Office of Administrative Hearings

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

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", you may not request a hearing after the ninety-day revocation period has ended. Please mail the request to the nearest Hearings Office.
• 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, Processing Center, License Review
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711

Insurance Suspensions

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

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

Insurance Hearing Request (NVL-005)

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, Alternate Services, Special Plates
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.

Administrative Law Judges participate in continuing legal education and judicial training under the auspices of the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada, Reno.

There are currently five judges in the Department. Three are posted in Las Vegas, one in Elko and one in the Carson City/Reno area. Judges also travel statewide to conduct hearings as the need arises.

They are supported by four clerical staff members in Las Vegas, one in Elko and two in Carson City.

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 send an email or call one of the main numbers as listed in Office Locations.

Carson City
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711-0400
(775) 684-4572 | Get Map

Elko
3920 E. Idaho Street
Elko, NV 89801-4970
(775) 753-1239 | Get Map

Las Vegas
2701 E. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89104-4170
(702) 486-4940 | Get Map