The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is preparing to reopen after closing on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a specific reopening date has not been determined yet. All full-service DMV offices remain closed.
Director Julie Butler expressed sympathy for those affected by the COVID-19 emergency and thanked the public for their patience. She stated, “We’re releasing our plan well in advance so everyone will know what to expect. We’re going to serve motorists with the most pressing needs first and ask others to use alternative services or hold off from visiting a DMV office.”
The DMV's reopening strategy prioritizes safety through a three-step process: go online first, wait if possible, and be prepared if you need to visit an office. During this closure period, the DMV encourages completing transactions like vehicle registration renewals online.
Initially, only services directly impacting driving ability will be available during the first 30 days after reopening. Driving skills tests for non-commercial licenses will not be offered initially due to social distancing requirements.
For the first 30 days post-reopening, only walk-in customers will be served at metropolitan offices; all previous appointments are canceled. Customers should check dmvnv.com before visiting any office and follow posted guidelines.
In metropolitan areas such as Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, and Reno, DMV staff will manage lines outside using the outlined steps. Customers able to use alternative services or wait longer will be advised accordingly. Those served may need to wait in their vehicles until called.
Entry into buildings is restricted to customers and necessary assistants only. Rural offices limit entry to ten customers at a time but allow exceptions for those with disabilities or lacking online access.
Staff members will wear face masks and request that customers do the same while following CDC and Nevada Department of Health guidelines on social distancing and cleanliness. Sneeze shields have been installed for added protection.
DMV staff return on May 26 for training and backlog management before reopening. Butler noted that “The DMV has created a thoughtful, phased approach to reopening that is fair to all and, most important, keeps customers and staff alike as safe as possible."