Can Undocumented Residents Get a Driver’s License in Nevada?

Undocumented immigrants in Nevada can drive legally with a driver authorization card (DAC), which can be issued without the same requirements for identification as a driver’s license. This is due to Senate Bill 303, which became Nevada state law in 2014.

A driver authorization card looks very similar to a Nevada driver’s license, but there are differences. There are also some restrictions on how immigrants can use a DAC. Additionally, there are some reassurances on someone’s status when applying for a DAC.

A DAC looks very much like a driver’s license but there are some differences. Unlike a driver’s license – and now, the Real ID – a DAC cannot be used for boarding an aircraft, voting or to apply for state benefits.

Who Needs a DAC and Who Can Get a Driver’s License?

What type of license you qualify for is determined by your legal status as an illegal immigrant or non-citizen resident.

• Non-citizen: In the United States, a non-citizen national does not have citizenship, but can receive U.S.-issued immigration documents that enable them to receive a regular driver’s license and ID cards.
• Illegal immigrant: Someone who has entered a foreign country without following the governmental rules to establish a right to be in that country legally. Those who are in questionable immigration status may not take advantage of the benefits offered to legal citizens, such as a driver’s license and an automatic voter registration.
• Documented immigrant: A documented immigrant is a non-citizen status and people with this residency status can get a regular driver’s license.
• Foreign citizen: If you are legally visiting Nevada from another country and have a license from that country, you can legally drive in Nevada.

Yes. You can use your DAC to purchase auto coverage, which is required by law in order to drive in Nevada – or anywhere in the United States. Almost all insurance companies require a driver’s license for someone trying to purchase car insurance. States that will not issue a driving privilege card or DAC to illegal aliens face a dangerous level of uninsured motorists on the roads. Drivers without insurance are a big problem, especially when they cause an accident.

States, such as Nevada, that issue a DAC help to lower the number of uninsured drivers on the roads. Undocumented drivers still need to go to work and pick their children up from school. Other states that allow undocumented residents to earn some form of a driver’s license include:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• District of Columbia

Many non-citizens are scared that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will turn them into ICE or the feds if they apply for a driver’s license or DAC, but that is not true.

No. According to Nevada laws, it is illegal for anyone at the DMV to provide your personal information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or anyone else for that matter. It’s not a new law, but that may not mean much to someone who is terrified of being deported. However, it’s more important to get a DAC or a driver’s license than to be caught driving without one.

Anybody caught driving without some form of a driver’s license or a DAC in Nevada can be arrested, fined and possibly even face jail time. Anytime an illegal alien gets in trouble with law enforcement, ICE or the feds may become involved. You won’t get turned in to ICE to apply for and receive a DAC, but you could if you drive without one.

If you get caught driving without insurance in Nevada, you could face fines and be subject to paying even more for your insurance. You may be required to file an SR-22 certificate, which can double or even triple your insurance rates.

The cost to obtain a DAC is $22.25. There is also a $25 fee for any testing that may be required.

Applicants may provide any of the documents required for a standard license,
OR one of the following documents:

• A Military Identification Card
• A Military Dependent Identification Card
• A DD Form 214 – “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”
• U.S. Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood OR two of the following documents:
• A driver’s license or identification card issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or any territory of the United States
• A driver authorization card issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or any other territory of the United States
• A passport issued by a foreign government
• A birth certificate issued by a foreign government
• A consular identification card
• Any document issued by a foreign government that the Department determines is substantially similar to a consular identification card

For a complete list of the current requirements, please see Residency and Proof of Identity. All documents must be originals. The Nevada DMV does not accept photocopies. Documents with an expiration date must be valid and unexpired.

Procedures for New Drivers Aged 18 and Older

If you are someone who has never had a driver’s license in the states before and you are at least 18 years of age, you’ll need to provide proof of identity in an application process and take three tests: vision, knowledge and skills.

After passing the vision and written test, you can choose to receive an Instruction Permit or to take a driving test. If you choose to get an Instruction Permit, you’ll need to have someone in the front seat at all times who has possessed a license for at least one year and is at least 21 years old.

If you feel you have the ability to pass a skills test, you can schedule one.

Procedures for Teen Drivers (Ages 16 and 17)

In Nevada, anyone under 18 applying for any type of license to drive, must first prove they are attending school under Nevada’s attendance requirements. Teen drivers must also complete a classroom driver education course, consisting of course hours and behind-the-wheel experience. Teens can receive an instruction (learner’s) permit after presenting the proper identifying documents.

No. Since many of the rules governing commercial drivers fall under commercial licensing laws, you must have a Real ID or a regular license to receive a commercial license.