How to Get a State ID Card in Nevada: Documents, Fees, and Appointment

To get a state ID card in Nevada, you apply in person at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles with proof of identity, a Social Security document, and two proofs of Nevada residency. You fill out form DMV 002, have your photo and signature taken at the counter, and pay a fee between $9.50 and $21.50 depending on your age. A temporary paper ID goes home with you the same day; the permanent card is mailed within 10 business days.¹

Who Can Apply

You need to be a Nevada resident and at least 10 years old. Nevada does not allow you to hold an ID card and a driver’s license at the same time, and that includes a license from another state, so if you have one you’ll need to surrender it. Non-citizens can apply with valid immigration documents, including a current Permanent Resident Card.¹

Documents to Bring

Every document has to be an original or a certified copy. Photocopies are not accepted.²

One Proof of Identity

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

If the name you use today does not match the name on your identity document, bring proof of every name change in between, such as a marriage certificate or court order.¹

One Document Showing Your Full Social Security Number

Social Security card
W-2 form
IRS Form 1099
Printed pay stub

Two Proofs of Nevada Residency

Both documents must be different, show your name and Nevada address, and be dated within the past 60 days. A utility bill, a bank or credit card statement, a rent receipt or lease, and a pay stub all count.² If you can’t produce two, another Nevada resident can vouch for your address by completing a Certification of Nevada Residency (DMV 005).⁴

Fill Out DMV 002 Before You Go

Download the Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002) from the Nevada DMV website and complete it at home. It is available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog. Every field must match your supporting documents exactly. Do not mail the form; mailed applications for a first-time ID are rejected. You have to bring it to a DMV office yourself.⁵

Book an Appointment and Visit the DMV

A first-time ID card cannot be done online, so you need to go in person. The DMV expects you to schedule through WaitWell, its appointment platform, and pick your office when you book.⁶ Some offices take walk-ins for certain services, but the Las Vegas and Reno locations get busy, and an original ID application is not a good gamble.

At the counter, a representative reviews your application and verifies each document. You’ll have your photo taken and provide an electronic signature. Everything happens in one visit.

Fees

What you pay depends on your age:⁷

Ages 10 to 17: $9.50
Ages 18 to 64: $21.50 for an original card
Age 65 and older: $11.50 for an original card

The DMV takes cash, checks, money orders for the exact amount, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Debit cards run as credit.⁷

Fee Waivers

Nevada waives ID card fees in a few situations:⁷

Homeless applicants under 25: all fees waived for original, renewal, and duplicate cards, using a Declaration of Homeless Status (DMV 128).
Homeless applicants 25 and older: a one-time waiver for the duplicate card fee, using the same DMV 128.
People released from prison or jail within the past 90 days: the $21.50 duplicate fee can be waived with official release documentation and a DP 190 form completed in person. A $3.50 photo fee may need to be reimbursed at the next renewal if you’re employed by then.

Choose Real ID or Standard at the Counter

Nevada issues two versions of the ID card. A Real ID card carries a gold Nevada outline with a star cutout and is accepted at TSA checkpoints, federal facilities, and nuclear power plants. A standard card is printed with “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” and cannot be used for any of those.¹ Since May 7, 2025, TSA no longer accepts non-compliant state IDs at security.⁸

Both versions require the same categories of documents, and there’s no extra cost for the Real ID. If you already carry a U.S. passport, TSA accepts that in place of a Real ID, so a standard Nevada card may cover your needs.⁹

When Your Card Arrives

The DMV gives you a temporary paper ID at the window. Your permanent card is printed elsewhere and mailed to the address on file, arriving within 10 business days.¹ Most cards are valid for eight years. If your card is tied to an immigration document showing “Duration of Status” rather than a specific expiration date, the card is valid for one year.¹⁰

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Nevada DMV. Nevada Identification Cards
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Nevada DMV. Proof of Identity and Residency
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Nevada DMV. Nevada Real ID
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Nevada DMV. DMV 005 Certification of Nevada Residency
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Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV Forms and Publications
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Nevada DMV. Appointments
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Nevada DMV. Driver License/ID Fees and Exemptions
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Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID
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Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
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Nevada DMV. Driver License and ID Card Renewals