Nevada Driver's License

Class A License

A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which typically includes semi-trailer/ truck-tractor combinations and certain tractor-trailer buses, is required for operating any vehicle with a GCWR or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle(s) being towed tops 10,000 pounds.

A Class A CDL holder in Nevada can operate vehicles that fall under Class C and Class M licenses.

Class B License

To drive single vehicles that have a GVWR over 26,001 pounds or any combination of vehicles where the towed vehicle has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, one must hold a Class B CDL. Vehicles in this category typically include straight trucks and large buses.

Class B CDL holders can drive Class C vehicles without additional licensing.

Class C License

This is the most common or the standard type of driver's license and is required for everyday personal vehicle use. It allows the operation of cars, pickups, vans, and other vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less.

Class C license holders can tow a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less and can tow a combination of vehicles not exceeding 70 feet in length. If the GVWR of the towed vehicles exceeds 10,000 pounds, an Endorsement J is required.

Class M License

The Class M license is specifically for individuals who wish to ride motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters on Nevada roads. This license typically requires safety training and passing a motorcycle skills test.

Vision Examination

To be granted full driving privileges, a person's vision must be at least 20/40. If glasses or contact lenses are necessary to achieve this level of vision, a "Restriction B" will be indicated on their license.

Individuals who are unable to meet this vision standard may face certain limitations. Depending on the specifics of their vision impairment, they might only be permitted to drive during daylight hours, be denied a license, or undergo an annual examination.

Written Test

The knowledge test for a standard driver's license comprises 25 multiple-choice questions. A score of 80% or higher is considered passing. The test concludes once the test-taker has answered 20 questions correctly or has made six incorrect responses.

The test can be taken online via the "Know To Drive Nevada" website and is offered in English and Spanish. The results are automatically sent to NV DMV to issue instruction permits or driver licenses.

Driving Skills Test

Before scheduling a driving skills test, an individual must pass the knowledge test and secure an instruction permit for the specific license class. Skills tests are conducted by appointment only. Stand-by tests are not offered at rural offices, and not all NV DMV locations administer all tests.

To schedule a test, individuals can opt for online scheduling or call (702) 486-4368 for the Las Vegas area or (775) 684-4368 for the Reno/Sparks/Carson City areas and make sure to have their instruction permit and Social Security Number (SSN) readily available.

Most novice drivers under the age of 18 are required to present a Certificate of Completion from a driver's education course and a Beginning Driver Experience Log.

Learner's Permit

In Nevada, one must first obtain an instruction (learner's) permit before they can proceed to acquire a full driver's license.

Teen drivers can obtain an instruction (learner's) permit at 15 and a half years old. To acquire a learner's permit, they must yield to the following:

• Study the driver's handbook thoroughly and take the practice written test.
• Pay the required testing and licensing fees.
• Take the online written test.
• Schedule an appointment at the nearest Nevada DMV office for the driving skills test.
• Provide proof of identity and residency documents.
• Submit the completed Certification of Attendance (DMV 301) form.
• Submit the completed English, Spanish, or Tagalog Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002).
• Submit the completed DP-38 or the Minor Affidavit and Information Sheet.

Lastly, a young driver must complete the mandatory driver's education course, use the Parents Supervised Driving Guide, or download the Road Ready App to log 50 hours of supervised driving.

Driver's License Application Procedure

Before applying for a regular driver's license, one must first ensure they meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 to obtain a regular driver's license in Nevada
• Proof of Nevada residency must be provided, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage statement
• Submit evidence of the legal presence in the U.S., such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card
• Provide their SSN or acceptable alternative documentation

The process of obtaining a driver's license involves the following steps:

• Scheduling an appointment at the NV DMV offices located in Henderson, Carson City, Reno, or Las Vegas
• Collecting the required documents, including proof of identity and residency, legal presence, and SSN
• Passing the written, vision, and driving skills tests
• Completing the DMV 002
• Paying the applicable fees
• Having the applicant's photo taken

Driver Authorization Card

Individuals who cannot meet the identity verification requirements for a standard driver's license or ID card have an alternative option: the Driver Authorization Card (DAC). Acquiring a DAC is similar to obtaining a standard license. DAC follows the same rules, regulations, and fee structures.

The NV DMV has established a well-defined process for individuals seeking a DAC, outlined in English and Spanish.

Applicable Licensing Fees

The Nevada DMV charges DAC holders fees that are comparable to those of non-commercial driver's license (NCDL) holders. However, fees for commercial licenses are separate and distinct.

The applicable license fees generally vary depending on the applicant's age. For individuals aged 64 or younger, the fees are as follows:

• Duplicate License or DAC: $17.25
• Original Four-Year DAC or Limited Term License: $22.25
• Original Eight-Year NCDL: $41.25
• Instruction Permit: $22.25

For those aged 65 and older, the fees are as follows:

• Completion of Instruction Permit: $3.25
• Original, Duplicate, Renewal, or Instruction Permit: $17.25

Regarding the required tests, there is a separate payment structure:

• Each Retest: $10
• Initial Knowledge and Skills Test: $25

The following are the fees for a commercial license:

• Transfer or original that necessitates knowledge and skills tests: $141.25

Transfer or original that requires knowledge tests only: $111.25

• Commercial Learner Permit: $57.25
• Driving skills test to add an endorsement or remove a restriction: $30
• Driving Skills Test for restrictions/endorsements or full license: $30 plus a $3.25 photo fee

Payment Exemptions

Those under 25 who are declared homeless are eligible for a one-time exemption from all fees associated with obtaining an original, duplicate, or renewed ID card, DAC, or Nevada driver's license.

All individuals seeking to utilize these fee exemptions must visit an NV DMV office in person and fill out the Declaration of Homeless Status Form (DMV 128).

Payment Methods

The NV DMV accepts several forms of payment, including cash, checks, and money orders for the exact amount owed. Additionally, the department accepts major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.

The NV DMV does not recommend sending cash if individuals submit their payment through the mail. Instead, they should pay by check or money order or utilize the Payment Authorization Form (ADM 205) to securely provide their credit card information.

Process for Renewal or Replacement

Nevada residents can renew or replace their licenses in person or online at any time without waiting for the expiration date to approach.

Online Process

To start the online renewal or replacement process for a driver's license, one must visit the MyDMV website. To be eligible for this method, the applicant must meet these criteria:

• Age between 16 and 70 years old
• Hold a 4-year or 8-year Non-Commercial Driver's License (NCDL)
• Renew up to 60 days before the expiration date or 364 days after

If there's a need to update the address, they must use the "Address Change" transaction on the website.

In-Person Process

Nevada residents can renew or replace their driver's licenses in person by making an appointment at one of the designated NV DMV offices.

Meanwhile, holders of CDLs must visit designated CDL offices to renew their licenses.

Individuals holding an expired instruction permit for more than 30 days may be required to take the knowledge test during the in-person replacement or renewal.

During the in-person renewal process, individuals must bring all necessary documentation, such as those required for obtaining a Real ID, proof of immigration status, medical letters, or any other relevant documents.

Renewal or Replacement for Residents That Are Currently Out-Of-State

For Nevada residents outside the state who cannot visit an NV DMV office in person, there is an option to download and complete a DMV 002 and forward it by mail.

To facilitate fee payment using a credit or debit card, individuals must complete the ADM 205 and submit it along with their application.

Driver's License Renewal Fees

The NV DMV charges different fees for driver's license renewals based on the applicant's age, license type, and required tests. The costs for DAC are identical to those for NCDL.

For NCDL and DAC applicants aged 64 or younger:

• Eight-year renewal: $41.25
• Four-year DAC or limited-term license renewal: $22.25

For NCDL and DAC applicants aged 65 or above:

• License renewal fee (regardless of license type or term): $17.25

For CDL:

• Eight-year renewal requiring knowledge tests only or no tests: $111.25
• Four-year renewal requiring knowledge tests only or no tests: $57.25
• Eight-year renewal requiring both knowledge and skills tests: $141.25
• Four-year renewal requiring both knowledge and skills tests: $87.25