Bill to align driver‑authorization card renewals with standard licenses advances after supporters cite cost and access burdens

Assembly Bill 140, introduced by Assemblymember Cecilia Gonzales, would allow the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to set driver authorization card (DAC) expiration periods by regulation so they match the issuance and renewal schedule for standard driver's licenses when federal law permits. The committee heard the bill on Feb. 20.

Gonzales and community partners told the Growth and Infrastructure Committee that DAC holders currently renew every four years while many standard licenses can be valid for eight years; DAC holders also lack many online renewal options. "By making these updates, we're lessening the cost burden of DAC holders and also reducing congestion at the DMV," said Erica Castro of the Nevada Immigrant Coalition while noting the cards help ensure drivers are tested and insured.

DMV staff told the committee the cards already require the same driving tests as other license holders and that insurance is required to register a vehicle. Molly Lennon of the DMV said the DACs are clearly marked on the physical card — including language indicating they are not for federal identification purposes — and that programming changes to align renewal periods have a positive fiscal impact for the department because many renewals will cluster in the near term and then drop off when applicants go to the longer renewal interval.

Supporters from immigrant‑advocacy groups, university legal clinics and community organizations emphasized access and public‑safety benefits: standardizing renewal periods reduces time off work, lowers repeated travel to DMV offices that have long waits, and helps formerly incarcerated people reenter by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Melissa Corral of the UNLV Immigration Clinic said DACs promote safer roads by ensuring more drivers are trained and insured.

Opponents at the hearing said they oppose broadening the privileges of noncitizens and argued DAC holders should face different renewal or documentation rules. Several speakers framed their opposition around immigration enforcement and voter registration concerns. Committee members asked DMV for clarifying details such as whether DAC applicants take the same tests (DMV confirmed they do) and whether DAC cards look different from standard licenses (DMV confirmed physical marking and a notation that the card is "not for federal identification purposes").

The DMV signaled neutrality on AB140 and submitted a positive fiscal note reflecting projected timing of renewals; some municipalities and law enforcement agencies registered neutral positions but said they wanted electric‑identification issues and enforcement questions clarified. No formal vote was recorded during the presentation; the bill remains at committee for further consideration.