---
title: Nevada Driver's License and REAL ID for New Residents
url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/
business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage
address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814)
hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955
type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941
---

- [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/)
- [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/)
- [Moving to Reno and Sparks: the complete guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/)
- Getting a Nevada driver's license and REAL ID

# Getting a Nevada driver's license and REAL ID

Nevada law (NRS 483.245) requires a new resident to get a Nevada driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. The DMV asks for one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number and two proofs of Nevada residential address.

or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683)

[4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/)

The license is the first government errand for most newcomers, and the 30 day clock starts when you become a resident, not when your truck arrives. The Nevada DMV publishes the document list, and the safest approach is to collect the papers while your boxes are still being packed.

## What the DMV asks you to bring

A standard transfer needs the same set of documents. The DMV's New Resident Guide lists them in this order.

- One proof of identity, such as a U.S. passport, an original or certified U.S. birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a permanent resident card.
- Proof of every name change, if your current name differs from your birth record. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees and court orders are accepted; a Social Security card is not.
- One proof of Social Security number, such as the card, a W-2, an IRS 1099 form or a printed pay stub showing the full number.
- Two proofs of Nevada residential address, such as a lease, a rent receipt or a utility bill in your name, dated within the last 60 days.
- Your existing state-issued license, permit or ID card.
- A DMV-approved translation of any document that is not in English.

## The address documents are the usual snag

Your lease or closing papers may be the only paper with your new address for the first weeks. The DMV accepts utility bills, so setting up power and water early helps. The [utilities page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/utilities/) explains the order, and the DMV says P.O. boxes do not count as a residential address.

## REAL ID or a standard license

A REAL ID license is marked with a gold Nevada outline with a star cutout. It is valid for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights, and it requires that the address on the card is your physical address. The DMV notes that standard ID cards stopped being accepted for boarding aircraft on May 7, 2025, so travelers usually choose REAL ID when they transfer.

The DMV's checklist site, GetRealNevada.com, walks through the documents in English and Spanish.

## Tests, military exceptions and fees

Drivers age 21 and over with a valid U.S., U.S. territory or Canadian license may be exempt from the knowledge and skills tests, unless the license has been expired for more than a year, you have three or more moving violations in four years, or one of the other conditions the DMV lists applies. People who were never licensed, or who hold a foreign license, take both tests.

Active duty military members, their spouses and dependents, and out-of-state students living in Nevada temporarily are not required to transfer a license. Fees vary by age and card type, and the DMV publishes the current schedule.

## Plan the visit

The DMV's New Resident Guide links to its appointment system for the Reno and Carson City offices, so book a time rather than relying on a walk-in. Your vehicle comes next: see [vehicle registration](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/) and [the emission test](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/). If you are working through the whole list, the [first 30, 60 and 90 days](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/new-resident-checklist/) puts license, registration and voter registration on one timeline.

### Sources (checked October 18, 2026)

- [Nevada DMV, New Resident Guide](https://dmv.nv.gov/newresident.htm)
- [Nevada DMV, Proof of Identity and Residency Requirements](https://dmv.nv.gov/dlresidency.htm)
- [Nevada Legislature, NRS Chapter 483](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-483.html)

### Licensed movers

U.S. DOT No. 30611 MC-109375 Nevada CPCN 1070 Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's) Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955

[Check our USDOT record](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=30611) · [Ready to Move? (FMCSA)](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/ReadytoMoveBrochure_2022Update.pdf)

[Licenses and authority](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/)

### Visit or call the office

2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431

[775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683)

| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| --- | --- |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |

[Get my free estimate](#estimate)

### Related

- [Registering your car in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/)
- [Nevada smog checks in Washoe County](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/)
- [Registering to vote in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/voter-registration/)
- [New Nevada resident checklist: first 30, 60, 90 days](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/new-resident-checklist/)

Moving to Reno guides

## Read next

- [Registering your car in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/)
- [Nevada smog checks in Washoe County](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/smog-check/)
- [Setting up utilities in Reno and Sparks](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/utilities/)
- [Schools and enrolling kids (Washoe County School District)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/schools/)
- [Registering to vote in Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/voter-registration/)
- [The Nevada homestead exemption](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/homestead-exemption/)
- [Reno weather and climate by month](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/weather-and-climate/)
- [Living at 4,500 feet: altitude and moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/altitude/)

Answers

## Questions people ask

Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/).

### How long do I have to get a Nevada license?

NRS 483.245 requires a new resident to obtain a Nevada driver's license within 30 days before driving in the state.

### Do I need a REAL ID?

Not for driving, but you need REAL ID or another federally accepted document to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings. A REAL ID card must show your physical address.

### Can I use a P.O. box as my address?

No. The DMV requires a Nevada street address, not a P.O. box, and two documents that show your name and that address.

## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews

What customers say about O'Brien's

[Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938)

N Nicole B.

June 25, 2025

The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you!

C Charles C.

May 31, 2025

Great company, I'd highly recommend for any move!!!

### Owner's reply

Charles, It was a pleasure working with you on your moves. We hope your trip is amazing and if you ever come back our way, we will be happy to help. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this review on our behalf.

N Nadine K.

May 15, 2025

The guys were very friendly and hard working. Would definitely use them again!

### Owner's reply

Nadine, We are pleased you chose us for your move, it was a pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy the move was a success.

## Get a long-distance estimate

Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home.

Rather talk?

[Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet.

2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941

U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070
