To get a Nevada REAL ID, you need to bring four categories of documents to a DMV office in person: one proof of identity, one proof of your Social Security number, two proofs of your Nevada residential address, and documentation for any legal name changes that connect the name on your identity document to your current legal name. Every document must be an original or a certified copy; the DMV will not accept photocopies.1Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada Real ID Since May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another federally approved ID has been required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.2Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID A Nevada REAL ID is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner of the card.
One Proof of Identity
Bring one of the following:3Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Proof of Identity and Residency
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- A U.S. state-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
- A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550)
- A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560)
- A Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
- A valid, unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa and an I-94 form
One Proof of Your Social Security Number
The document must show your full Social Security number and your current legal name. Acceptable documents:1Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada Real ID
- Your Social Security card
- A W-2 form
- An IRS Form 1099
- A printed pay stub showing your complete Social Security number
- DMV Form DMV-002 or CDL-002
Lost your card and have no W-2, 1099, or qualifying pay stub? You can request a free replacement from the Social Security Administration. You will need a current U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport, along with proof of citizenship if you have not previously established it with the SSA.4Social Security Administration. Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get a Social Security Card Processing takes time, so start early.
Two Proofs of Nevada Residency
You need two separate documents showing your name and a Nevada residential address. Some must be dated within the last 60 days; others just have to be the most recently issued version.3Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Proof of Identity and Residency
Must Be Dated Within 60 Days
- A utility bill
- A bank or credit card statement
- A rent or lease receipt
- A lease agreement listing you as the tenant
- An employment pay stub
- A document from a state or federal court
Most Recent Version Accepted (No 60-Day Rule)
- An insurance card, binder, or bill
- A medical provider bill or receipt
- Tax records, including property tax records
- A deed of trust or mortgage documentation
You can mix documents across the two lists as long as you bring two different ones.1Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada Real ID
Name-Change Documents (If Needed)
If the name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, you need to document every change linking the two. A birth certificate showing a maiden name, for instance, needs a marriage certificate to bridge to a current married name. Accepted documents include:1Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada Real ID
- A government-issued marriage certificate
- A divorce decree
- Adoption records
- A court order for a name change
If your identity document already shows your current legal name, skip this step.
Extra Documents for Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens with valid immigration documents can get a Nevada REAL ID, but it will be marked “LIMITED TERM” and will expire when your authorized stay ends rather than following the standard eight-year cycle.3Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Proof of Identity and Residency
For proof of identity, you can present a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), an unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766), or a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa and I-94. If your Permanent Resident Card has expired, bring a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension. The DMV may ask for additional immigration documents such as an I-20 or DS-2019 depending on your visa type.3Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Proof of Identity and Residency If you have applied for but not yet received a Social Security number, note that on the application form instead of providing a Social Security document. Residency and name-change requirements are the same as for any other applicant.
Limited-term cardholders must show current immigration documents at every renewal.1Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada Real ID
What Happens When You Bring Your Documents In
You have to apply in person; there is no online or mail option for a first REAL ID. Appointments are recommended through the Nevada DMV website, though most offices accept walk-ins.1Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada Real ID A representative reviews your documents, takes your photograph, and collects the fee. Costs match a standard license or ID:5Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Driver License and ID Fees and Exemptions
- New or renewed driver’s license (age 64 or under): $41.50 for an eight-year card
- New or renewed ID card (age 18–64): $21.50 for an eight-year card
- Upgrading an existing driver’s license to REAL ID: $8.50
- Upgrading an existing ID card to REAL ID: $7.50
The upgrade fees apply when you are only adding the gold star to a license or ID you already hold, with no other changes.6Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Changes to Your Driver License, ID or Permit
You will not leave with the permanent card. The DMV issues a temporary paper document, and your REAL ID arrives by mail at the address on your application within a few weeks. One caution if you have a flight scheduled: TSA does not accept temporary paper driver’s licenses at airport checkpoints.7Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint Use a passport, passport card, or another TSA-approved ID until the permanent card reaches you.