How Can I Get an ID Card That Qualifies Me for Locals Discounts?

We live on the east coast and own a condo in Vegas as a second home. What do I need to do so that I can get a local ID so that I can take advantage of offers for locals?

We get this question a fair amount. While it isn't possible to get a Nevada driver's license without completely relinquishing the license from your home state and you can't hold both an identification card and driver's license, even if they're from different states, Nevada has a Seasonal Resident ID Card available for those who reside in the state only part of the year that will, in most cases, qualify a person to obtain the same locals discounts that those with a Nevada driver's license can get.

The procedure to obtain one of these Seasonal Resident IDs is a little complicated (at least in theory). Officially, you must appear at a Nevada DMV office with the following documents in tow: current driver's license (from whatever state), proof of Nevada residency (two documents), proof of Social Security card (one document), and, if applicable, a marriage certificate to validate any post-marital name changes. You must also indicate that you spend more than 30 consecutive days in Nevada each year.

You fill out the regular Nevada driver's license application, except you check the box next to "Seasonal ID Card." Your picture is taken and your card is mailed to your Las Vegas address in two weeks.

The Seasonal ID Card must be renewed every 4 years. Note that the ID card actually expires on your birthday short of four years the first time you renew; if you miss the renewal date, you must start the process all over again, so watch your mail carefully.

Unofficially, we've heard from readers who obtained a Seasonal ID card with as little as an out-of-state driver's license and a passport and others who received the ID on the spot as soon as their photograph was taken and the ID made at the DMV, so you might get lucky.

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Comments

Kevin Lewis Jan-13-2025

There's a simpler way

Rent a PO box. If you rent it from the Post Office, they won't forward you any mail you receive in it, so it's better to use one of the many private providers. That said, if you have things set up with your favorite casinos so that your "mailers" are all digital, then you should just go with the good ol' Post Office, which would be cheaper.

A further advantage of using a private provider is that your mail gets sent to a street address, not a "P.O. Box." That way, you really look like a bona fide resident, not some out of towner who's rented a PO box--to any boothling or higher-up who would determine whether you're a local or not.

You can determine which casinos you want to give your mail drop address and which you want to give your real address based on whether they're more generous with locals or out-of-towners. For instance, you NEVER want to be an out-of-towner with South Point.

I maintained a mail drop box in Vegas for many years, before the interblab was a thing.

Donald P Jaspan Jan-13-2025

Interblab

Kevin Smith.           INTERBLAB what is this ?????

Donzack Jan-13-2025

UPS

A rented UPS mail box will give you a legal street address that looks like a legitimate street address not a post office box. Plus you can receive shipments there. I used to ship my luggage at mine years ago when flying into Vegas.

IPA Noah Jan-13-2025

Why?

Discounts are a couple hours of parking and access to locals pricing at planet 13- doesn't seem like it would be worth the hassle.

Randall Ward Jan-13-2025

fraud for comps

lying on the application is illegal. Seems like the reward isn't worth the risk. Like my 6th grade teacher told me, never put it in writing

Michael Seigal Jan-13-2025

Seasonal id

I walked into the DMV with my license only. I filled in the application & used my out of state address. A 6 year seasonal resident ID came to me in about 3 weeks. No questions asked!!  It has been accepted as my local ID everywhere. As a senior it cost me $7.50.

[email protected] Jan-13-2025

One of the best benefits

I own a few condos at The Signature and use my seasonal resident ID to purchase monorail rides for $1.  Normally I buy the 20 ride pass for 20 bucks and when friends are with me after I pass through the gate with my ticket, I hand it back across to them so they can use it for entry as well.

Llew Jan-13-2025

Friends

Friends are of mine are from Wisconsin. When they retired, they quickly tired of the Wisconsin winters. Being die-hard poker players, they decided to buy a “winter” condo in - where else? - Las Vegas.  

After doing the 50/50 thing (half in LV, half Wisc) for a few years, they discovered that if they lived in LV 7 months a year, they were officially Las Vegas, Nevada residents.  Bonus: Nevada residents don’t pay income taxes! No brainer!

So, in addition to getting a local ID, their income increased sustainably. 😉

Debra Grimes Jan-13-2025

No taxes

Llew, to be clear, you mean your Wisconsin friends don't pay STATE income tax in Nevada, right?

Llew Jan-14-2025

Debra

Oops!  Yes, Debra, you are correct. Like all of us, they must pay FEDERAL income taxes.  
But they no longer pay Wisconsin STATE income taxes. 
Still, a substantial savings, no?  😉

Bob K Jan-14-2025

parking not free

Because I believe they want a Nevada drivers license on scan and the seasonal resident ID doesn't qualify.

You still get other locals discounts with the seasonal ID, just not ones that require a drivers license.

Question of the Day - 13 January 2025

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