Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Nevada in 2025
Nevada law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles registered or operated on public roadways. Under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 485, known as the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Financial Responsibility Act, vehicle owners must establish financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout Nevada. The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and annual registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Nevada Revised Statutes Section 485.185 establishes that every owner of a motor vehicle that is registered or required to be registered in Nevada shall continuously provide insurance while the motor vehicle is present or registered in the state.
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state. The department maintains offices in communities across Nevada and processes registration applications, renewals, and transfers. Insurance verification occurs during the registration process through the Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically (NVLIVE) program.
Nevada has no grace period, and even a one-day lapse in insurance coverage will result in registration suspension. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Nevada law and may result in the suspension of driving privileges, suspension of vehicle registration, confiscation of license plates, impoundment of the vehicle, and significant fines. Nevada law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, and failure to provide proof may result in misdemeanor charges and fines ranging from $250 to $1,750.
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4850 (Reno/Carson City) or (702) 486-8696 (Las Vegas)
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Nevada Revised Statutes Section 485.185 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Nevada Division of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Nevada requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $20,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Nevada law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles.
Nevada Division of Insurance
1818 East College Parkway, Suite 103, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: (775) 687-0700 (Northern Nevada) or (702) 486-4009 (Southern Nevada)
Official Website: Nevada Division of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Nevada requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Nevada Evidence of Insurance card issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Nevada, showing policy information and coverage dates
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device, smartphone, tablet, or laptop
- Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles for qualified entities
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals through the Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically (NVLIVE) program. Vehicle owners must present Nevada Evidence of Insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Nevada or when renewing an existing registration.
Allowing insurance to lapse during the registration period violates Nevada law and may result in registration suspension, driving privilege suspension, and substantial penalties. The NVLIVE program periodically verifies insurance status with insurance companies and monitors coverage for all registered vehicles.
New Nevada residents must establish Nevada insurance coverage and register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Nevada registration requirements for residents. New residents must obtain Nevada insurance before completing vehicle registration.
Nevada motorists may renew vehicle registration online through MyDMV, at kiosks, or in person at Department of Motor Vehicles offices. Online renewals require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The Department of Motor Vehicles confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions.
