How to Get and Renew Your Nebraska Driver License

What you need to get a Nebraska driver license

Nebraska issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes one visit for the written test and a separate appointment for the driving test, though some offices combine them on the same day.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get a full driver license. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

Nebraska recognizes Real ID-compliant licenses, which you can use for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. A standard driver license works for state identification and driving but not for federal ID purposes. You choose which type when you explore.

Key Takeaways

You must bring proof of identity, proof of Nebraska residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your DMV visit.
Nebraska driver licenses are valid for five years if you are under 21, and eight years if you are 21 or older.
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, but most people renew in person at a DMV office.
The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle.

Documents to bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued identity document. A driver license from another state counts as proof of identity if it is still valid. If you do not have any of these, a combination of documents like a school ID, work ID, and Social Security card may work, but call your local DMV office first to confirm.

For proof of Nebraska residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

You will need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the actual card or a document showing the number.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of the DMV staff. If only one parent can attend, bring a notarized consent form from the other parent.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 questions about Nebraska traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results when ready.

Study materials are free. The Nebraska DMV website has a practice test and a driver manual you can read. Many people study the manual for a few hours before their test and pass on the first try. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call your local DMV office to ask what is available.

The driving test and scheduling

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office.

You can use your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle for the test. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring proof of insurance. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you start.

Bring your learner's permit and a valid ID to the driving test. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day.

Fees and how long licenses last

A five-year driver license costs $35 for people under 21. An eight-year license costs $35 for people 21 and older. A Real ID-compliant license costs $5 more. You pay when you pass your tests and receive your license.

Nebraska driver licenses expire on your birthday. A license issued when you are under 21 is valid for five years. A license issued when you are 21 or older is valid for eight years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your license expires.

Renewing your Nebraska driver license

If your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, you can renew by mail. The DMV will send you a renewal form about 30 days before your license expires. Fill it out, include a new photo (you can use a recent passport photo or have one taken at the DMV), and mail it back with the fee.

Most people renew in person at a DMV office instead. You bring the same documents you brought for your original license — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not retake the written or driving test for a renewal unless the DMV asks you to.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and driving test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time. If it has been expired for less than one year, you may be able to renew without retesting; call your local DMV office to ask.

Nebraska DMV office locations and hours

Nebraska has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Lincoln, but you can visit any office in the state. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Nebraska DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Nebraska driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have neither, call your local DMV office to ask what documents you can bring as an alternative.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee for retaking the test. You do not need to retake the written test unless your learner's permit has expired.

Can I renew my license online?

No. Nebraska does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal takes longer but does not require a visit.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly within the United States?

Starting May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another federal ID to board domestic flights. A standard Nebraska driver license will not work for this purpose. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at any DMV office for an additional $5.

What if I lose my driver license?

Visit a DMV office and bring proof of identity and residency. You can get a replacement license the same day for a fee. If you suspect your license was stolen, ask the DMV to flag it so it cannot be used fraudulently.

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.