Movement Permits

Non-Commercial

Permit in Car Windshield

To drive any vehicle on any public street, you must have liability insurance and either a full registration or a valid movement permit. You must obtain a permit to drive an unregistered vehicle for an emissions test or to the DMV for a VIN inspection if necessary.

In private party sales, the seller is required to keep the license plates. The buyer must use alternate transportation to obtain a movement permit from the DMV.

Permits issued to private parties are folded into the size of an index card and taped into the lower right-hand corner of the windshield.

You must present proof of ownership to obtain a movement permit. Examples include an expired registration or the signed-off title of a vehicle purchased from a private party. 

The DMV issues several types of permits depending on the customer's needs. Most permits issued for specific purposes, such as driving for an emissions test, cost $1.00.

You may purchase a permit for other uses for a fee of $8.25 per day.

You also may purchase a special 15-day "drive away" permit for vehicles being driven out of state. These are valid for a one-way trip to a specific destination only.

Nevada auto dealers are required to issue a placard upon the sale of a vehicle. Placards are the size of a license plate and are issued by licensed dealers only.

Commercial Trip Permits

Out-of state commercial vehicles with a Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,001 pounds or more are required to get registration permits before entering the state. Fuel tax permits are required for vehicles 26,001 pounds or more or any vehicle with three or more axles.

See the Tip Sheet and Motor Carrier Permits for more information and a list of vendors. Nevada-based motor carriers also obtain trip and fuel tax permits from the Motor Carrier Division and/or the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Other commercial vehicles, based in Nevada and under 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, fall under the non-commercial requirements above for permits to be moved upon a sale or for emissions tests, etc.