Time to Renew Your Nevada Driver's License? Here's Everything You Need to Know

For every driver in Nevada, license renewal is a recurring and essential task. It's a checkpoint to ensure your information is current, your vision meets state standards, and you remain a qualified driver. While it might seem like a chore, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has streamlined the process, offering several convenient options to keep your driving privileges active.

Whether your license is expiring in a few months or you're just planning ahead, this guide covers everything you need to know about the renewal process in Nevada, including timelines, requirements, fees, and the different ways you can get it done.

When to Renew Your Nevada Driver's License

The standard Nevada driver's license is valid for eight years, expiring on your birthday. For drivers aged 65 and older, the license is valid for four years.

The DMV will mail you a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your license expires. This notice is an important document, as it will inform you of your specific renewal options and whether you are required to renew in person.

What if My License is Already Expired?

• Expired for 30 days or less: You can still renew without penalty.
• Expired for 31 days or more: You must renew in person and will be charged a $10 late fee.
• Expired for one year or more: You must renew in person and will be required to pass the written knowledge test again.
• Expired for four years or more: You will be treated as a new applicant and must pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal and can lead to a citation, so it's critical to renew on time.

Nevada Driver's License Renewal Options

Nevada offers three primary methods for renewing your license. Your eligibility for each method depends on your driving record and when you last renewed.

1. Online Renewal (The Easiest Option)

For most drivers, renewing online through the "MyDMV" portal is the fastest and most convenient choice.

Who is eligible for online renewal?

• You are between 16 and 70 years old.
• You are renewing a standard, non-commercial license.
• Your last renewal was done in person. (The DMV generally requires an in-person visit every other renewal cycle, or every eight years).
• Your license is not suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• You do not have more than two moving violations in the last four years.

If your renewal notice indicates you can renew online, simply visit the Nevada DMV website, log into your MyDMV account, and follow the prompts. You'll pay the fee online, and your new license will be mailed to you.

2. In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You are required to renew in person if:

• Your last renewal was not in person.
• You are 71 years of age or older.
• You need to upgrade to a REAL ID for the first time.
• You need to change your name or other vital information.
• Your license has been expired for more than 30 days.

Steps for In-Person Renewal:

1. Make an Appointment: To avoid long wait times, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment online through the DMV website.
2. Gather Your Documents: Bring your current driver's license. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, you will need to bring all the required proofs of identity, social security, and residency again.
3. Pass a Vision Test: A vision test is required at every renewal to ensure you meet the state's minimum vision standard of 20/40.
4. Get a New Photo: Your picture will be updated.
5. Pay the Fee: The fee for a standard eight-year renewal is $42.25. Fees are lower for four-year licenses.

3. Renewal by Mail

Renewal by mail is less common and generally reserved for specific situations.

Who might be eligible?

• Nevada residents who are temporarily out of state (e.g., students, military members).
• Drivers who receive a specific mail-in application from the DMV.

If you are eligible, the DMV will mail you an application. You will need to complete the form, which may require an eye exam signed by a doctor, and mail it back with a check or money order for the fee.

What You Need for Your Renewal

To make your renewal process as smooth as possible, have these items ready:

• Your Current Nevada Driver's License: This serves as your primary form of identification.
• Your Renewal Notice: This contains an access code that may be needed for online renewal.
• Proof of Address (if you have moved): If your address has changed since your last renewal, you'll need to provide two documents to prove your new Nevada residency.
• Payment for Fees: The DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit/debit cards. The standard 8-year license renewal fee is $42.25. A 4-year license costs $23.25.

Upgrading to a REAL ID During Renewal

If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a REAL ID. Your renewal is the perfect time to upgrade. To do so, you must renew in person and bring your full set of original documents:

• One proof of identity
• One proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Nevada residency

Keeping your driver's license current is a fundamental responsibility. By knowing your renewal date and choosing the most convenient option for your situation, you can ensure the process is quick, easy, and keeps you legally on the road.