The South 70th Street location is a Nebraska DMV office that issues driver licenses and state ID cards

The South 70th Street Driver and Photo License Center is operated by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles and handles the full range of driver license and state ID services. It is located in Lincoln and serves residents across the region who need to obtain, renew, or replace a license or ID card. The office processes both standard and REAL ID-compliant documents.

This is one of several DMV locations in Lincoln, but it is the primary full-service center for photo ID issuance. If you need a driver license, state ID, or related services, you can visit in person during business hours. The office does not handle vehicle registration, title work, or other motor vehicle transactions — those are handled at different DMV locations.

Key Takeaways

  • South 70th Street is a full-service DMV office where you can obtain a new driver license, state ID card, or REAL ID-compliant document in person.
  • You will need to bring specific documents such as proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • The office operates during standard business hours, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week — visiting early in the week or early in the day typically means shorter waits.
  • You can take the written knowledge test and the driving skills test at this location if you are obtaining a license for the first time or upgrading your license class.
  • REAL ID-compliant documents require additional documentation beyond a standard driver license and take longer to process.

Documents you need to bring for a new driver license

If you are obtaining a driver license for the first time, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Nebraska residency. Acceptable forms of identity include a passport, military ID, or a previous driver license from another state. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to complete the process form at the office. The staff will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit. If you are under 21, you may need additional documentation, and parental consent may be required — check the Nebraska DMV website for age-specific requirements before you go.

Documents you need to bring for renewal or replacement

If you are renewing an expiring driver license, you can often renew by mail or online without visiting the office. However, if you choose to renew in person at South 70th Street, you will need your current license and proof of residency. If your license has been lost or stolen and you need a replacement, bring proof of identity and residency.

Renewal by mail is available if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. The Nebraska DMV website lists which renewals can be handled by mail and which require an in-person visit. If you are unsure whether you can renew by mail, call the office before you go.

REAL ID-compliant documents and what they require

A REAL ID-compliant driver license or state ID card meets federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Starting in 2025, a standard driver license will not be accepted for domestic air travel; you will need a REAL ID document or a passport.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license at South 70th Street, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus additional proof of your legal name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or court order. The office will verify your documents more thoroughly than for a standard license, and processing takes longer. If you are unsure whether your documents meet REAL ID standards, bring them with you and the staff can review them before you complete the process.

Taking the written test and driving skills test

If you are obtaining a driver license for the first time or upgrading to a different license class (such as from a Class O to a Class C for commercial driving), you will take the written knowledge test at South 70th Street. The test covers Nebraska traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Nebraska DMV's online study guide before your visit.

The driving skills test is also administered at this location. You will drive a vehicle with a DMV examiner to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not have access to a vehicle, ask the staff whether you can use a DMV vehicle for the test — some locations allow this for a fee.

Wait times and how to minimize them

Wait times at South 70th Street vary depending on the day of the week and time of day. Early mornings and early in the week (Monday through Wednesday) typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays. The office does not currently offer online appointment scheduling, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reduce your wait, arrive with all required documents already gathered and your process form completed if possible. The staff can provide the form when you arrive, but having it ready speeds up the process. If you are taking a test, plan for additional time — the written test takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the driving skills test takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license and state ID fees vary depending on the type of document and how long it is valid. A standard driver license typically costs between $30 and $50, depending on whether it is a first-time issuance or a renewal. REAL ID-compliant documents cost slightly more. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Replacement licenses for lost or stolen documents may have a different fee than a standard renewal. Ask the staff about the exact cost when you arrive, or check the Nebraska DMV website before your visit for current fee information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license by mail instead of going to South 70th Street?

Yes, if your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address, you can renew by mail. The Nebraska DMV website has a tool to check whether your specific license is may be able to access for mail renewal. If it is not may be able to access, you must visit in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate for a REAL ID document?

A passport, court order, or other government-issued document showing your legal name and date of birth can be used instead. Bring whatever documents you have, and the staff at South 70th Street can tell you whether they meet REAL ID requirements before you complete the process.

Do I need to make an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

South 70th Street operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not currently offer online appointment scheduling. Arriving early in the day or early in the week typically means a shorter wait.

Can I take my driving skills test in a vehicle I do not own?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Some DMV locations allow you to use a DMV vehicle for a fee if you do not have access to your own. Call South 70th Street to ask whether this option is available.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

For a standard driver license, you will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass the test, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. REAL ID documents take longer — typically four to six weeks — because they require additional verification.