Drinking age in Nevada (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: The minimum age to buy beer, wine and spirits is 21. Under-21s may possess alcohol in public in set cases, such as with a parent, spouse or guardian aged 21 or over. Selling or giving alcohol to a person under 21 is a misdemeanour.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | The ban on a person under 21 possessing alcohol in public does not cover possession for an established religious purpose, in the presence of the person's parent, spouse or legal guardian aged 21 or over, under a prescription, in private clubs or private establishments, or while working for a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer. Providing alcohol to a person under 21 is not an offence for a parent, guardian or physician. [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | It is a misdemeanour to drink an alcoholic beverage while driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle on a highway, and to have an open container within the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway. Vehicles for hire and the living quarters of a house coach or house trailer are exempt (the driver is not). Local rules may differ. [2] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | It is a misdemeanour knowingly to sell, give or furnish alcohol to a person under 21, to leave alcohol where one can get it, or to give money to buy it; the sale offence does not apply to a parent, guardian or physician. A saloon keeper who knowingly lets a person under 21 stay on the premises faces a fine of up to $500, except in restaurants serving alcohol only with meals at separate dining tables, and in grocery stores or drugstores that do not sell by the drink. [1] |
Notes
- Based on the Nevada Revised Statutes as at the revision of 29 June 2024 (2023 session). Later amendments have not been checked.
- Based on the Nevada Revised Statutes as at the revision of 9 December 2024. Later amendments have not been checked.
Sources
- Nevada Legislature: NRS Chapter 202 Crimes Against Public Health and Safety, NRS 202.020-202.060 (Internet Archive snapshot of the revision of 29 June 2024) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Nevada Legislature: NRS Chapter 484B Rules of the Road, NRS 484B.150 (Internet Archive snapshot of the revision of 9 December 2024) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
|---|
Nevada and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 21+ (purchase, consume, possess in public) | 21+ (purchase, consume, possess in public) | Allowed with parent, spouse or guardian 21+ | No drinking or open containers in vehicles | No sales to under 21; minors barred from bars |
| Arizona | 21 (all alcohol) | 21 (all alcohol) | ⚠ Not yet verified | No drinking in public places | No sales 2-6 a.m.; none in body under 21 |
| California | 21 | 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Under-21s may not possess alcohol in public places | Sales 6 a.m.-2 a.m.; none 2-6 a.m. |
| Oregon | 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess) | 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess) | Private home with parent or guardian | ⚠ Not yet verified | Spirits via OLCC stores; no sales to under 21 |
| Utah | 21 | 21 | Only medical or religious services | No liquor in public buildings, parks, stadiums | None to under 21 or drunk; state stores |
More rules in Nevada
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes if no store within 25 miles
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Posted limit; 80 mph cap · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Posted limit; 80 mph cap
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 6+ months on a permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15.5 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes ("safe and sane" Class C only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned on school and child care property
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $12.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.