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How to get a driver's license in Nevada as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Nevada needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Nevada honors valid foreign licenses; an International Driving Permit is not required but recommended as a translation and must be carried with the license.
Deadline after moving
30 days after establishing residency
License exchange without tests
Not stated in official sources
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
Bring one SSN document for a license; if you applied for an SSN but have not received it you may attest to this. The DAC page refers to DAC customers without an SSN.

Driving on a foreign license

Nevada honors valid foreign licenses; an International Driving Permit is not required but recommended as a translation and must be carried with the license. Deadline after moving: 30 days after establishing residency.

If your country is not on the list

Take the vision, knowledge and skills (drive) tests.

Currently licensed in a foreign country other than Canada (a skills test waiver may be granted to Taiwan nationals.) dmv.nv.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and I-94
  • I-20 (students) or DS-2019 (exchange visitors) if applicable

License validity: Licenses issued on immigration documents are marked Limited Term (4-year Limited Term License fee category).

License regardless of immigration status

Driver Authorization Card (DAC): lets eligible Nevada residents drive without the documents needed for a license; valid 4 years, marked NOT VALID FOR ID, not valid for federal purposes or as ID for state services.

A Driver Authorization Card allows eligible Nevada residents to legally drive on public roads even if they cannot meet dmv.nv.gov

Social Security number

Bring one SSN document for a license; if you applied for an SSN but have not received it you may attest to this. The DAC page refers to DAC customers without an SSN.

If you've applied for but haven't received a Social Security number: You may attest to this on your application dmv.nv.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents showing your name and Nevada residential address (e.g., rent receipt, utility bill, car insurance, mortgage).

You must present two of the following documents which show your name and Nevada residential address. dmv.nv.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather proof of identity (immigration documents, or foreign passport/ID for a DAC), SSN, and two Nevada address documents.
  2. Choose a driver license (lawful status) or a Driver Authorization Card (no lawful status needed).
  3. Apply at a DMV office and pass the vision test.
  4. Pass the knowledge test (required if never licensed in the U.S.).
  5. Pass the skills (drive) test; Taiwan nationals may get a skills test waiver.
  6. Pay the license/DAC fee plus the $25 testing fee.
  7. Switch within 30 days of becoming a Nevada resident.

Fees

Original 8-year license $41.50; original 4-year DAC or Limited Term License $22.50; instruction permit $22.50; initial knowledge and skills test $25; retest $10.

Driver Authorization Cards cost $22.50 plus an additional $25 testing fee if tests are required. dmv.nv.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Nevada

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.