can order custom plates by mail in advance of your move. See License Plates.

Disabled Parking - Nevada issues special plates and/or a placard which can be used on any vehicle. The disabled resident must have a Nevada DMV application signed by a licensed physician verifying that he or she has a permanent disability which restricts the ability to walk. Use the Application for Disabled Persons Plates/Placards SP-27.

See Disabled Parking. Temporary placards are also available for those with short-term disabilities.

Blue Dot  Motorcycles, Mopeds & Off-Road

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Driver License: Nevada transfers most motorcycle endorsements from other states. If you take the skills test on a motorcycle under 90cc, your license will be restricted to that size or smaller.

Registration: Mopeds 50cc or less, with less than 2 horsepower, do not have to be registered or insured and you do not need a Class M license.  However, you must have a Class C or higher driver license to drive a moped on any public street.  Mopeds over 50cc are considered motorcycles.

Helmet Law: Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets at all times in Nevada. The only exception is for mopeds 50cc or less, capable of a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour.

Off-Road Vehicles:  ATV's, non-street-legal motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc. are not registered or titled in Nevada. You may not drive an off-road vehicle on any public street. There is no driver's license requirement or minimum age for operation.

See Motorcycles, Mopeds & Bicycles for more information.

Blue Dot  Boats & Manufactured Housing

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Water vessels are registered and titled by the Nevada Division of Wildlife. Trailers are registered by DMV.

Nearly all trailers must be registered with DMV to be driven on any public highway. You must complete a VIN inspection on trailers which have never been registered or titled in Nevada.

Manufactured Homes are taxed by County Assessors and titled by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. If you are moving a home into Nevada or buying one here, it is important to contact both agencies. See Manufactured Homes and Recreational Park Trailers.

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