DMV

New Nevada ID: how to get your first Nevada ID card

A new Nevada ID card is for a Nevada resident aged 10 or older who does not hold a valid driver's license or ID card from any state. Seasonal residents without a Nevada driver's license can get one too. Here is who qualifies, what to bring, what Nevada law charges, and how long the card lasts.

What to do first

1. Check that the ID card is the right card. An ID card does not let you drive (NRS 483.840(2)). If you just moved here and you drive, you need a Nevada driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident (NRS 483.245(1)). See our DMV appointment page.

2. Bring the out-of-state card with you. If you hold a driver's license or ID card from another state, you must hand it over when you apply for the Nevada ID card (NRS 483.850(5)).

3. Gather proof of your name, age and Social Security number. The details are below. For the full list of papers the DMV takes, see our REAL ID Nevada page.

4. Book the visit. You sign the application in front of a person who can give oaths (NRS 483.850(2)), so plan to apply in person at the DMV.

Who can get one

A Nevada resident, 10 or older, who does not hold a valid driver's license or ID card from any state or jurisdiction (NRS 483.820(1)(a)).

A seasonal resident who does not hold a valid Nevada driver's license (NRS 483.820(1)(b)).

Not yet, for some registered offenders. The DMV will not issue or renew an ID card for a sex offender, or for anyone convicted of a crime against a child, until the state's criminal records office shows they are in compliance with chapter 179D of NRS. The card then lasts only one year (NRS 483.861).

What the application asks for

The DMV form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, state of legal residence, the address where you live in Nevada, and a mailing address if it is different. You also sign a statement that you do not hold a valid license or ID card from any state, or, for a seasonal resident, a valid Nevada license (NRS 483.850(1)). You sign the form and swear to it in front of someone who can give oaths (NRS 483.850(2)). You can preregister or register to vote at the same time if you are eligible (NRS 483.850(4)).

What to bring

Proof of your full legal name and age. This means an original or certified copy of a document the DMV accepts by regulation. A Nevada prison photo ID counts if it shows the Department of Corrections checked your name and age (NRS 483.860(1)). Photocopies are not enough. If you need a birth certificate, see our birth certificate page.

Proof of your Social Security number, if you have one. Bring your Social Security card, or other proof the DMV accepts, such as employment records or a federal tax return (NRS 483.850(3)).

Not a consular ID. The DMV may not accept a consular identification card as proof of your age or identity (NRS 483.860(3)).

Homeless and under 25? Sign the DMV's homeless affidavit. You can prove name and age with a school ID with your photo plus an unofficial transcript showing your date of birth (NRS 483.860(4)). You do not have to show a Social Security number (NRS 483.850(6)).

What Nevada law charges

Card	Fee	Source
Age 18 to 64, expires on the 8th birthday anniversary	$18	NRS 483.820(2)
Age 18 to 64, expires on or before the 4th birthday anniversary	$9	NRS 483.820(2)
Under 18, expires on the 8th birthday anniversary	$6	NRS 483.820(2)
Under 18, expires on or before the 4th birthday anniversary	$3	NRS 483.820(2)
65 or older, expires on or before the 8th birthday anniversary	$8	NRS 483.820(2)
65 or older, expires on or before the 4th birthday anniversary	$4	NRS 483.820(2)
New photo, name change, or both	$4	NRS 483.820(2)

These are the fees in the statute. The counter total is higher, because the DMV adds a photo charge on top by regulation (NRS 483.347; NAC 483.900). Check the DMV's posted total before you go. Read 2026-11-10 off the Nevada Revised Statutes, chapter 483 revision stamped 9/9/2026 (2026R1), and the Nevada Administrative Code, chapter 483 revision stamped 6/7/2026.

When the card is free

You gave up your driver's license. No fee for an ID card if you voluntarily surrendered your driver's license to the DMV (NRS 483.820(3)(a); NRS 483.420(3)).

You are 65 or older and renewing. No fee for the renewal (NRS 483.820(3)(b)).

You left prison in the past year. Bring the Department of Corrections release papers. The fee and the photo charge are waived for an original or renewal card (NRS 483.825(2), (5)(b)).

You are homeless and under 25. Sign the DMV's homeless affidavit and the fee and photo charge are waived for an original card (NRS 483.825(5)(a)).

Lost a card you already had? That is a duplicate, not a new card. See our lost license or ID page.

How long it lasts

Most ID cards expire on the 8th anniversary of your birthday, counted from the birthday nearest the day the card is issued (NAC 483.043(1)). The statute also prices a shorter card that ends on or before the 4th anniversary (NRS 483.820(2)). You can renew any time before it expires (NRS 483.875(3)). An 8-year card must be renewed in person at a DMV office (NAC 483.043(2)). The DMV must send you a notice at least 30 days before your card expires (NAC 483.082(1)).

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, the card is good only for the time you are allowed to stay in the United States. If your stay has no set end date, the card lasts one year (NRS 483.875(4)).

After you get it

Situation	What the law says	Source
You move	Tell the DMV within 30 days	NRS 483.870(3)
You lose the card	Tell the DMV within 30 days	NRS 483.870(3)
Other facts on the card change	Tell the DMV promptly	NRS 483.870(2)
You get a driver's license from any state	Hand the ID card in when the license is issued	NRS 483.870(1)(b)
You change your legal name	A new photo, a name change, or both, is $4	NRS 483.820(2)

What gets you in trouble

It is a misdemeanor to forge or alter an ID card or knowingly carry one that is forged or altered. It is also a misdemeanor to lend your card to someone, to use someone else's card, or to refuse to hand a card in when the DMV directs. Keeping someone else's card more than 10 days without returning it is a misdemeanor too (NRS 483.890).

Good to know

Put your papers in one folder before the visit: proof of name and age, Social Security proof, proof of where you live, your old out-of-state card, and payment. If your name today does not match your birth certificate, bring the marriage certificate or court order that changed it. See our name change page.

For office addresses, hours, appointments and the current document list, check with the Nevada DMV directly. Call 211 if you need help getting papers together.