How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Nevada
Moving within Nevada or into the state means updating your records with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Handling your Nevada DMV change of address correctly helps you avoid missed notices, problems with registration, and issues if you’re ever pulled over.
This guide walks you through how address changes work specifically in Nevada, what you’ll need, and how to handle special situations.
Nevada DMV basics: who handles address changes?
In Nevada, the driver and vehicle agency is the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV).
In Nevada, this is typically handled by the same agency for:
- Driver licenses and ID cards
- Vehicle registrations
- Vehicle titles
- Address changes for all of the above
That means you generally do not have to track down a separate agency for registration versus licensing. However:
- Some services are handled online or by mail, while
- Others may require a visit to a full-service DMV office or a smaller DMV services office, depending on what you’re changing.
Many drivers in Nevada find that they can handle a simple mailing address update for both their license and registration online, but changing the actual physical address printed on the card sometimes requires more steps.
To confirm where to go:
- Visit the official Nevada DMV website (look for the “nv.gov” domain), then
- Use the office locator or online services section and search for “change of address.”
This keeps you from heading to a satellite location that doesn’t provide the service you need.
Why updating your address with the Nevada DMV matters
A DMV change of address Nevada request affects more than just the printing on your license. In Nevada, this is typically tied to how the DMV and other agencies contact you and how your vehicle is assigned for fees and requirements.
Here’s why updating matters:
Driver license and ID records
- Law enforcement, courts, and state agencies rely on your Nevada driver license record to contact you.
- If your address is outdated, you might miss notices about:
- License suspensions or reinstatements
- Required hearings or responses
- Renewal or compliance reminders
If your license still lists your old Nevada address and you’re stopped by police, it can lead to extra questions or complications, especially if the address doesn’t match your current information.
Vehicle registration and title
Depending on your county in Nevada, your vehicle registration fees and occasional requirements (like emissions testing locations) may be linked to your physical address. If your registration address isn’t updated:
- Renewal notices may go to the wrong place.
- You may get late fees or lapse issues if you miss renewals.
- Your title and lienholder notices might not reach you.
In some parts of Nevada, such as the Las Vegas Valley and Reno/Sparks, smog requirements and certain local rules can differ from rural counties, so the address on file helps the Nevada DMV determine exactly which requirements apply.
Official notices and legal correspondence
Across Nevada, court systems and state agencies often use DMV address records when they don’t have a more current address on file. If your DMV record is wrong, important documents can be:
- Sent to your old address
- Deemed “delivered” even though you never saw them
This can affect everything from traffic tickets to certain state benefit programs that rely on address verification.
What you’ll need to change your address in Nevada
Before you start your Nevada DMV change of address, gather key information. Requirements can vary a bit depending on whether you’re changing:
- Your mailing address only, or
- Your residential (physical) address, or
- Both address and name, or
- Moving from out of state into NV.
In Nevada, this is typically handled with a mix of identification and address documents, especially if you are updating the address that appears on a new physical card.
Common information and documents
You should be prepared with:
- Your current Nevada driver license or ID number
- Helps the DMV pull your record quickly.
- Vehicle information (if you’re updating registration):
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (often only partial if online)
- New physical address in Nevada
- Street address, city, ZIP code
- Apartment or unit number, if applicable
- New mailing address, if different
- Nevada allows a separate mailing address, which is helpful if you use a P.O. box or receive mail in a different Nevada town.
- Proof of Nevada residency, if requested
- Depending on the type of change and your status, the DMV may ask to see:
- Utility bill
- Lease or mortgage
- Bank or credit card statement
- Payroll stub
- Depending on the type of change and your status, the DMV may ask to see:
- Legal presence/identity documents, if your ID type is changing or you’re updating certain REAL ID information
- E.g., passport, birth certificate, immigration documents.
If you need to submit a Nevada DMV change of address form, check the official DMV site for the current form name and version; Nevada occasionally updates form numbers and formats.
Why Nevada DMV address change requests get rejected
Requests can be delayed or rejected if:
- The DMV cannot verify your new address (for example, a misspelled street or incomplete apartment number).
- The address you enter does not match USPS records closely enough.
- You attempt an online change but your record has flags that require an in-person visit (such as certain restrictions or outdated ID documents).
- You submit a mail-in request without a signature, required copy of ID, or all requested information.
- You’re attempting to change to a non-residential address where a residence is required (e.g., P.O. box when a physical address is necessary).
Many drivers in Nevada find that double‑checking their address spelling and ZIP code against a utility bill or lease before submitting reduces the chance of delays.
Step-by-step options: how to change your address in Nevada
In Nevada, this is typically handled through three channels:
- Online
- In person
- By mail
What you can do in each channel may vary slightly by situation and by whether you’re updating your license/ID, your vehicle registration, or both.
Nevada often links the address on your license and registration, but you may still need to confirm each section during the process.
1. Online Nevada DMV change of address (if eligible)
For many residents, the simplest route is an online Nevada DMV change of address.
In Nevada, this is typically handled through the official DMV online services portal. To find it safely:
- Go to the official Nevada DMV website (look for “dmv.nv.gov” in the address bar).
- Use the search box for “change of address” or go to “Online Services.”
- Select the option for changing your address on your driver license, ID, and/or vehicle registration.
A typical online process:
- Verify identity
- Enter your Nevada driver license number, date of birth, and possibly last four digits of your Social Security Number, as prompted.
- Enter new address information
- Provide your new physical Nevada address.
- Provide your mailing address if different (for example, a P.O. box in a Nevada town while you live in a rural route).
- Confirm which records to update
- Usually you can update:
- Driver license/ID record
- Vehicle registration record(s)
- You may be asked to confirm each registered vehicle you want to update.
- Usually you can update:
- Review and certify
- Double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP code.
- Certify that the information is true and correct.
- Submit and save confirmation
- You may get an on-screen confirmation or a confirmation email.
- Save or print this for your records.
In Nevada, an online address change may update the DMV system but not automatically issue a new physical license or registration card. To get a license card with your new address printed, you may need to request a duplicate license/ID separately, which may involve a fee and possibly a visit or separate online transaction.
Check the wording on the Nevada DMV site carefully to see if your online address update:
- Only updates the record, or
- Also issues a replacement card.
2. In-person address change at a Nevada DMV office
If you are:
- Changing both name and address,
- Updating a REAL ID-compliant license with a new address and documentation,
- Have a record that isn’t eligible for online updates,
- Or prefer face-to-face help,
you can update your address at a Nevada DMV office.
Across Nevada, larger offices in areas like Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, and Henderson typically handle full-service driver licensing and vehicle registration, while some rural or limited-service offices may have narrower offerings.
General in-person steps
- Locate an office and check if an appointment is recommended
- Use the official Nevada DMV site’s office locator.
- Many offices in urban Nevada require or strongly suggest appointments for licensing services.
- Bring required documents
- Current Nevada driver license or ID
- Any requested proof of new Nevada address
- Vehicle registration documents if you want them updated at the same time
- Complete any address change or application forms
- Some offices will have kiosks or paper forms.
- Ask staff which form applies to your situation (license, registration, or both).
- Submit information to a DMV representative
- They will update your address in the system.
- If getting a new license card, you’ll typically:
- Have your photo taken (if required)
- Pay any applicable duplicate or correction fee
- Receive temporary documents if applicable
- For licenses, Nevada may issue a paper interim document while your new card is produced and mailed.
- For registration, you may receive an updated registration slip on the spot or by mail.
Many drivers in Nevada find that visiting a non-peak time—mornings mid-week, avoiding the day after a holiday—can reduce wait times significantly.
3. Address change by mail (if allowed for your situation)
Nevada has allowed some address updates by mail, typically for people who cannot appear in person and who may not be able to use online services. However, the rules can change, and the allowed situations can be narrow.
To see if mail-in address changes are currently available:
- Visit the official Nevada DMV website.
- Search for “change of address by mail” or check the forms section for an address change form that lists mail instructions.
- Follow the form instructions exactly, which may include:
- Filling in your personal and driver license information
- Listing all vehicles to update
- Providing a copy of your current Nevada license or ID
- Providing proof of your new address, if required
- Signing and dating the form
- Mailing it to the specified Nevada DMV address
If a Nevada DMV change of address form is required for mail-in requests, be sure you use the current version from the official site; older versions can sometimes be rejected.
Mail-in changes usually update your record, but may not automatically produce a new card unless the form specifically includes that option.
What happens after you submit your address change
After you complete your Nevada DMV address change—online, in person, or by mail—here’s what to expect.
Record updates
- The driver license/ID record is updated with your new address.
- Any vehicle registrations you selected to update will also have their address changed.
- In Nevada, this is typically treated as a record update, meaning that anyone who looks up your record in the DMV system will see your new address, even if your physical card still shows the old one.
New card or documents
What you receive depends on how you submitted the change and what you selected:
- Online change only
- Often updates the DMV database only.
- If you did not request or pay for a new license or ID, your card may still show your old address even though the system is correct.
- In-person change with replacement license/ID
- You may receive a temporary paper license and the permanent card by mail.
- Registration documents may be printed on site.
- Mail-in change
- Your record is updated; whether you get a new card depends on the form and any fees paid.
Because mail delivery times vary across Nevada—from urban Clark and Washoe counties to rural counties—allow extra time for any new card or registration card to arrive before assuming there’s a problem.
Future renewals and notices
After a successful Nevada DMV change of address:
- Future renewal notices should go to your updated mailing address.
- If you move again within Nevada, you’ll need to repeat the process.
- If you move out of Nevada, you’ll generally handle licensing and registration with your new state’s DMV or equivalent agency instead.
Special situations for Nevada address changes
In Nevada, special categories of drivers—such as commercial drivers, military members, college students, and rural residents—may face unique questions when changing their address.
Commercial driver licenses (CDL)
CDL holders in Nevada often have additional federal and state requirements. If you hold a Nevada CDL:
- Some address changes may require an in-person visit, especially if:
- You’re also changing your name.
- You’re updating your medical certification or endorsements.
- Make sure your CDL address matches what you use for your employer, as motor carrier and safety records often reference DMV data.
Check the Nevada DMV site for CDL-specific guidance or contact the CDL unit before assuming an online change is allowed.
Active-duty military and their families
If you are stationed in Nevada but claim another state of residence, or you are a Nevada resident stationed elsewhere:
- You may still need to keep your Nevada license and registration information accurate, especially if your vehicles are registered in Nevada.
- Some Nevada service members living out of state rely on mail or online address updates when possible.
- If your legal residence is another state but you live in Nevada temporarily, clarify with the Nevada DMV how to list your mailing versus physical address.
Because military situations can be complex, consider calling the Nevada DMV or checking any “Military Personnel” section on their official site.
College students
Students attending UNR, UNLV, Nevada State, or other institutions may move frequently:
- If you move from another state and become a Nevada resident, you generally need to obtain a Nevada driver license and Nevada registration for vehicles you keep here.
- If you are from another state but do not become a Nevada resident and keep your car registered and insured elsewhere, you may not need a Nevada address change—but you should ensure your home-state DMV has your correct address.
In Nevada, this is typically evaluated based on where you live most of the year and where you intend to remain, so review the DMV’s residency explanation if you’re unsure.
New Nevada residents from another state
If you moved to Nevada from another state:
- You will not do a simple “change of address” transaction.
- Instead, you will:
- Apply for a Nevada driver license, and
- Register and title your vehicles in Nevada.
This requires additional documents, such as proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Nevada residency. Search the Nevada DMV site for “new residents” to see the current steps.
P.O. boxes and rural routes
Many residents, especially in rural Nevada, rely on P.O. boxes or general delivery instead of standard street delivery.
- Nevada DMV typically needs a physical (residential) address for your license/ID record.
- You can often list a separate mailing address, such as a P.O. box, for correspondence.
If you use only a P.O. box:
- Be prepared to give your actual physical living location—for example, a rural route, highway marker, or descriptive location—following the DMV’s directions.
- Depending on your county in Nevada, rural addressing formats may vary; local post offices or county government offices can often help you confirm the proper format.
Changing name and address together
If you have a name change (for example, after marriage, divorce, or court order) and you’re also moving:
- Nevada generally requires legal proof of the name change plus any required identity documents.
- These combined changes almost always require an in-person DMV visit.
- Plan ahead:
- Update your Social Security record first, where applicable.
- Bring your updated Social Security documentation and name-change documents to the DMV.
In Nevada, this is typically handled as a revised license application, so expect to pay any applicable duplicate license or ID fees and to have a new photo taken.
Troubleshooting: if your address change doesn’t go through
Sometimes a Nevada DMV change of address doesn’t work the first time. Here’s how to handle common problems.
Online address change rejected
If the system won’t accept your online address change:
- Check your inputs
- Confirm your driver license number, date of birth, and SSN digits match your card exactly.
- Match USPS format
- Use the standard street abbreviations (St, Ave, Blvd) and correct ZIP code.
- Make sure your apartment or unit number is included and formatted consistently.
- Look for eligibility messages
- The Nevada online system may display a note that your record requires in-person service (for example, due to older ID standards or other flags).
If you keep getting errors, your next step is usually to visit or contact a Nevada DMV office, since they may need to override or manually correct your record.
Submitted but not updated
If you:
- Submitted an online update and
- Do not see your new address reflected after a reasonable time,
start with:
- Log back into the Nevada DMV online services (if available) to see your profile or record summary.
- Check your email (including spam folders) for DMV confirmations or rejection notices.
- Review any reference or confirmation number you saved from your submission.
If there’s no sign that the change took effect, contact the Nevada DMV directly. Have:
- Your driver license number
- The date you submitted the change
- Any confirmation number or screenshot of your submission
Rejected mail-in request
If Nevada returns or rejects your mail-in address change:
- Read any explanation note carefully.
- Common fixes include:
- Signing and dating the form
- Adding a copy of your license or ID
- Providing clearer proof of residency
- Using the current official form, not an old one
Resubmit according to the instructions, and if the note is unclear, call the DMV for clarification before sending another packet.
License updated but registration didn’t (or vice versa)
It’s possible for:
- Your license record to show the new address
but - One or more vehicle registrations to still list the old address.
In that case:
- Log into the Nevada DMV online system, if possible, and check each registered vehicle.
- If the system doesn’t allow you to fix it online, contact the DMV and ask how to:
- Update registration addresses for specific plate numbers, or
- Reprint registration cards with the correct address.
Many drivers in Nevada find that explicitly asking the DMV staff, “Does this update both my license and my vehicle registrations?” during the transaction avoids this mismatch.
If you’ve moved out of Nevada
If you left Nevada and became a resident elsewhere:
- Most states expect you to get a local driver license and register your vehicles in the new state.
- You generally don’t file a Nevada DMV change of address to your new state’s address, because your Nevada license and registration will eventually be canceled or surrendered.
Instead:
- Follow your new state’s process to get licensed and registered.
- That state’s DMV usually notifies Nevada electronically when you obtain a new license.
- If you still own vehicles registered in Nevada but kept them there, clarify with the Nevada DMV which address they should use and whether the vehicles must now be registered in your new state.
Keeping your address current with the Nevada DMV helps ensure you receive every renewal notice, legal notice, and registration document you’re supposed to get. Whether you handle your DMV change of address Nevada process online, in person, or by mail, take a few minutes to:
- Gather your license and vehicle information,
- Confirm your new address details, and
- Verify which records—license, ID, and registrations—are being updated.
If you’re unsure about eligibility or which method to use, search the official Nevada DMV website for “change of address” or contact a Nevada DMV office directly. That way, your Nevada records stay accurate and you avoid problems the next time you renew, get pulled over, or move again.

