Tesla is taking its next big step toward expanding its autonomous Robotaxi service — this time setting its sights on Nevada.
According to longtime Tesla watcher Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) on X, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has confirmed that Tesla met with the agency and representatives from the Governor’s office last week to discuss the process for establishing an autonomous vehicle (AV) program in the state.
A spokesperson for the Nevada DMV said in an email that Tesla sat down with the department’s director, deputy director, and AV program manager to discuss how to move forward with deploying self-driving vehicles in Nevada. While no formal filings or applications have been submitted yet, these early discussions mark a significant step toward bringing Tesla’s Robotaxi network to the Silver State.
Tesla will need to follow Nevada’s existing AV certification process, which includes submitting required documentation to the DMV for verification and obtaining Autonomous Vehicle Networking Company (AVNC) certification — though the latter is handled outside the DMV.
The move follows the launch of Tesla’s Robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas, last month. Just weeks later, the company expanded the service’s geofence area. A Robotaxi validation vehicle was even spotted testing well beyond Austin’s current boundary last week, hinting at a further expansion in the works.
Tesla is also reported to be working with Arizona’s Department of Transportation to bring the service to the Phoenix Metro area, and CEO Elon Musk recently confirmed the Robotaxi program will launch in the Bay Area “as soon as the regulators approve.”
With early talks now underway in Nevada, it looks like Tesla is accelerating efforts to bring its Robotaxi network to more cities across the U.S. — and the future of autonomous ride-hailing may be closer than ever. If you’re interested in riding a Robotaxi once the service becomes available in your area, Tesla is accepting early access sign-ups at tesla.com/robotaxi.
