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How to Get ID & Documents in Nevada

Nevada issues state identification cards through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The state has expanded reentry support through the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) and offers programs to help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain ID before release.

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Quick Answer

Visit a Nevada DMV office with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Nevada residency. A state ID costs $22.25 and is valid for 4 years. You will receive a temporary paper ID at the office while your permanent card is mailed within 7-10 business days.

Nevada ID Agency

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Website: dmvnv.com

Phone: (702) 486-4368

State ID Card

Cost: $22.25

REAL ID: $22.25

Processing: 7-10 business days by mail

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other primary document)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Proof of Nevada residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or other approved document)
  • Legal presence documentation for non-citizens

Nevada state IDs are valid for 4 years. REAL ID-compliant cards require proof of legal presence and two proofs of Nevada residency. A temporary paper document is provided at the office. Nevada DMV requires appointments for most services — schedule online or by phone.

Birth Certificate

Agency: DPBH Office of Vital Records

Cost: $20

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 3-5 weeks by mail; same day in person at Carson City office

Order online: dpbh.nv.gov/Programs/BirthDeath/Birth_and_Death_Main

Nevada birth certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the Office of Vital Records in Carson City. Online orders are processed through VitalChek and include an additional service fee. You must be an eligible applicant (the person named, parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative).

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) partners with the DMV to provide identification assistance for individuals being released from state prisons. The NDOC reentry program helps obtain birth certificates and Social Security cards before release, and some facilities have DMV visits to process ID applications on-site.

Homeless Provisions

Nevada does not have a formal statewide fee waiver for homeless individuals, but organizations such as the Nevada Homeless Alliance and local social service agencies provide assistance with ID costs and documentation. Clark County Social Service offers help with vital documents for homeless residents.

Fee Waivers

Nevada does not offer a general fee waiver for state IDs. However, veterans and some individuals in reentry programs may qualify for assistance through nonprofit organizations and county social services.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Nevada: $20.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DMV. Cost: $22.25.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Nevada-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Nevada, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Nevada but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the NevadaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Nevada and register to vote. See our Nevada voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Nevada Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nevada state ID cost?
A Nevada state identification card costs $22.25 and is valid for 4 years. The price is the same for standard and REAL ID-compliant cards.
Do I need an appointment at the Nevada DMV?
Yes, Nevada DMV strongly recommends and in many offices requires appointments for most services, including state ID applications. You can schedule an appointment online at dmvnv.com or by calling (702) 486-4368.
How do I get my Nevada birth certificate?
Contact the DPBH Office of Vital Records. You can order online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Carson City office. The cost is $20 per certified copy. You will need valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.
What help is available for getting ID after leaving a Nevada prison?
The Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) has reentry programs that assist with obtaining identification documents before release. Some facilities arrange DMV visits for on-site ID processing. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator early in the process.
Can I use a Nevada state ID to fly?
You need a REAL ID-compliant Nevada state ID (marked with a gold star) to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. Standard IDs without the star are not accepted for these purposes. Both cost the same $22.25.
What if I was born in another state but live in Nevada?
You can still get a Nevada state ID. You will need to obtain your birth certificate from the state where you were born (or use an alternative identity document like a passport). Each state has its own vital records office for ordering birth certificates.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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