Driving Tests

Nevada Driver Authorization Card (DAC): Who Can Get One and How

informational·how to guide·Published April 29, 2026

What is a Nevada Driver Authorization Card (DAC), and who can get one?

A Nevada Driver Authorization Card (DAC) lets eligible Nevada residents drive legally when they cannot meet the identity rules for a standard license or ID. You do not need a Social Security number. The card costs $22.50, plus a $25 testing fee if tests are required, and it is valid for 4 years. It says "Not Valid for ID" and is for driving only.

Where the Nevada DAC facts come from

The card rules, documents, tests and fees come from the Nevada DMV Driver Authorization Card page and the DMV fee page. Other rules come from the Nevada Driver's Handbook (DMV 700, March 2024) and the DMV pages on identity and residency, approved translators, teen instruction permits and Quick Cards. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Nevada DMV (dmv.nv.gov) before you drive.

What a Nevada DAC lets you do, and what it does not

What a Nevada DAC lets you do, and what it does not
Use	With a DAC
Drive on Nevada public streets and highways	Yes
Register and insure your vehicle in Nevada	Yes
ID on Nevada DMV forms where a signature must be witnessed	Yes
ID at a private business, for example to cash a check	The business decides. It may accept or deny the card.
ID to get state benefits, licenses or services	No
Boarding an aircraft or entering a federal facility where ID is required	No
Driving a commercial vehicle	No. Commercial drivers must meet the identity rules for a Real ID or standard license.

Who can get a Nevada Driver Authorization Card?

A DAC is for Nevada residents who do not qualify for a Real ID or a standard license or ID. You do not need a Social Security number. U.S. citizens and immigrants with U.S.-issued documents can apply too, for example to drive while they collect the papers for a license.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign your application, and you must show proof that you meet the minimum Nevada school attendance requirements. You cannot get a DAC while a suspension or revocation in Nevada or any other U.S. state is open. Clear it first.

What does a Nevada DAC look like?

A DAC looks like a standard Nevada license with only two differences. The top of the card says "Not Valid for ID". The blue banner says "Driver Authorization Card" instead of "Driver License". Everything else is the same.

Which identity documents Nevada accepts for a DAC

Which identity documents Nevada accepts for a DAC
Option	What you show	Examples
Option 1	One valid, unexpired document	A Real ID license, permit or ID from another U.S. state; a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); an Employment Authorization Card (I-766); a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 (plus an I-797 if the I-94 is expired)
Option 2	One military or tribal document	A U.S. military ID card or a DD-214; a Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe ID Card (tribe members only)
Option 3	Two documents	A foreign passport, a foreign birth certificate, a consular ID card, another foreign government-issued document, or a license or ID card from another U.S. state, D.C. or a U.S. territory

Name change, translation and address papers for a DAC

All documents must be originals. The DMV does not accept photocopies or scans.
If your name differs from your identity document, bring papers that show every name change. A Social Security card does not count as proof of a name change.
A document in another language needs a complete translation from a DMV-approved translator. Summaries and abstracts are not accepted. There is no standard price for a translation.
Bring two documents that show your name and your Nevada residential address. Some, such as a rent or lease receipt, must be dated within 60 days.
Your DAC can show a physical address or a mailing address.
For the full paper checklist, see our guide to what to bring to the Nevada DMV.

How to apply for a Nevada DAC

1
Gather your original documents
Collect your identity documents, any name change papers and translations, and two proofs of Nevada address. Originals only.
2
Start your application online
Create a DriveNV account and start the DAC application online. The DMV issues a DAC under the same procedures as a standard license.
3
Visit the DMV and take the tests that apply to you
Bring your documents to a DMV office. The vision test is given at the DMV during your visit. A first U.S. license or DAC also needs a knowledge test and a drive test.

Which tests will you take for a DAC?

This is your first DAC or driver's license in the United States

You take a vision test, a knowledge test and a drive test. The minimum vision for full driving privileges is 20/40. Our free question on passing the vision test only with glasses shows what then happens.

You hold a current U.S. driver's license

The knowledge and drive tests may be waived. The vision test still applies to all applicants.

You need the tests in Spanish or with language help

The knowledge test is available in English and Spanish. If you lack English and Spanish skills, you may use an interpreter at the knowledge test. The interpreter must bring a letter of approval from a government agency, court, school or non-profit advocacy group. No interpreter is allowed at any drive test. See our Nevada drive test guide to prepare.

Nevada DAC fees as of 2026

Nevada DAC fees as of 2026
Fee	Amount
Driver Authorization Card (4 years)	$22.50
Testing fee, if tests are required	$25
Each retest	$10
Renewal	$22.50
Duplicate DAC	$17.50

Rules for DAC holders

Carry your DAC every time you drive a motor vehicle.
The driver's license laws on demerit points, suspensions, revocations and insurance company reporting also apply to a DAC.
You can change your address online with MyDMV, also if you do not have a Social Security number.

Key takeaways

A DAC lets eligible Nevada residents drive, and register and insure a vehicle. It says "Not Valid for ID" and does not work for flights or federal buildings.
No Social Security number is needed. Bring originals: identity documents, name change papers, translations and two proofs of Nevada address.
A first U.S. license or DAC needs a vision test, a knowledge test and a drive test. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to co-sign.
Pay $22.50, plus a $25 testing fee if tests are required. The card is valid for 4 years.
Next step: study for the knowledge test with our free Nevada Class C instruction permit practice test. It is in English only.

Nevada DAC: common questions

Will the Nevada DMV share my DAC information with immigration authorities?

No. The DMV says Nevada law bars the DMV Director from releasing information about legal presence, immigration status, nationality or citizenship from license, ID or vehicle records. This applies to any person or government agency, for any purpose of immigration law enforcement.

Can I drive in other states with a Nevada DAC?

Each state or jurisdiction may set its own policies, so check with the Highway Patrol or other police in each area where you will drive. Demerit points, suspensions, revocations and other driving information on your DAC are reported to other states in the same way as for a standard license.

Do I have to give up my out-of-state license to get a Nevada DAC?

Yes. The DMV says Nevada law requires residents to surrender any out-of-state license or ID card to get a Nevada license or DAC. The DMV punches "VOID" on the card and returns it to you until your new DAC arrives in the mail. Our free question on surrendering another state's license shows the same rule.

What do I do if I lose my Nevada DAC?

Order a duplicate through MyDMV online. You can use MyDMV also if you do not have a Social Security number. If you do not have all of the information for a MyDMV account, apply in person at a DMV office. A duplicate DAC costs $17.50.

How do I renew a Nevada DAC?

Renew in person at a DMV office, and schedule your appointment in advance. The DMV mails a renewal notice 30 days before the card expires. A DAC is valid for 4 years and expires on your birthday. The renewal fee is $22.50.