Hello again everybody,

WOW! The DMV has really come a loooooong way!

Today I spent my morning trying to register a new vehicle and get my driver’s license up-to-date. I must admit, I was not looking forward to it. Who ever enjoys a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles? From my first trip as a nervous 15 year old and every visit since then, I learned to prepare for frustration, futility, and mind-numbing boredom.

Well I am happy to say those days are gone, hopefully forever. I was in and out in less than 2 hours and everybody was courteous and professional. Even the other persons that waited with me were nice to be around.

The key, I think, was preparation. I had all my paperwork in order and I knew what to expect because I had visited their website, which can be found here: Nevada DMV

With so many residents moving here every month, I thought it would be nice to publish this information for them:

New Resident Tip Sheet

New residents have 30 days to obtain a Nevada Driver License and 60 days to obtain Vehicle Registration. The fine for failing to register your vehicle is $250 - $500.

Items Needed for Typical Transfers
DRIVER LICENSE
• Your Valid, State-Issued Driver License or ID Card
This must contain your name and date of birth. If your license is expired, suspended or revoked, contact us to determine what you need to do. You must surrender this and it will be returned to your previous state for cancellation. You must also provide additional proof of identity as outlined below.
• Proof of Your Social Security Number
If your social security number is not printed on your driver license, you will need to bring your social security card or other proof of your number.
• Additional Proof of Identity
We do not accept other states’ licenses, instruction permits or ID cards as proof of identity. Please bring one of the documents listed in addition to your license, permit or ID card.
Proof of Identity Documents
Certified U.S. Issued Birth Certificate or Certified Abstract (hospital copies are not accepted)
U.S. Passport
U.S. Military Identification or Military Report of Separation
Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Permanent or Temporary Resident Card
Resident Alien Card or I-551 Receipt
Valid Foreign Passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) with Visa or Passport
Permit to Reenter the U.S.
Refugee Travel Documents
Maiden Names/Name Changes - You must present documentation of any name change if you will be presenting a proof of identity document that does not contain your current legal name. This may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption records or court order. See Name Changes.

All documents must be originals. We do not accept photocopies. If you cannot meet these requirements, contact us before applying for a license, permit or ID.
Residents of all U.S. territories and foreign countries must meet the Proof of Identity requirements and take vision, knowledge and skills tests.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION
• Nevada Proof of Liability Insurance
Out of state insurance is not acceptable. Make sure the name(s) on your insurance and registration match exactly. Motorists who do not maintain coverage from a Nevada-licensed carrier are subject to a registration suspension and reinstatement fee. You must notify your agent or company that you have moved to Nevada or purchase a policy here.
• Nevada Smog Check Certificate (If Needed)
Emissions inspections are required on gasoline and diesel powered cars and trucks, 1968 and newer, based in and around the Las Vegas and Reno areas. New vehicles are exempt on their first and second registrations. Diesel vehicles with a manufacturers gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight are also exempt. You must have the test completed in Nevada.
• Your Current Registration Slip(s)
Nearly all trailers must be registered and titled.
• Title(s), Unless Held By Lien holder
You have the option of retaining your out-of-state title. We strongly suggest getting a Nevada title if possible.
• VIN Check(s)
Vehicle Identification Number inspections are done at DMV offices. At larger offices, drive to the inspection station outside the main office first. In the Minden area, visit an Authorized Inspection Station.
• Your Out-of-State License Plates
Bring them into the office with you.
• Fees - Cash, Check, Money Order, E- Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex
Use our online fee quote service for an estimate of registration fees, which are partially based on vehicle value. Have your VIN ready and click here or log on to www.dmvnv.com.

Driving Tests
All applicants take a vision test. Other tests will be waived if:
• You are age 25 or older and have no special restrictions, and
• Your out-of-state license is valid and you are applying for the same class of license, and
• You have no more than 2 moving violations, no suspensions, revocations, cancellations or denials in the past 4 years and no DUI conviction within the past 7 years.
If you do not meet all of these requirements, you will have to take a written test and possibly a skills test. All license applications are checked through the national Problem Driver Pointer System.

Special driver license testing and endorsements are required to tow multiple trailers or trailers in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Motor Voter
You can register to vote while applying for your driver license.

Handicapped Parking
Nevada issues a placard which can be used on any vehicle or special license plates. The disabled resident must obtain a DMV application and have it signed by a licensed physician. See License Plates. Temporary placards are also available for short-term disabilities.

Personalized/Specialty License Plates Personalized plates are limited to 7 letters and/or numbers. Specialty plates are available for Nevada universities, veterans, Purple Heart recipients, Ex-Prisoners of War, classic cars and a number of special groups and charitable causes. You may order personalized plates in advance of moving to Nevada. Visit our web site for details.

Motorcycles & Mopeds
Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and possess a Class M license. Nevada transfers most motorcycle endorsements.
Mopeds 50cc or less, with less than 2 horsepower, do not have to be registered and you do not need a Class M license. However, you must have a valid Class C or higher license.

Boats
Water vessels are registered with the Nevada Division of Wildlife. Trailers are registered with DMV.

Contact DMV

Web Site www.dmvnv.com
E-Mail info@dmv.state.nv.us
Telephone
Las Vegas Area and 24-Hour Recorded Info (702) 486-4368
Reno/Sparks/Carson City (775) 684-4368
Rural Nevada (Toll Free) (877) 368-7828
TDD for the hearing impaired only (775) 684-4904

I hope you found this useful.

Sincerely,

David