How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in Lincoln, Nebraska

Where to go for a driver's license in Lincoln

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Lincoln is located at 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68508. This is the main location where you can explore for a new driver's license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions. The office is open Monday through Friday, and you can check current hours on the Nebraska DMV website before you go.

You do not need an appointment for most driver's license services, but wait times vary depending on the day and time. Many people report shorter waits on weekday mornings or early afternoons. If you want to know the current wait time before driving there, you can call the Lincoln DMV office directly at the phone number listed on the Nebraska DMV website.

The DMV also offers some services through the mail for renewals, which can save you a trip if you meet certain conditions. Not all license types or situations may have access to for mail renewal, so you will need to check whether your specific case is may be able to access before sending documents in.

Key Takeaways

The Lincoln DMV office is at 301 Centennial Mall South and is open Monday through Friday with no appointment needed for most transactions.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to explore for a new license.
A new driver's license costs money that varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a commercial license, or a Real ID-compliant license.
Nebraska offers mail renewal for some drivers whose licenses are expiring, which can avoid a trip to the office if you meet the requirements.
If you are under 19, you must complete a driver's education course and hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can test for a full license.

Documents you need to bring

Before you go to the DMV office, gather your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or another government-issued document that shows your name and date of birth. The Nebraska DMV website lists all documents they accept, so check that list if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current address in Nebraska. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you have recently moved to Lincoln, bring the document that shows your new address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask the DMV staff what other documents they will accept — they sometimes take mail from government agencies or employers.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. Bring the card or a document that shows this number. If you have changed your name since your last license or ID, bring a document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Cost and license types

A standard Nebraska driver's license costs a set fee that depends on how long the license is valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the Nebraska DMV website for current pricing before you go.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal air travel and entry to certain federal buildings — the cost is slightly higher than a standard license. A Real ID license requires additional proof of identity and residency, but the documents you bring are often the same ones you would bring anyway. Real ID licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL) for work that involves driving large trucks or buses, the cost and requirements are different. You will need to pass additional tests and provide medical certification. The DMV office can tell you what you need for a CDL when you call or visit.

Testing requirements for new drivers

If you are getting your first driver's license in Nebraska, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test. The written test covers Nebraska traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Nebraska Driver's Manual, which is free on the DMV website and also available in print at the Lincoln office.

The practical test involves driving with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current.

If you are under 19, Nebraska law requires you to complete a driver's education course before you can take the driving test. You must also hold a learner's permit for at least one year before you can test for a full license. During that year, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.

Renewing your license by mail

Nebraska allows some drivers to renew their licenses by mail instead of visiting the office in person. You are usually may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is expiring soon, you have no changes to your information, and your license is not suspended or revoked. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or get a Real ID license for the first time.

To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal notice from the DMV before your license expires. The notice includes instructions and a form to fill out. You send the form, your current license, and the renewal fee to the address shown on the notice. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — usually several weeks — so send your renewal in well before your license expires if you need it for travel or identification.

If you miss the important date and your license expires, you cannot renew by mail. You will have to go to the DMV office in person and may face additional requirements or fees for an expired license.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass both the written and driving tests, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on whether they print it at the office or send it to you. Your temporary license is valid while you wait for the permanent one to arrive. The permanent license is a plastic card that looks like a standard ID and is valid for the number of years you chose when you applied.

Your new license will have your photograph, your full name, your date of birth, your address, and your license number. It will also show any restrictions — for example, if you must wear corrective lenses while driving, that will be noted on the license. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you are wearing them when you have your photograph taken.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Lincoln DMV office with your proof of identity and residency. You can get a replacement the same day in most cases. The cost of a replacement is usually less than the cost of a new license, but check the current fee on the Nebraska DMV website.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police as well, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. Bring the police report number to the DMV if you have one, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Nebraska license online?

Nebraska does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can visit the Lincoln DMV office in person. Some transactions like address changes must be done in person or by mail.

What if I moved to Lincoln from another state?

You must get a Nebraska driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Lincoln, and proof of identity to the DMV office. You will need to pass the written test, but you may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for a certain period.

How long does it take to get a new driver's license?

If you pass the tests at the office, you usually get a temporary license the same day and the permanent license within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail, expect three to four weeks. Wait times at the office vary, so call ahead if you want an estimate.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again after a waiting period. The DMV will tell you how long you must wait and what you need to do to schedule your next test. You do not have to retake the written test if you passed it the first time.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Nebraska?

A standard driver's license is enough to drive anywhere in Nebraska and most of the United States. A Real ID license is only required if you want to fly on a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. If you do not need it for those purposes, a standard license works fine.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.