Proof of Identity & Residency

Birth Certificates

You must be a Nevada resident and provide a Nevada street address to obtain any driver's license, instruction permit or ID card. You must also surrender any existing U.S.-issued license or ID card.

First-time applicants are required to provide proof of identity (full legal name and date of birth), name changes(s), Social Security number if one has been issued for you and two documents to prove your address.

All documents must be originals.

Nevada has three sets of requirements for proof of identity, including a "Real ID" license or ID card that meets federal requirements under the Real ID Act of 2005. Real ID compliant cards must have the physical address printed on the card. Standard cards and driver authorization cards may show either the physical or mailing address.

Please review the following lists and choose the type of card that is right for you.

Real ID License or ID Card

Real ID Driver License

A license, permit or ID issued in compliance with the federal Real ID Act of 2005 is marked with by a gold circle with a star cutout.

It is a valid ID for boarding aircraft, entering federal facilities where ID is required or entering nuclear power plants.

See the Real ID Act in Nevada for more information.

Licenses and ID cards will be marked “LIMITED TERM" when immigration documents are used to prove identity.

You must present all of the following:

  • Proof of Identity (one document) AND
  • If you have changed your name, Proof of All Name Change(s) AND
  • Proof of Social Security number AND
  • Proof of your Nevada residential address (two documents) AND
  • an Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002):
    English  |  Spanish  |  Tagalog

Documents must be valid originals or certified copies that were issued in the United States (except foreign passports). The DMV does not accept photocopies. Documents presented will be scanned and stored.

Proof of Identity

All Applicants

  • Valid Real ID driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state
    A license or ID that does not meet Real ID requirements is not accepted. A Real ID card marked “Limited Term” is not accepted; immigration documents must be shown.
  • Valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card
  • Valid Enhanced Driver's License from a U.S. state

Applicants Born in the U.S.

  • U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)

Applicants Born Outside the U.S.

  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551). If the card is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension. The old pink version of the I-551, called the "Resident Alien Card," that contains no expiration date is also acceptable.
  • Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 stamped “Processed for I-551.”
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired U.S. Visa and an I-94 form. If the I-94 is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.
Veterans - Honorably-discharged U.S. military veterans may have a Veteran designation placed on their license or ID. Present your DD-214 or other evidence of honorable discharge.

To apply for U.S. issued proof of identity documents such as birth or marriage certificates, contact the state or county Vital Statistics Office the document was issued. A list is available from the National Center for Health Statistics. You may also use vitalchek.com or a similar commercial service.
Proof of Name Change(s)

If your document from the list above contains your current full legal name, you do not need to provide proof of any name change. Skip this section.

If not, you must present documentation of any name change(s) with one of the following:

  • Marriage certificate (government issued)
  • Divorce decree
  • Adoption records
  • Court order

In a case of multiple name changes, you will be asked for marriage certificates or other proof of each change. Divorce decrees must reference the maiden name or former name before marriage.

Upon the death of your spouse, you may change your middle and last names back to the names used prior to your marriage. You must present both the death and marriage certificates and the deceased person's name must match on both.

An updated Social Security card is not sufficient proof of a name change.

Social Security Number

You must provide proof of your Social Security number if one has been issued to you. Documents must list your current legal name and the complete Social Security number.

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2
  • IRS Form 1099
  • Printed pay stub

See Documents You Need for a Social Security card on the SSA website if you need to order a card.
Additional Information

The DMV does not accept:

  • Hospital-issued birth certificates
  • U.S. driver's licenses or ID cards that do not meet Real ID standards (not accepted as a proof of identity document)
  • Military ID
  • Foreign driver's licenses or ID cards
  • Foreign birth certificates
  • Border crossing cards
  • Consular identification cards

If you cannot meet the requirements above, you may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card.

Standard Nevada License or ID

Standard Nevada Driver License

A standard Nevada license does not meet Real ID requirements. It will be marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL OFFICIAL USE."

As of October 1, 2021, these cards will not be accepted as identification for boarding aircraft, entering federal facilities where ID is required or entering nuclear power plants.

Licenses and ID cards will be marked “LIMITED TERM" when immigration documents are used to prove identity.

You must present all of the following:

  • Proof of Identity (one document) AND
  • If you have changed your name, Proof of All Name Change(s) AND
  • Proof of Social Security number AND
  • Proof of your Nevada residential address (two documents) AND
  • an Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002):
    English  |  Spanish  |  Tagalog

Documents must be valid originals or certified copies that were issued in the United States (except foreign passports). The DMV does not accept photocopies. Documents presented will be scanned and stored.

Proof of Identity

All Applicants

  • Valid Real ID driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state
    A license or ID that does not meet Real ID requirements is not accepted. A Real ID card marked “Limited Term” is not accepted; immigration documents must be shown.
  • Valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card
  • Valid Enhanced Driver's License from a U.S. state
  • Nevada Department of Corrections Identification Card
    See the Released Prisoner or Inmate Driver’s License and Identification Card Information (DMV 013)
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Identification Card (Pyramid Lake tribe only)

Applicants Born in the U.S.

  • U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)

Applicants Born Outside the U.S.

  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551). If the card is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension. The old pink version of the I-551, called the "Resident Alien Card," that contains no expiration date is also acceptable.
  • Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 stamped “Processed for I-551.”
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired U.S. Visa and an I-94 form. If the I-94 is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.
Veterans - Honorably-discharged U.S. military veterans may have a Veteran designation placed on their license or ID. Present your DD-214 or other evidence of honorable discharge.

To apply for U.S. issued proof of identity documents such as birth or marriage certificates, contact the state or county Vital Statistics Office the document was issued. A list is available from the National Center for Health Statistics. You may also use vitalchek.com or a similar commercial service.
Proof of Name Change(s)

If your document from the list above contains your current full legal name, you do not need to provide proof of any name change. Skip this section.

If not, you must present documentation of any name change(s) with one of the following:

  • Marriage certificate (government issued)
  • Divorce decree
  • Adoption records
  • Court order

In a case of multiple name changes, you will be asked for marriage certificates or other proof of each change. Divorce decrees must reference the maiden name or former name before marriage.

Upon the death of your spouse, you may change your middle and last names back to the names used prior to your marriage. You must present both the death and marriage certificates and the deceased person's name must match on both.

An updated Social Security card is not sufficient proof of a name change.

Social Security Number

You must provide proof of your Social Security number if one has been issued to you. Documents must list your current legal name and the complete Social Security number.

  • Social Security Card
  • W-2
  • IRS Form 1099
  • Printed pay stub

See Documents You Need for a Social Security card on the SSA website if need to order a card.
Additional Information

If you cannot meet the requirements above, you may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card.

The DMV does not accept:

  • Hospital-issued birth certificates
  • U.S. driver's licenses or ID cards that do not meet Real ID standards (not accepted as a proof of identity document)
  • Military ID
  • Foreign driver's licenses or ID cards
  • Foreign birth certificates
  • Border crossing cards
  • Consular identification cards

Driver Authorization Card

Nevada Driver Authorization Card

A Driver Authorization Card is marked "NOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION." It is a license to drive a vehicle only.

Documents must be valid originals or certified copies that were issued in the United States (except foreign passports). The DMV does not accept photocopies. Documents presented will be scanned and stored.

You must present all of the following:

  • Proof of identity AND
  • If you have changed your name, Proof of All Name Change(s) AND
  • document translations if needed AND
  • two documents to prove your Nevada residential address AND
  • a completed Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002):
    English  |  Spanish  |  Tagalog
Proof of Identity

You may provide any of the documents required for a Real ID or standard license,

OR one of the following documents:

  • U.S. Military Identification Card
  • U.S. Military Dependent Identification Card
  • DD Form 214 – "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"
  • U.S. Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Identification Card (Pyramid Lake tribe only)

OR two of the following documents:

  • A driver’s license or identification card issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or any territory of the United States
  • A driver authorization card issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or any other territory of the United States
  • A passport issued by a foreign government
  • A birth certificate issued by a foreign government
  • A consular identification card
  • Any document issued by a foreign government that the Department determines is substantially similar to a consular identification card
Veterans - Honorably-discharged U.S. military veterans may have a Veteran designation placed on their DAC. Present your DD-214 or other evidence of honorable discharge.
Proof of Name Change(s)

If your document from the list above contains your current full legal name, you do not need to provide proof of any name change. Skip this section.

If not, you must present documentation of any name change(s) with one of the following:

  • Marriage certificate (government issued)
  • Divorce decree
  • Adoption records
  • Court order

In a case of multiple name changes, you will be asked for marriage certificates or other proof of each change. Divorce decrees must reference the maiden name or former name before marriage.

Upon the death of your spouse, you may change your middle and last names back to the names used prior to your marriage. You must present both the death and marriage certificates and the deceased person's name must match on both.

An updated Social Security card is not sufficient proof of a name change.
Translations

Any document in a language other than English must be properly translated to English before it can be accepted. Any document translated from a foreign language to English is required to include all of the following:

  • A typed or electronically printed translation which is signed by a translator approved by the Department
  • The full and complete translation of the entire document
  • No abstract translations will be accepted
  • A typed or electronically printed statement conveying:

"I, [insert translator’s full legal name], certify that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further certify that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] into the English language and that I am proficient in both languages.
DMV Approved Translator Number: ________________"

See DMV Approved Translators to locate a translator in your area.

Proof of Nevada Address

You must present two of the following documents for any original Nevada license, ID or Driver Authorization Card.

Documents must show your name and Nevada residential address.

Original or Certified Copy
Dated Within 60 Days 		Original or Certified Copy
of Last-Issued Document
  • Receipt for the rent or lease of a residence
  • Lease of a residence on which the applicant appears as the lessee
  • Record from a public utility for a service address
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Employment check stub
  • Document from a state or federal court
  • Record, receipt or bill requesting payment
  • Record from an educational institution in Nevada which establishes enrollment or an ID card issued by the educational institution that lists the address
  • Record from a hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park or campground located in Nevada indicating no fewer than 30 days of consecutive residency in this state
  • Voter registration card issued by a county clerk or county registrar of voters pursuant to NRS 293.517
  • Documentation of receipt of benefits from any State of Nevada program of public assistance
  • Leave and Earnings Statement or equivalent or successor form which indicates Nevada residency of an applicant who is a member of the military deployed outside Nevada on active duty
  • Notarized statement from the owner of a residence indicating that the applicant physically resides at the residence

Documents must be dated within the past 60 days. Original printouts from online accounts are accepted.
  • Document issued by an insurance agency or its agent, including, without limitation, an insurance card, binder or bill
  • Record, receipt or bill from a medical provider
  • Tax records other than property taxes
  • Record of property taxes assessed or paid
  • Deed of trust or other documentation of a current mortgage
  • Confidential Address Program (CAP) documents issued pursuant to NRS 217.462‑.471
Department-Approved Forms

Residency Laws Top ↑

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.

Nevada Revised Statutes 482.103 and 483.141 "Resident" defined.

  1. "Resident" includes, but is not limited to, a person:
    1. Whose legal residence is in the State of Nevada.
    2. Who engages in intrastate business and operates in such a business any motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer, or any person maintaining such vehicles in this state, as the home state of such vehicles.
    3. Who physically resides in this state and engages in a trade, profession, occupation or accepts gainful employment in this state.
    4. 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 border state employee or a seasonal resident.

Non-U.S. Citizens Top ↑

Nevada does not issue licenses or ID cards to tourists. Other non U.S. citizens may, or may not, be eligible for a license or a driver authorization card depending on their specific immigration status. 

Email or call before applying. Please include the Status Code issued by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The type of license or ID issued is determined by immigration status.

The DMV may ask for additional documentation in certain circumstances including an I-20 form, a DS-2019 or other immigration document.

Non citizens who possess U.S. issued immigration documents may qualify for a Real ID or a standard license or ID card. These will be marked "LIMITED TERM."

Non U.S. Citizens who have applied for, but not received, a Social Security number may attest to this on the driver license application. They are not required to provide proof of a Social Security number.

Others may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card, which is not valid for identification. See Proof of Identity for a Driver Authorization Card.

Canada and U.S. Territories

Applicants from Canada and U.S. territories surrendering a non-commercial driver’s license follow the same testing procedures as an applicant surrendering a license from another U.S. state. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for applicants 21 and older.

Taiwan Reciprocity

The DMV will waive the driving skills test for applicants from Taiwan who hold a valid class B Taiwan driver’s license. This applies to a Nevada Class C Non-Commercial license only.

Taiwanese nationals may apply for the waiver if they meet all of the following conditions:

Applicants must take the vision and knowledge tests and meet all other requirements including Proof of Identity and Residency.