Top Determine the Status of Your License

Your license must be valid to drive, so be sure you get to the DMV office on or before its expiration date. Scroll down to read more about renewing.

Another requirement is to carry adequate car insurance, including liability, as set by the legislature. The most convenient method to shop for car insurance these days is to shop online for the best quote.

Valid License

Your driver non-commercial license is valid for four years and expires on your birthday in the year indicated on the front of your license. At least every eight years, you need to renew in person.

If you’re not sure whether your license is valid, go ahead and check your driving record.

Commercial drivers have to follow different renewing rules.

Expired License

Licenses that are only 30 days expired or less can still get renewed by mail or in person. After 30 days, there’s a $10 late fee and you must renew at a DMV. Remember, you can still get a citation even if your license has only been expired for one day.

Your driving record will tell you whether your license is expired.

Suspended License

You could also be facing suspension if you got a DUI or if you’ve gotten too many citations in the past few years. To check, look at your driving record. This will tell you everything that’s counted against you and whether your license is in danger of suspension, or whether it's already suspended.

Once you’re reinstated to drive legally, you’ll probably see your car insurance rates spike. To counteract this, now is a good time to look for the best service provider.

Lost License

If your license gets lost or stolen, report it and get a replacement license as soon as possible.

Top Check Your Renewal Notice

As long as you've kept your address current with the DMV, you will receive a renewal notice within 30 days of your license expiration date. If you receive the Driver License Renew By Mail Application, you are eligible to renew online or by mail. Otherwise, you'll receive a card requiring you to come in to renew in person.

If you haven't received an expiration notice, e-mail your name and current address, as well as your license number or Social Security number, to find out if you can renew online.

NOTE: As of October 10, 2008, Nevada has instituted a Central Issuance policy for driver licenses. If you visit Carson City or Reno DMV locations, you will not receive your renewed license over the counter. You'll receive a temporary license at the office and your official license will be mailed to you within 10 days.

While the Central Issuance policy is currently only effective in Carson City and Reno areas, the policy will take effect in all remaining Nevada DMV offices in the coming weeks.

Fees listed in this article reflect the new Central Issuance fees. If you live in Las Vegas or rural areas of the state, subtract 75 cents from the fees listed below.

Renewing Ahead of Time

You may renew in person at a DMV office whenever you like without waiting for a renewal notice. If you're planning a long vacation near your expiration date, this may be the way to go.

If your expiration date is less than six months ahead when you renew, your new date will be set for four years. If the expiration date is six months to a year ahead, your new date will be set for three years.

Top Renew Online

To renew online or by mail, you must be at least 25 on your next birthday and have renewed in person within the last four years. You also can't have more than two moving violations or a license suspension, revocation, or cancellation with the last four years.

• Go to the renewal Web site and enter the access code shown on your renewal notice.

• Pay $22 by major credit card ($17 for ages 65 and up), and within seven to 10 days you'll receive a sticker in the mail to place on the back of your license.

Out of State

If you're out of state, call (775) 684-4560 or (877) 368-7828 for renewal instructions. You may be eligible to renew by mail using the Application for Nevada Driver License By Mail form.

Top Renew By Mail

1. Follow the instructions on your renewal notice.
2. This option usually applies only to people who are temporarily out of state, who have recently moved, or who have some other unusual situation.
3. Send a check or money order for $22 ($17 for 65 and up), also shown on the notice.
4. To use a credit card, mail the Credit Card Authorization form with your renewal request.

Top Renew In Person

Kiosks There are self-serve kiosks at the offices in Las Vegas, Henderson, Elko, Reno, Carson City, Fallon, Minden, and Pahrump.

• Follow the directions on your renewal notice for the forms.

• Bring the forms and your notice to a participating office.

• Pay the $22 ($17 for 65 and up) fee with credit card.

In-person renewal

Your notice will tell you if you need to show up at a DMV office. Be prepared to take a vision test and pay the $22 fee ($17 for 65 and up).

Drivers with more than two moving violations in the last four years, or drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, may have to retake some tests.

Top Update Your Driving Skills

Drivers’ licenses only have to be renewed every four years, but how often do you test your knowledge of the newest laws? A skills brush-up may be in order. Consider taking a traffic school supplemental course to round out your education. It could also earn you an insurance break.

Look at your policy to see if your provider will give you a discount for taking the class. If they won’t, now could be a good time to see if anyone else can get you a better deal.

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