Office of Administrative Hearings

 

Justice Scales

Request a Hearing

Individuals and businesses regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles have the right to appeal most administrative sanctions imposed by the Department. Typical cases include appeals of driver license withdrawals and vehicle registration suspensions. The following procedures and forms are used to file for an appeal:

  • Driver License Withdrawals

    Driver License Withdrawals

    To request a hearing on a driver license withdrawal (revocation, suspension, cancellation or denial), please review the following restrictions.

    If you meet the requirements for a hearing, submit a signed letter with your license number and DMV file number as directed:

    If you are requesting a hearing concerning a revocation order with a file number beginning with "IP", “ID”, or “RT”, you may not request a hearing after any revocation period has ended or if you have installed an ignition interlock and reinstated your license.

    Please email the request to DMVHearingsOffice@dmv.nv.gov or call (702) 486-4940 or (775) 684-4574.  If emailing the request, please include name, driver’s license number, current mailing address and contact telephone number.

    If you are requesting a hearing for a security deposit suspension, the Department must receive your request within fifteen days from the date the suspension went into effect. Please mail the request to the License Review Section at the address below.

    If you are requesting a hearing for failure to appear to pay a fine in court, the Department must receive your written request before the suspension goes into effect. Please mail the request to the License Review Section at the address below.

    Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
    Central Services and Records, License Review
    555 Wright Way
    Carson City, NV 89711

  • Insurance Suspensions

    Insurance Suspensions

    To request an Administrative Hearing for a vehicle registration suspension, please submit the NVL-005 form to the DMV's Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically (NVLIVE) section. You may fax the form to (775) 684-4543 or mail it to:

    Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
    Central Services and Records, NVLIVE
    555 Wright Way
    Carson City, NV 89711

    Insurance Hearing Request (NVL 005)

  • Personalized License Plate Denial/Recall

    Personalized License Plate Denial or Recall

    To request an Administrative Hearing for a denied or recalled personalized license plate number, please submit the SP 75 form to the Special Plates Section. You may fax the form to (775) 684-4797 or mail it to:

    Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
    Central Services and Records, Special Plates Section
    555 Wright Way
    Carson City, NV 89711

    License Plate Hearing Request (SP 75)

What is an Administrative Court?

Most people are familiar with two general types of courts and laws: Criminal and Civil.

Many do not know there are other, specialized courts and different bodies of law in the United States. Examples include Bankruptcy Court, IRS Tax Court and the most common type of "other" court, the Administrative Court.

Administrative Courts oversee government agencies. They ensure the public's right to appeal actions taken under agency regulations.

The Office of Administrative Hearings is the court of appeal for administrative actions taken by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. It is a recognized court of jurisdiction which operates under the same basic principles as any other court.

  • The judge is required by specific statute to be independent, impartial and fair.
  • You can represent yourself or have an attorney represent you.
  • The judge's decision is final and binding, subject to appeal only in District Court or the Nevada Supreme Court.
  • Administrative Hearings are completely separate from criminal or civil cases. One case has no direct impact on another.

The Administrative Law Judge

Administrative Law Judges are selected on merit based on demonstrated ability, experience and qualifications. Each candidate must pass rigorous examinations.

Although the Office of Administrative Hearings is part of the Department, the judges have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain their independence and professionalism.

What to Expect at a Hearing

Administrative Hearings are conducted in much the same manner as civil and criminal trials in which a judge issues the verdict.

  • Witnesses testify under oath.
  • Witnesses may be cross-examined.
  • The judge may subpoena witnesses or evidence.
  • The judge may consider physical evidence.
  • The judge may consider settlement offers.
  • The judge must consider all appropriate statutes, regulations and case law.
  • The judge may or may not issue an immediate ruling, depending on the complexity of the case.
  • Casual dress is acceptable, but dress should be appropriate for a court hearing.
  • Abusive or disruptive behavior or any sign of intoxication will not be tolerated.
  • There are no fees for the hearings.
  • Hearings are open to the public and recorded on audio tape.

Hearing Office Locations

These offices are for administrative hearings only. If you are not seeking information on a hearing, please see Contact Us.

Carson City
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711-0400
(775) 684-4574 | Carson City Map

Las Vegas
2621 E. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89104-4170
(702) 486-4940 | Las Vegas Map

Reno
9155 Double Diamond Parkway
Reno, NV  89521
(775) 684-4574 | Reno Map