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As a resident of Nevada who wishes to operate vehicles, whether commercial or non-commercial, you will need a driver’s license. This article will discuss how to obtain your standard Nevada driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Let’s jump in!

Types of Nevada Driver’s Licenses

Nevada has different types of driver’s licenses. Here’s what you need to know about each type of driver’s license.

Class C – the Class C driver’s license is the standard driver’s license in Nevada that is required to operate a personal vehicle, such as a car, truck, or SUV. With this driver’s license, you can operate vehicles that don’t exceed 26,000 lbs. and tow units that don’t exceed 10,000 lbs. and shorter than 70 feet.

Class M – the Class M driver’s license allows you to operate a motorcycle.

Class A (CDL) – the Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate commercial vehicles that have a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) that exceeds 26,001 lbs. The towing unit must exceed 10,000 lbs.

Class B (CDL) –Class B (CDL) is required to operate straight, heavy trucks that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceeds 26,001 lbs., and a towing unit that doesn’t exceed 10,000 lbs.

Nevada Driver’s License Requirements

Before you make your way to your local Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (NV DMV), you need to know whether you are required to apply for a new NV driver’s license.

You must have a Nevada driver’s license if any of the following apply to you:

  • You are a current resident of Nevada who’s never been licensed
  • You are a new resident of Nevada and want to apply for a Nevada driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
  • You plan to operate any non-commercial vehicle
  • You have legal presence in Nevada and the United States (You are NOT required to obtain a Nevada driver’s license if you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State.)

You are not required to have a Nevada driver’s license if:

  • You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Nevada with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • You’re an active military member or dependent who is stationed in Nevada (as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in Nevada.)
  • You operate farming vehicles off public highways
  • You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads.)

Applying for a Nevada Driver’s License

Before you can complete your driving test and receive your full Nevada driver’s license, you must apply for an instruction permit. Visit your local NV DMV branch and do the following:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity
    • Residency (2 documents are required and they must be certified or original documents dated within the last 60 days)
  • Complete an Application for Driving Privileges or an ID Card (Form DMV 002E)
  • Pass a vision exam and written knowledge exam
  • Have your photo taken
  • Pay the applicable fees

With a Nevada instruction permit, you will be allowed to practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has been driving for at least 1 year. Once you pass your driving test, your driver’s license will be mailed to you within 10 days.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Nevada

In Nevada, different types of documents are acceptable for identification purposes when you’re applying for your Nevada driver’s license, such as your:

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date must be more than two months from the date you visit your local branch)
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Armed forces ID cards
  • Permanent resident card

Examples of true full-name verification documents include:

  • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
  • A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
  • Marriage certificate
  • Name change documents containing your legal name both before and after
  • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership

Examples of acceptable residency documents can include the following:

  • A record of a financial institution (bank statement)
  • Resident utility bills (a phone bill is acceptable)
  • Insurance documents
  • Nevada vehicle or vessel title or registration

Obtaining a Nevada Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

If you are under the age of 18, you will need to take a few different steps before you can receive your full, standard Nevada driver’s license.

Are You a New Resident of Nevada?

The Nevada DMV requires you to apply for a driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in this state. You must be a resident of Nevada and provide a Nevada address.

To obtain your Nevada driver’s license, you need to visit your local NE DMV branch and:

  • Complete a Driver’s License, Driver Authorization Card, or Identification Card Application (Form DMV 002E)
  • Surrender your valid, out-of-state driver’s license or permit
  • Provide proof of your identity (your name and date of birth) and residency (you must have 2 documents that prove your Nevada residency)
  • Provide your social security number
  • Complete a Beginning Driver’s Experience Log (Form DLD 130) if you have an out-of-state learner’s permit or provisional license
  • Pass the written and vision test
  • Have your photo taken
  • Pay the driver’s license fee(s)

If you are transferring your out-of-state learner’s permit or provisional license, you are also required to complete a Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) unless your Nevada county is exempt. The NE DMV will mail your driver’s license or learner’s permit.

The Nevada DMV accepts out-of-state Driver’s Ed classes. Your instructor must complete an Affidavit of Completion of Out-of-State Driver’s Education Course (Form SP 289). This form shows the curriculum meets or exceeds Nevada’s standards.

Nevada Teen Driver’s License Process

In Nevada, if you’re younger than 28, you are required to complete each of the following stages to obtain your initial Nevada driver’s license:

  • Driver’s Education
  • Learner’s permit
  • Restricted driver’s license
  • Full, unrestricted driver’s license

The NE DMV has implemented these steps to ensure up-and-coming drivers are fully educated and trained before they drive unsupervised on the roads.

Nevada Age Requirements

The age requirements in Nevada are as follows:

  • Driver’s education: 15 years old
  • Instruction permit: 15 ½ years old
  • Restricted driver’s license/provisional license: 16 years old
  • Unrestricted driver’s license: After holding a restricted driver’s license for 6 months

School Attendance

To receive your learner’s permit or driver’s license in Nevada, any individual under the age of 18 is required to submit a Certification of Attendance (Form DMV 301), which verifies that you are required to meet Nevada’s school attendance requirements.

The Certification of Attendance form must be completed by one of the following:

  • Your school principal or another school official
  • Your parent or guardian (if you are exempt from school attendance requirements due to a disability)
  • Your parent or guardian (if you have completed high school or the equivalent

Nevada Learner’s Permit

You must be at least 15 ½ years old to apply for a Nevada instruction permit. You need to decide whether you want your future driver’s license to be REAL ID-compliant. If so, the process will be similar to obtaining a standard driver’s license, except to get a REAL ID, you must follow specific steps and provide additional documentation to prove your identity.

To apply for your Nevada learner’s permit, you need to visit your local NV DMV branch and:

  • Submit a completed Driver’s License, Driver Authorization Card, or Identification Card Application (Form DMV 002E) – your parents must sign the financial responsibility section.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity
    • Social security number
    • Nevada residency (2 documents are required)
  • Pass the written and vision tests
  • Pay the $22.25 licensing fee (this fee is non-refundable)
  • Pay the $25 testing fee

After completing these steps, you will be issued a Nevada temporary permit in person. The NV DMV will mail your permanent instruction permit.

Learner’s Permit Restrictions and Behind-the-Wheel Practice

Your instruction permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle ONLY while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has been driving for at least 1 year.

Before you can apply for your Nevada provisional license, you need to be at least 16 years old and complete at least 50 hours of driving practice, which includes 10 hours of night driving. You must also:

  • Complete a Driver’s Ed course or complete 100 hours of driving practice, which includes 10 hours of night driving ONLY if Driver’s Ed is not available in your area.
  • Have attained your learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months
  • Have a clean driving record, including:
    • No accidents where you’re at fault
    • No convictions (moving violations)
    • No alcohol or drug convictions

Nevada Driver’s License

Before you can apply for your Nevada driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years old and have attained your learner’s permit for at least 6 months. You are also required to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, which includes 10 hours at night, and successfully complete Driver’s Ed.

If Driver’s Education is not offered within 30 miles of your home, you are required to complete 100 hours of supervised driving with 10 of these hours driven at night. You need to keep a log of the dates and times you practiced driving.

You must visit your local NV DMV branch and take the following with you:

  • Your parent or legal guardian to sign a financial responsibility statement and affidavit
  • Your Driver’s Ed Certificate of Completion or high school transcript
  • A completed Beginning Driver Experience Log (Form DLD 130)
  • Your Nevada learner’s permit (you may also want to bring proof of your identity and residency in case you are asked to present them again.)
  • A properly insured and registered vehicle

You must complete and pass a driving test. After you take the driving test, you must return to the NV DMV to receive your driver’s license. You will also need to pay the driver’s license fee. Once you complete these steps, the NV DMV will mail your driver’s license.

Driver’s License Restrictions in Nevada

During the first 6 months of having your NV driver’s license, you are not allowed to transport any passenger who is under the age of 18 except immediate family. If you are under 18 years old, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 10 PM and 5 AM unless you are traveling to or from school or work.

You are required to obey the local curfew laws, such as the following:

  • Las Vegas Strip and Downtown: 9 PM unless under adult supervision
  • Everywhere else in Las Vegas:
    • 10 PM Sunday to Thursday
    • 12 AM on Friday to Saturday
  • Reno Downtown Gaming District: 9 PM unless under adult supervision
  • Elsewhere in Reno: 12 AM all weekdays

The Nevada Written Exam and Road Test

Taking the Nevada Written Exam

The Nevada written exam has a total of 25 questions, 20 of which you must answer correctly to obtain a passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply to complete this exam is 15 ½.

The Nevada Road Test

The Nevada road test is required for all Nevada drivers. This road exam tests your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. You will be tested on your ability to brake, reverse, turn, and adhere to traffic laws.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you’ve recently changed your name, you will be required to submit a name change document when you’re applying for your new NV driver’s license or identification card. If you’re interested in obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name, you may be required to submit one of the following:

  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A marriage certificate
  • A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
  • Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Nevada?

A REAL ID will be required starting May 7, 2025, if you want to use your driver’s license or state identification card to board commercial aircraft on domestic flights. Secure federal facilities, including military bases, currently require licenses and IDs to be REAL ID-compliant.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Nevada?

A REAL ID is optional in Nevada. Passports, military IDs, and other documents can be used for federal purposes. Click here for a list of TSA-acceptable IDs for airport checkpoints.

If you will NOT be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are NOT required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card.

You are NOT required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to do any of the following:

  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Enter a federal facility that does NOT require ID (such as a post office)
  • Vote
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)
  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

You need to take a series of steps to apply for a REAL ID card in Nevada. Although these types of ID cards are NOT required, they’re good to have in many situations. You need to present:

  • Proof of identity
  • Name change(s) (if applicable)
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Proof of residency (2 documents are required)

These documents need to be submitted to an NV DMV office ONCE.

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Nevada

Operating a big rig can be exciting, rewarding, and an excellent way to earn a living. However, before you can start reaping any rewards, you must first obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To receive a CDL, you must follow all the national regulations that are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the licensing procedures in Nevada, which are overseen by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Nevada CDL Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Nevada commercial driver’s license, you need to:

  • Attain a valid, non-CDL NV driver’s license
  • Be at least:
    • 18 years old to operate commercial vehicles within Nevada ONLY (referred to as intrastate driving)
    • 21 years old to operate commercial vehicles anywhere in the country (referred to as interstate driving)
  • You will also need to provide the NV DMV with the following proof:
    • Identity (1 document):
      • Birth certificate
      • Valid U.S. passport
      • Permanent residency card
    • Social Security Number (1 document):
      • Social Security card
      • W-2 tax form
    • Nevada residency (2 documents):
      • Utility bill
      • Recent pay stub
      • Voter registration card

Most documents you provide are required to be dated within the last 60 days of application. For more information regarding the documents that are accepted in Nevada, you can check here for the acceptable NV DMV identification documents.

Nevada Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you can receive your CDL, you must obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Although the NV DMV or FMCSA does not require it, it may be beneficial to complete a commercial driving education course to help you through this process.

When you’re ready to get the ball rolling, you can schedule an appointment with your local NV DMV branch and:

  • Have your completed medical paperwork
  • Bring the proper forms of identification
  • Complete an Application for Commercial Driving Privileges (Form CDL 002)
  • Submit a driving record check of the last 10 years (will be completed at the NV DMV branch)
  • Pay the $57.25 commercial learner’s permit fee

To earn your CLP, you must complete and pass the written exams that are required for the commercial license classification you want during your appointment, plus the written tests for any endorsements you want to add to your license.

After passing the above tests/exams, you will be an official commercial learner’s permit holder. Congratulations!

CLP Restrictions in Nevada

Receiving your CLP is an essential step towards earning your full CDL. While you’re practicing with your CLP, you are required to follow a different set of rules. According to the regulations set by the FMCSA, commercial learner’s permit holders must drive on public roads ONLY, and can ONLY operate motor vehicles while accompanied by a full CDL holder who is at least 25 years old, has had their CDL for at least 1 year, and is licensed to drive the same class of vehicle.

You must also practice with your CLP for at least 14 days BEFORE you can schedule an appointment to complete the skills test to earn your full CDL. If you feel you’re not ready to complete the skills test, it’s okay! Your commercial learner’s permit will be valid for 180 days.

Obtaining Your Nevada CDL

Once the 14 days pass and you’re comfortable to proceed, you can start the final phase of obtaining your NV CDL by completing the skills test. You can complete the exam through a third-party testing site or at your local NV DMV.

If you decide to complete a skills test with a third-party tester, you must schedule your appointment at least 4 days in advance. You also need to take the following with you:

  • Your commercial learner’s permit
  • Your Nevada driver’s license
  • Your medical paperwork
  • Payment for the required fees:
    • NV DMV skills exam: $30 (the exam fees through third-party testers will vary)
    • Completion of CLP/issue of CDL: $57.25

The skills exam consists of several parts, including:

  • Pre-trip inspection
  • Basic vehicle control
  • On-road driving test

After you complete each part of the test and pay the applicable fees, you will be an official CDL holder. You did it!

These fees apply when you’re upgrading from a CLP to a CDL. Fees for originals without a CLP, or to transfer your credentials from a different state will vary.

CDL Fees in Nevada

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles currently charges the following fees for CDLs and other related services:

  • Commercial learner’s permit: $57.25
  • Commercial driver’s license:
    • Moving from CLP to CDL: $57.25
    • Original/transfer requiring knowledge tests only $111.25
    • Original/transfer requiring knowledge AND skills tests: $141.25
  • Photo fee: $3.25
  • Endorsements: $14 each (if you add an endorsement after your initial issue of your CDL, you must re-pay the $3.25 photo fee for your new license)
  • Skills test: $30 (test for additional endorsements or restriction removal is $40 plus a re-payment of the $3.25 photo fee for a new license
  • Duplicate CDL: $22.25

If you complete your skills exam with a third-party testing center, you must pay their exam fee, and then pay the NV DMV’s photo fee when you arrive to apply for your CDL.

CDL Medical Requirements

All commercial driver’s license applicants are required to be considered physically fit for the job BEFORE they apply for a CLP. To receive your medical certification in Nevada, you must inform the state of the type of driving you intend on doing, through a process known as self-certification.

Depending on how you self-certify, you may also be required to get additional medical testing before you can apply for a commercial learner’s permit. Some individuals may need to see an FMCSA-approved physician to help them complete a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876).

Military Testing Waivers for CDLs

The FMCSA and Nevada DMV created a program to help current military members and recent veterans more easily earn their CDL by having the skills exam waived.

To qualify for this program, you must:

  • Be currently enlisted in the service, or have been discharged within 1 year of applying

AND

  • Have operating commercial motor vehicles or the military equivalent within the last 1 year

Eligible applicants must complete a CDL Certification for Waiver of Skills Tests (Form CDL-004).

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You are required to self-certify the type of vehicle you’re operating with the NV DMV. You must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

  • Non-excepted interstate
  • Excepted interstate
  • Non-excepted intrastate
  • Excepted intrastate

Applying for a Nevada Motorcycle License

Sometimes you need your motorcycle and the open road for a little “me time”. Before you can start and enjoy this adventure, you need to make sure you have a valid motorcycle license, which is handled by the NV DMV.

Residents Who Are New to Nevada

Once you move to Nevada, you have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer your motorcycle license.

You need to locate your local NV DMV office and:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity
    • Social security number
    • Nevada residency (requires 2 documents)
  • Complete an Application for Driving Privileges or an ID card (Form DMV 002E) – Make sure you check “Class M” for your motorcycle endorsement.
  • Surrender your out-of-state license
  • Pay the $46.25 transfer fee

The Nevada DMV will mail your new permanent license which includes your motorcycle endorsement.

Nevada Motorcycle Eligibility

To apply for a Nevada motorcycle permit, you must already attain a standard Nevada driver’s license. Applicants who are under 18 years old, must also follow all rules that apply to NV teen drivers, including permit restrictions and educational requirements.

In addition, you are required to pass both the vision exam and the general driver’s license knowledge test or pass a written motorcycle knowledge exam and a skills test. You can also complete a motorcycle course that is approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

Motorcycle Permits in Nevada

To receive a motorcycle permit, you must pass a written exam. When you’re ready for the exam, you complete it at your local NV DMV office or through a state-approved driving school. When you pass the exam and you’re under 18 years old, your motorcycle instruction permit will be valid for 1 year. If you’re at least 18 years old, your instruction permit is good for 6 months.

When you are using your motorcycle instruction permit, you must ride under the direct visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21 years old and attained a motorcycle license for at least 1 year. Applicants who are under 18 years old must follow all rules that are applied to Nevada teenage drivers, including the permit restrictions and educational requirements.

Nevada DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test

If you choose to complete your knowledge test with the NV DMV, you’ll need to visit a Nevada DMV full-service office, and:

  • Bring proof of your:
    • Name
    • Age
    • Social Security number
  • Complete an Application for Driving Privileges or an ID card (Form DMV 002E) – applicants who are under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian present and sign a financial responsibility statement in the DMV office.
  • Complete and pass a vision test
  • Pass the written motorcycle exam
  • Pay the appropriate fees:
    • $25 testing fee (in addition to licensing fee)
    • $22.25 instruction permit fee (applicants who are at least 65 years old pay $17.25.)

Once you complete the above-listed steps, you will be an official motorcycle permit holder. Congratulations!

Nevada Permit Limitations

Earning your permit is exciting, but don’t forget that you are required to follow a set of rules. Motorcycle permit holders in Nevada must practice ONLY under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21 years old and has attained a motorcycle license for at least 1 year. You are ONLY allowed to ride your motorcycle during sunlight hours. Nevada motorcycle permit holders are also prohibited from taking any passengers and driving on freeways or high-speed roads.

Applying for Your Nevada Motorcycle License

The only thing that stands between you and obtaining your motorcycle license is the skills test. You will also need to meet the other motorcycle license eligibility requirements mentioned above. You have an option of where and how you complete the exam, including at your local NV DMV branch or a state-approved education course.

If you decide to complete your exam with your local NV DMV, you need to schedule an appointment. Make sure you confirm the location offers motorcycle skills tests. Once you complete and pass the behind-the-wheel exam, you will be eligible for a motorcycle license. Hooray!

To complete the process for your motorcycle license, you must:

  • Submit proof of your:
    • Name and age
    • Social security number
  • Provide a completed Application for Driving Privileges or ID car (Form DMV 002E) – If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or guardian present and sign a financial responsibility statement in the DMV office.
  • Surrender your motorcycle permit (if you have one)
  • Provide your MSF course completion card (if applicable)
  • Complete and pass a vision test
  • Pay the motorcycle licensing and testing fees

Motorcycle Education Courses in Nevada

Aside from the in-classroom and on-road education and training, a motorcycle course will allow you to take the written and skills exams. Participants are NOT required to have a permit. Motorcycles and helmets will be provided. The Nevada DMV accepts training courses that the MSF oversees.

Obtaining Your License

After you pass the course, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion, also referred to as an MSF card. You must take this certificate to your local NV DMV branch to receive your motorcycle license.

Nevada Motorcycle License Fees

The Nevada DMV currently charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:

  • Motorcycle knowledge and skills test: $25
  • Retest: $10
  • Instruction permit: $22.25 (if you’re at least 65 years of age: $17.25)
  • Original motorcycle license: $41.25
  • Out-of-state transfer license: $46.25

Applicants may be subject to additional fees. You can contact your local NV DMV branch for more information.

Nevada DMV Locations

There are multiple Nevada DMV locations. We’ve included a list of DMVs in this state to give you a head start on obtaining your license. Check out the list provided below to see if your local branch is listed.

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles – Henderson Branch
1399 American Pacific Dr.
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 486-4368
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles – Las Vegas Branch
2621 E Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 486-4368
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles – Carson City Branch
555 Wright WayCarson City, NV 89711
(775) 684-4368
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

You now have everything you need to obtain your driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Head to your local Nevada DMV and submit your paperwork to receive your license!

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