Nevada Guide for Canadians

Quick Facts

State Income Tax	No state income tax
Sales Tax	6.85% state + local (average 8.24% total)
Driver's License Grace Period	30 days for residents
Residency Requirement for Tax	Domiciled in Nevada or 183+ days
Vehicle Registration Deadline	30 days for residents
REAL ID Deadline	May 7, 2025 for domestic flights
Enhanced Driver's License	Not available in Nevada

First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1-2: Essential Documents & Registration

• Register with USCIS if staying 30+ days (required by April 11, 2025)
• Gather required documents for driver's license
• Open US bank account
• Set up Nevada mailing address (P.O. boxes not accepted)

Week 3-4: Official Registration

• Apply for Nevada driver's license (within 30 days)
• Register vehicle if brought from Canada (within 30 days)
• Register to vote (if eligible)
• Obtain Nevada vehicle insurance

Month 2-3: Establishing Residency

• Update address with Canadian financial institutions
• Establish Nevada ties and connections
• Research healthcare options and insurance

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements

For Canadian Citizens

Required Documents:

• Original valid Canadian passport (proof of legal presence)
• Proof of Social Security Number (if applicable)
• Two proofs of Nevada residential address (street address required)
• Birth certificate or citizenship documents for identity

Testing Requirements:

• Written knowledge test required for Canadian citizens
• Road skills test required - Nevada does not recognize foreign licenses
• Vision screening required

Important Notes:

• Must be Nevada resident with street address (no P.O. boxes)
• 30-day limit to get Nevada license after residency
• REAL ID required by May 7, 2025 for air travel
• Both written and road tests required for Canadians
• No Enhanced Driver's License program in Nevada

Vehicle Registration

• Register within 30 days of establishing residency
• Emissions testing required in Clark and Washoe counties
• Annual vehicle registration renewal required
• Nevada insurance required for registration

Tax & Residency Considerations

Nevada State Tax Benefits

• **No state income tax** - one of only 9 states
• **No corporate income tax**
• **No inheritance or estate tax**
• **Low property taxes** (0.44-0.49% effective rate)
• **Higher sales tax** 6.85% state rate (8.24% average total)

Establishing Nevada Tax Residency

Nevada residency is based on domicile and physical presence:

• Domiciled in Nevada (intent to make permanent home)
• Physical presence 183+ days in tax year, OR
• Maintaining permanent place of abode in Nevada

Documentation to Establish Residency

• Nevada driver's license and voter registration
• Bank accounts and utility bills in Nevada
• Employment or business activities in Nevada
• Professional licenses, club memberships
• Property ownership or long-term lease (street address required)

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
New Requirement: Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS by April 11, 2025.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional.

Healthcare Considerations

Insurance Options

• Nevada has limited Medicaid expansion for non-citizens
• Travel insurance strongly recommended
• Consider US health insurance if staying permanently
• Quality medical facilities in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City

Prescription Medications

• Bring adequate supply from Canada
• Understand prescription transfer requirements
• US prices often higher than Canadian prices
• Research pharmacy options and discount programs

Special Considerations for Snowbirds

New US Registration Requirements (2025)

• Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS
• Registration required by April 11, 2025
• Print and carry latest I-94 as proof of legal entry
• Failure to register may affect future US travel

Maintaining Canadian Ties

• Keep principal residence in Canada
• Monitor days in U.S. for tax reasons (183-day rule)
• Maintain Canadian insurance & banking relationships
• Nevada domicile-based residency requires careful planning

Property Considerations

• Affordable property values compared to California
• Very low property tax rates (0.44-0.49%)
• Real Property Transfer Tax on sales
• Impact on Canada's principal residence exemption

Climate & Lifestyle Factors

• Desert climate - extremely hot summers, mild winters
• Low humidity year-round
• Entertainment and gaming industry presence
• Growing Canadian retiree communities

Travel Documentation

• Ensure passport validity (6+ months remaining)
• Consider Global Entry/NEXUS for easier border crossings
• No Enhanced Driver's License program in Nevada
• I-94 registration now required for 30+ day stays

Cost of Living Considerations

Nevada offers no state income tax but has higher sales taxes and utility costs. Las Vegas area has higher housing costs. Water restrictions and desert living considerations apply. Summer electric bills can be substantial due to cooling costs.

Key Contacts & Resources