Driving Tests

Can International Students Drive in Nevada? License Rules Explained

informational·how to guide·Published May 5, 2026

Can international students drive in Nevada?

The Nevada DMV lists out-of-state students as non-residents. The Nevada Driver's Handbook says a non-resident does not need a Nevada license if he or she is at least 16, has a valid license from the home state and follows Nevada traffic and financial responsibility laws. For a Nevada license, eligibility depends on immigration status, and a card issued with a visa and I-94 is marked "Limited Term". No DMV page says if a student from another country counts as an out-of-state student, so ask the DMV.

Where the Nevada facts come from

The non-resident, insurance, one-license and card expiry rules come from the Nevada Driver's Handbook (DMV 700, March 2024). The rules for non-U.S. citizens come from the Nevada DMV adult license page and the proof of identity and residency page. Other facts come from the Nevada DMV New Resident Guide and its pages on the first license, the written test, the road test, the Driver Authorization Card and driver license fees. The facts are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Nevada DMV (dmv.nv.gov) before you drive.

Do you need a Nevada license while you study here?

You need a Nevada driver license if you live or work in Nevada and want to drive on Nevada roads. The DMV counts a person who lives and works in Nevada, or runs a business here, as a resident. Its list of people who are not residents names tourists and out-of-state students. Out-of-state students are also on the DMV list of people who do not have to transfer a license.
If you study and also work in Nevada, ask the DMV which rule applies to you before you rely on a license from home.

Which Nevada rule fits your situation?

You are an out-of-state student and not a Nevada resident

You do not need a Nevada license if you are at least 16, have a valid license from your home state and follow Nevada traffic and financial responsibility laws. Ask the DMV if a license from another country meets this rule.

You are a tourist or a visitor

Nevada does not issue a license to you. Tourists also cannot get a Nevada ID card.

You are a Nevada resident with U.S.-issued immigration documents

You may qualify for a Real ID or a standard license. The DMV marks either card "Limited Term".

You are a Nevada resident who does not qualify for a Real ID or a standard license

You may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card. It lets you drive legally, but it is not valid as ID. Our guide to the Nevada Driver Authorization Card explains who can get one.

Insurance rules when you drive in Nevada

All motorists in Nevada must follow the state's mandatory insurance and financial responsibility laws. Every registered vehicle needs liability insurance. The minimum for one crash is $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people and $20,000 for damage to property. Keep the insurance card in the car, or have it ready on your phone. Test yourself with our free question on the Nevada insurance minimums.

Nevada license and card types for non-U.S. citizens

Nevada license and card types for non-U.S. citizens
Card	Who can get it	What it is good for	Original fee
Real ID, marked "Limited Term"	A Nevada resident with U.S.-issued immigration documents, such as a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94	Driving and ID, including boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings	$22.50 (4-year fee, also for a shorter card)
Standard license, marked "Limited Term"	A Nevada resident with a valid foreign passport, an unexpired U.S. visa and an I-94 form	Driving. Marked "Not for Real ID Purpose"	$22.50 (4-year fee, also for a shorter card)
Driver Authorization Card (DAC)	A Nevada resident who does not qualify for a Real ID or a standard license	Driving only. Marked "Not Valid for ID" and not valid for federal purposes such as boarding aircraft	$22.50

Documents the Nevada DMV asks for

Proof of identity, for example a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94. A foreign driver's license is not accepted as proof of identity.
Other immigration documents that the DMV may ask for, such as an I-20 for students or a DS-2019 for exchange visitors. The DMV sends immigration documents for electronic verification of lawful status.
Proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a W-2 form.
Two proofs of your Nevada home address, such as a lease or a utility bill.
A DMV-approved translation of each document that is not in English.

Which tests does a student with a foreign license take?

If you hold a license from a country other than Canada, you take the vision, knowledge and skills tests. Taiwan nationals may get a skills test waiver; see our guide to foreign licenses in Nevada. If this is your first application for a Driver Authorization Card or any U.S. license, you take a knowledge test and a drive test.
The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and 20 correct answers pass. You can take it online in English or Spanish, or at a DMV office in English, Spanish or audio format. If you lack English or Spanish skills, you may use an interpreter on the written test, with conditions.

How to apply for a Nevada license as a non-U.S. citizen

1
Contact the DMV
Give the DMV your Status Code from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The card type depends on your immigration status.
2
Gather your documents
Bring the identity, immigration, Social Security and address documents from the list above, with a DMV-approved translation of each document that is not in English.
3
Pass the knowledge test
Pay the $25 testing fee. Each retest costs $10. If you fail, you can retake the test the next day.
4
Take the drive test
Bring valid insurance and registration for the test vehicle. Interpreters are not allowed at the drive test. Adults who skip the optional instruction permit book the drive test in person at the office. After a failed drive test, you may need to wait up to 30 days to retest.
5
Surrender your other license
A Nevada resident may hold only one license, so you surrender your license from home to get a Nevada license. The DMV voids it and returns it to you. Our free question on surrendering another license checks this rule.

Key takeaways

The Nevada DMV lists out-of-state students as non-residents. A non-resident who is 16 or older, has a valid license from the home state and follows Nevada traffic and financial responsibility laws does not need a Nevada license.
Nevada does not issue licenses to visitors, and it issues no licenses or ID cards to tourists.
A Nevada resident with U.S.-issued immigration documents may qualify for a Real ID or a standard license marked "Limited Term". Other residents may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card.
The original Limited Term License or Driver Authorization Card fee is $22.50, and the testing fee is $25.
Next step: practice on the free Nevada Class C instruction permit practice test. It is in English only and is not the official test.

Nevada license for international students: common questions

Do I need an I-20 to get a Nevada driver's license?

You may. The Nevada DMV says that a non-U.S. citizen may need more papers than the basic list, and it names the I-20 for students and the DS-2019 for exchange visitors. Bring them together with your foreign passport, U.S. visa and I-94. Contact the DMV with your USCIS Status Code first to find out which card you can apply for.

Can a tourist get a Nevada driver's license?

No. Nevada does not issue licenses or ID cards to tourists, and the DMV says licenses are not issued to visitors. The DMV counts a person who lives and works in Nevada as a resident. A resident who is not a U.S. citizen may qualify for a license or a Driver Authorization Card, depending on immigration status.

How long is a Nevada license valid for a visa holder?

When you prove your identity with limited-term immigration documents, the license expires on the departure date that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) verifies electronically. If DHS gives no date, the license expires after one year. The DMV still charges the 4-year fee of $22.50 when a card is issued for less than four years.

Do I need a Social Security number for a Nevada license?

If you applied for a Social Security number and have not received it yet, you may say so on your application. In that case, you do not need to show proof of the number. A Social Security number is not necessary for a Driver Authorization Card.

Can my student ID prove my Nevada address?

Yes, as one of the two proofs. A Nevada school record or student ID that shows your address counts if it is dated within the last 60 days. You also need a second proof with your name and Nevada address, such as a lease, a rent receipt, a utility bill or a bank statement.