Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?
No, you are not required to take motorcycle drivers education course. However, drivers who do not complete a motorcycle drivers ed course will have to take the knowledge and skills tests at the DMV office for a fee of $25.

Drivers who complete a motorcycle education course will receive a Certificate of Completion. Bring the certificate to a DMV office along with the fee, application and existing/expiring Nevada driver s license to be issued a NV motorcycle Class M license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?
Residents of Nevada with motorcycle licenses who own motorcycles or mopeds are required to wear proper Department of Transportation (DOT) standard helmets at all times while operating the vehicles. Exceptions are made for mopeds that operate at 50cc or under, have less than two horsepower and have a top speed of 30 mph or less.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?
Residents of Nevada with CDL licenses that are about to expire must visit a local Nevada DMV office to renew their license in-person. When visiting the DMV office, drivers should make sure to bring the following documents for CDL license renewal:
  • Current CDL license
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of identity
  • CDL license renewal notice
  • Completed medical exam report (if applicable)
  • CDL license renewal fee (fees vary based on length of license validation and the amount of tests the driver has to take)

CDL licenses can be renewed for four or eight years depending on the driver s birth date.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Can I take the DMV written test online?
Learners permits cannot be obtained online, as drivers must present a number of documents such as a completed Application for Driving Privileges, proof of residency, proof of identity and a completed Certification of Attendance confirming the minor is attending school regularly. Drivers must also pass a vision test. Fees for learners permits are $22.25 (fees may vary).

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?
At the time of writing a CDL application, drivers must self-certify the type of driving they will be doing. Self-certification comes in four different categories,:
  • Interstate non-excepted
  • Interstate excepted
  • Intrastate non-excepted
  • Intrastate excepted

Interstate drivers are allowed to conduct commerce anywhere in the United States, while intrastate drivers can only drive commercially in Nevada.

Non-excepted drivers must take a medical examination, while excepted drivers do not need a medical examination as long as they are performing one of the acceptable “excepted” jobs approved by the Nevada DMV.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?
In Nevada, a moped is considered any motor-driven scooter, cycle or similar vehicle with no more than two gross brake horsepower, a displacement of no more than 50 cc s and a top speed no higher than 30 mph. Mopeds that fit into these parameters do not need insurance or registration in Nevada, and require a Class C license. Higher-powered mopeds are considered motorcycles and require both insurance and registration, as well as a Class M Motorcycle license to operate.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?
Most drivers in Nevada younger than 18 are required to take a driver s education course prior to receiving a drivers license. Drivers in Nevada can choose between three schooling options:
  • Classroom course with 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience
  • Online course with 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience
  • Complete 100 hours of behind-the-wheel experience (only if no classroom course within 30 mile radius of residence and the driver does not want to take the online course)

Courses must be DMV-approved and consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction. Once the course is completed, the driver will be issued a Certificate of Completion which they must bring to a local Nevada DMV office when applying for a full license. Driver s education courses do not have to be completed to receive a learners permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?
Former members of the military may receive a NV ID card with a veteran designation by applying at a local Nevada DMV office. Veterans should bring their DD-214 discharge form proving their honorable discharge to the DMV office on the next ID card renewal period. Veterans who need a copy of their DD-214 form must fill out the Online Military Service Record Request with the National Archives.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?
Residents of Nevada looking to obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL license) must fill out a CDL application at a local Nevada DMV office. At the DMV office, drivers will have to complete vision tests, as well as any skills tests associated with their CDL license. Drivers must also list the states where they have held CDL licenses for 10 years prior to living in Nevada (if applicable).

Residents applying for CDL licenses must also provide proof of Nevada residency documentation, as well as proof of identity documentation. Finally, CDL license applicants must self-certify themselves for the type of driving they will be doing with a CDL license. If a physical exam is required after self-certification, drivers must have one conducted by a DMV-approved physician.

CDL license fees are $141.25 for taking knowledge and skills tests, and $111.25 if just the knowledge tests are required (fees may vary).

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?
Drivers in Nevada who are at least age 15 years and six months are eligible to apply for a learners permit. Learners permit applications are submitted in person at a local Nevada DMV office. Minors should bring a completed Application for Driving Privileges with them to the DMV office, along with proof of residency, proof of identity and a completed Certification of Attendance confirming the minor is attending school regularly.

Additionally, drivers must pass the vision and writing tests, along with having their parent or guardian sign off on the learners permit on the application form. Fees are $25 for the tests and $22.25 for the learners permit (fees may vary). Learners permits will arrive in the mail within 10 business days.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?
Residents of Nevada who would like to obtain a Class M motorcycle license must apply at a local Nevada DMV office. To apply, submit an Application for Driving Privileges to the DMV office along with the $8.25 Motorcycle Class licensing fee (fees may vary).

Learning motorcycle drivers must choose between a motorcycle learner s permit, or taking the motorcycle driving and written skills tests at the DMV office. The written and driving motorcycle tests are waived if a Certificate of Completion can be showed to a DMV representative.

Drivers who opt out of the class must take the skills test and knowledge test at a full DMV office. A $25 testing fee applies (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

How do I get a duplicate ID card?
Residents of Nevada who have lost, misplaced or stolen ID cards can apply for a duplicate ID card online, at a DMV self-service kiosk or in person at a local Nevada DMV office. To order a duplicate ID card online, visit the Online Duplicate ID Card section of the Nevada DMV website. To order a duplicate ID card at a self-service kiosk, visit one of the large DMV offices in Nevada.

Ordering a duplicate ID card in-person is required if the ID card is expiring in the next 60 days.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?
Nevada learners permits are valid for one year. Expired learners permits must be renewed in person at a local Nevada DMV office. Minors must visit with a parent or guardian so they can sign a new Financial Responsibility Statement. Minors must also submit a new Certification of Attendance form.

Residents with learners permits that expired over 30 days ago must take the written knowledge test again. Residents with learners permits that expired over a year ago must provide proof of identity again.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

How do I renew my ID card?
The Nevada DMV is in the process of transitioning to ID cards that are valid for eight years. Under this transition, residents can renew their licenses for eight years if they were born on an even-numbered year, or four years if born on an odd-numbered year. All ID cards issued after 2018 will be valid for eight years. Eight-year ID card renewals must be done in person at a local Nevada DMV office, while four-year ID card renewals can be done online, by mail, at a self-service kiosk at the DMV office or through a DMV official at the office.

To renew ID cards online, residents must have the renewal notice mailed out from the DMV prior to the ID card expiration date. To renew ID cards by mail, send the renewal notice and ID card renewal fee to the address on the notice itself. To renew ID cards in person, visit a local DMV office and speak to an official. To renew ID cards through the self-service kiosks, residents must also have their renewal notice present. ID card renewals will be mailed to the resident s address within 10 days.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?
Nevada CDL license holders must self-certify the type of commerce they will be transporting when renewing the CDL application. Most CDL license holders have to undergo a physical examination to make sure they are medically eligible to operate a commercial vehicle. When a CDL license expires, part of the renewal process is to obtain a new physical and medical card. To do so, residents should refer to one of the Nevada DMV-approved physicians listed on the Nevada DMV website.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?
Residents of Nevada with motorcycle licenses can renew them the same time they renew their driver s licenses, as the motorcycle license is not separate. To renew, follow the instructions on the license renewal form mailed out to each house a few weeks before the expiration date. Drivers have the option of renewing online, by mail, at a DMV kiosk or in person at a local Nevada DMV office.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?
There is no difference to the standard method of application. To apply for a Class M motorcycle license, former military members must complete an Application for Driving Privileges and submit it to a local Nevada DMV office along with the application fee and a Certificate of Completion from a motorcycle driver education course. Residents who opt out of taking the course must take the written knowledge test and road skills test at the DMV office before they can receive their license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?
To get an Unrestricted Drivers License, beginning drivers must be at least 16 years old to apply for a full license. Other requirements include:
  • Holding a learners permit for six months prior to applying for a full license.
  • Not being at-fault for any accidents involved in six months prior to applying for a full license
  • Have not received any moving violation convictions for the six months prior to applying for a full license
  • Have not received any alcohol or drug-related convictions for the six months prior to applying for a full license

Once a driver has met all requirements, they can visit a local Nevada DMV office to apply for a full license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

How long will it take to get my new ID card?
Residents of Nevada ordering ID cards or ID card replacements through a local Nevada DMV office, online or through a self-service kiosk will receive new ID cards within 10 business days. ID cards in Nevada are sent from a central issuance center to prevent fraud. Therefore, residents should make sure the Nevada DMV has the correct mailing address on file. Residents who have not received their ID card within 10 business days should contact the Nevada DMV.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?
Commercial drivers are required to renew CDLs every four years or eight years depending on their birth date and the date which the CDL license was issued. To renew CDL licenses in Nevada, drivers must visit a local Nevada DMV office with the following:
  • Current CDL license
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of identity
  • CDL license renewal notice
  • Completed medical exam report (if applicable)
  • CDL license renewal fee (fees vary based on length of license validation and the amount of tests the driver has to take)

The Nevada DMV sends out renewal notices prior to CDL license expiration dates with further instructions on how to renew CDL licenses.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?
Residents of Nevada who have lost, stolen or misplaced Nevada ID cards while out of state cannot apply for ID cards by mail. To contact the Nevada DMV for possible alternative options for receiving a duplicate ID card, residents must call one of the following numbers corresponding to their home area in Nevada:
  • Las Vegas Area: 702-486-4368
  • Reno/Sparks/Carson City: 775-684-4368
  • Rural Nevada: 877-368-7828

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?
Depending on the purposes a driver hopes to use a CDL license for, the age restrictions vary. The minimum age to have an interstate CDL license and be allowed to transport hazardous materials is 21 years old.

Drivers must be 25 or older to drive combination vehicles over 70 feet long.

Drivers between 18 and 20 have intrastate CDL licenses which prohibit drivers from carrying passengers and hazardous material transport, as well as interstate commerce.

To apply for a CDL license, visit a local Nevada DMV office.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?
Motorbike drivers younger than 18 must possess a learner s permit for at least six months prior to applying for a driver s license. Minor drivers must also follow the restrictions placed on motorcycle learner s permits, as well as take a driver education course that covers motorcycle driver education.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

What are the available commercial license endorsements?
Nevada drivers who are submitting CDL applications or are already CDL license holders can add certain endorsements to their CDL licenses based on the commercial vehicle they will be driving and the cargo or passengers they will be transporting. Each CDL license endorsement has an associated test that must be completed during the CDL application process at a local Nevada DMV office. The available tests/endorsements are as follows:
  • Passenger Transport test: All bus driver applicants
  • Combination Vehicles test: All combination vehicle driver applicants
  • Hazardous Materials test: All hazardous materials applicants (must pass TSA background check as well)
  • Tank Vehicle test: All drivers hauling liquid or gaseous material in a tank or tanks with a single capacity of 119 gallons and a collective capacity of 1,000 gallons
  • Doubles/Triples test: All double or triple trailer driver applicants
  • School Bus test: Taken in addition to Passenger Transport test

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?
The fees for an Nevada ID card are:
  • Residents aged 10 to 17
    • Original or eight-year renewal/duplicate: $9.25
    • Four-year renewal/duplicate: $6.25
  • Residents aged 18 to 64
    • Original or eight-year renewal/duplicate: $21.25
    • Four-year renewal/duplicate: $12.25
  • Residents 65 or older
    • Original or duplicate: $7.25
    • Renewal: $3.25
  • Corrected ID card
    • Change of address: $3.25
    • Change of information other than address: $7.25

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?
Learners permit holders have a number of driving restrictions:
  • No passengers in vehicles less than 18 other than immediate family members (for minor drivers)
  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling to/from scheduled event (i.e. work or school-related)
  • Blood Alcohol Concentration limit of 0.02 percent for drivers under 21
  • No detectable amount of controlled substance in system

Minors can also have their learners permits suspended for certain non-driving offenses (such as drug, alcohol or firearm violations).

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?
CDL license holders in Nevada are required to self-certify the type of driving they will be doing at the time of their CDL application. There are four types of certifications a driver can have: interstate non-excepted, interstate excepted, intrastate non-excepted or intrastate excepted. Non-excepted drivers must take a medical examination, while excepted drivers do not need a medical examination and are restricted to the following jobs:
  • Transporting school children/staff between home and school (does not include extracurricular activities)
  • Federal, state or local employees
  • Rescue vehicle drivers during emergencies
  • Transporting propane winter heating fuel during emergency situations
  • Pipeline emergencies
  • Custom harvesting machinery on a farm
  • Beekeepers during seasonal transportation
  • Non-combination vehicles operated by farmers for transporting agriculture
  • Private passenger vehicles for non-business purposes
  • Transporting migrant workers
  • Transporting sick or injured persons, or human corpses

All changes to self-certification must be made in-person at a local Nevada DMV office.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?
Drivers in Nevada who are in possession of a learner s permit and receive traffic ticket fines are subject to the same penalties as fully-licensed drivers. Additionally, minors with learner s permits who have received traffic fines may find themselves penalized by not being able to get a full license for a longer period of time. Learner s permit drivers who are minors must have no at-fault accidents or moving violation convictions for the six months prior to applying for a full license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
Three-wheel motorcycles in Nevada (also known as “trimobiles”) are considered any three-wheeled vehicle powered by one or two wheels. Drivers are required to have a Class C license to operate a trimobile, as opposed to a class M. Drivers of trimobiles are not required to wear helmets, though a face shield or goggles are required (unless the trimobile is already equipped with a face shield).

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?
Residents of Nevada who are looking to obtain a learners permit have to visit a local Nevada DMV office. During the DMV visit, drivers must provide DMV officials with a number of documents and items, including:
  • Application for Driving Privileges
  • Proof of Residency
  • Proof of Identity
  • Completed Certification of Attendance form

Additionally, learners permit applicants will need to pay the $25 testing fee for the vision and written knowledge tests, as well as the $22.25 learners permit fee (fees may vary).

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?
Drivers who have completed a motorcycle training course must provide an Application for Driving Privileges, Certificate of Completion from the driving course and the current standard driver s license.

Drivers younger than 18 must also have a parent or guardian complete and submit a Financial Responsibility Statement.

Drivers who do not take a motorcycle education course will have to take the written and skills tests at the DMV office, along with submitting the $25 testing fee (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?
Motorcycle drivers have the choice of either completing a motorcycle driver education course or taking both the written knowledge and road skills tests. The written knowledge test must be passed before a driver can take the road skills test. Skills tests assess a driver s ability to control the motorcycle equipment, as well as check the vehicle for safety.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nevada

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?
Drivers in Nevada who hold a CDL license are subject to stricter alcohol requirements than drivers with non-commercial licenses. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for CDL license holders is 0.04 percent. If caught driving while influenced for the first time, the CDL license will be suspended for one year for the following:
  • Testing above 0.04 percent BAC while operating a commercial vehicle
  • Refusing a BAC test
  • Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of any controlled substance

Drivers convicted of a second offense will lose their CDL license for life. Drivers will also be put in jail for 24 hours if less than 0.04 percent BAC is detected.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?
Nevada residents looking to apply for non-driver identification cards must do so in person at a local Nevada DMV office. Non-driver Nevada ID cards are issued to state residents who do not already possess a valid ID card, driver s license or instruction permit. Nevada ID cards can be used to prove the ID card holder s age, identity and residence when necessary. ID cards are valid for either four or eight years depending on the year the resident was born. All ID cards issued from 2018 on will be valid for eight years.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?
On the written knowledge test, drivers must get 80 percent or more of the 50 questions correct to pass.

For the vision test, drivers must display at least 20/40 vision or get contact lens/glasses that correct their vision to 20/40.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?
Residents of Nevada who would like to obtain a learners permit must take a number of tests at a local Nevada DMV office prior to receiving their learners permit. For a testing fee of $25, drivers can take both the required written knowledge test and required driving skills test at the DMV office. Additionally, drivers must pass a vision test with a minimum vision ration of 20/40. Drivers who need glasses or contact lenses will have Restriction Code A placed on their learners permits. The written knowledge test must be completed with a passing score of 80 percent or higher.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?
Residents of Nevada applying for a CDL license will have to take a number of tests depending on the class of CDL license they are applying for and whether or not they require any endorsements. Tests include the following:
  • Knowledge Tests
    • General Knowledge test: Taken by all CDL license applicants
    • Passenger Transport test: All bus driver applicants
    • Combination Vehicles test: All combination vehicle driver applicants
    • Hazardous Materials test: All hazardous materials applicants (must pass TSA background check as well)
    • Tank Vehicle test: All drivers hauling liquid or gaseous material in a tank or tanks with a single capacity of 119 gallons and a collective capacity of 1,000 gallons
    • Doubles/Triples test: All double or triple trailer driver applicants
    • School Bus test: Taken in addition to Passenger Transport test
  • Skills Tests
    • Vehicle Inspection: Test driver s knowledge on vehicle safety prior to driving
    • Basic Vehicle Control: Test driver s skill at controlling vehicle within an enclosed space
    • On-Road: Test driver s skill at controlling vehicle on the road, as well as driving it safely to and from a destination

All tests must be taken either at a local Nevada DMV office or through a Nevada DMV-approved third party.

For more information: Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?
Residents of Nevada looking to obtain ID cards in the state must apply in-person at a local Nevada DMV office. There residents will receive an ID card that expires in either four or eight years depending on the year the resident was born. Residents born on even-numbered years will be issued eight-year ID cards, while residents born on odd-numbered years will be issued four-year ID cards. Residents over 65 years old will be issued four-year ID cards only. All ID cards for individuals less than 65 issued from 2018 on will be eight-year ID cards.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?
To get an ID card, visit a local Nevada DMV office and bring the following items:
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of residency
  • Completed Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card
  • Surrender existing driver s license, permit or ID card
  • ID card fee (varies by age)

ID card renewals can be applied for either online, at a self-service kiosk or in-person at the DMV office.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nevada Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?
Minors must have a parent or legal guardian sign off on their application prior to receiving a learners permit. The parent or guardian must be at least 21 and fill out a Financial Responsibility Statement for any drivers under 18. The same parent or guardian can also request that the minor s learners permit be canceled by filling out a Minor Affidavit.

Adults who knowingly allow minors to operate a motor vehicle without a license or violate any of the learners permit restrictions will be responsible for the minor s fines.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nevada