Military Licensing

Certain persons are exempted from obtaining a Nevada driver license (NRS 483.240)

• A nonresident on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who has a valid license issued by his or her home state, or such a nonresident’s spouse or dependent child who has a valid license issued by such state.
• Any person on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who has a valid license issued in a foreign country by the Armed Forces may drive a motor vehicle for a period of not more than 45 days from the date of return to the United States.

If a military member or spouse/dependent obtains non-military employment or engages in a trade, profession or occupation, however, they are considered a Nevada resident and must obtain a Nevada license and vehicle registration. (NRS 483.141)

If you wish to obtain a Nevada license, the application requirements are the same as those for non-military residents. See: 

• New Resident Guide - If you are already licensed in the U.S.
• Beginning Drivers 18 and Older - If you have never been licensed in the U.S.
• Nevada Teen Driving - If you are age 17 and younger

See the Returning Veterans Safe Driving Initiative, a VA website with a wealth of information on child seat safety, driving with medical conditions, motorcycle safety and more.

Out-of-state residents on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to register their vehicles in Nevada unless the military member or a spouse/dependent obtains non-military employment.

If you choose to obtain a Nevada registration, you are eligible for a tax exemption under the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act of 2003. Complete the Governmental Services Tax Exemption Affidavit (RD-203). Members of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and other foreign forces are not eligible for this exemption and must pay the full registration fees.

Other registration requirements are the same as those for non-military. See:

• New Resident Guide - If your vehicle is already registered in another state.
• Vehicle Registration Home Page
  • Buying a Vehicle from a Private Party
  • Buying a Vehicle from a Nevada Dealer
  • Buying a Vehicle from an Out-of-State Dealer
• Vehicle Registration Requirements - Tip Sheet

Vehicles purchased overseas through the Armed Forces and titled with a Form AE 190-1A do not require shipping papers or DOT or EPA releases as long as they are built to U.S. safety and emissions standards. 
The Form AE 190-1A may be substituted for a state-issued title and registration. Other registration requirements are the same as those for New Residents.

Vehicles purchased outside of the Armed Forces system and not built to U.S. standards are considered "gray market" vehicles and may require clearances from the US DOT and US EPA.
See Section IV of our Registration and Title Guide and e-mail us before importing a vehicle. You may also wish to contact our Emissions Lab.