How to Get and Renew a Nebraska Driver's License

What you need to know about Nebraska driver's licenses

A Nebraska driver's license is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as your legal proof that you can operate a vehicle in the state. The license is a physical card you carry, and it also works as a state ID for other purposes — you can use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and prove your identity in everyday situations.

Nebraska offers different types of licenses depending on what you drive and your age. A standard Class O license lets you drive passenger vehicles. If you drive a motorcycle, you need a separate endorsement. If you're under 19, you start with a permit and progress through graduated licensing rules. The license itself lasts five years for most adults, though the renewal process and cost depend on whether you renew in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

You need a Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process form to get a Nebraska driver's license.
First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test at a DMV office — you cannot do this by mail.
Nebraska licenses last five years and cost $39 for a standard five-year license, though the fee varies slightly for different license types.
You can renew your license by mail if you have no medical conditions, no violations, and your address hasn't changed, but most people renew in person at a DMV office.
The DMV has offices in most Nebraska counties, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the state DMV website.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Before you go to a DMV office, gather these documents. You will need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. You also need proof of identity, which can be a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you don't have a passport or military ID, a certified birth certificate is the most common choice.

Bring proof that you live in Nebraska. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document needs to be recent — usually from the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and your old address is still on your ID, bring both your old ID and a proof of your new address.

You will also need to complete an process form. The DMV provides form DL 43 for a new license and form DL 44 for renewal. You can fill these out at home before you go, or the DMV staff will help you fill them out when you arrive. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one.

Getting your first Nebraska license: the testing process

If you're getting a license for the first time or moving to Nebraska from another state, you must take three tests at a DMV office. You cannot skip any of them or do them by mail. The written test covers Nebraska traffic laws and road signs — it's usually 50 questions, and you need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. The DMV provides a study guide on its website, and many people study it for a few hours before taking the test.

Next is the vision test. The DMV checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye doctor, and you'll need to bring a certificate from that doctor showing you can drive safely.

The third test is the driving test, where a DMV examiner rides with you in your vehicle and watches you drive. You need to show that you can handle basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring your own vehicle, and it needs to be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard five-year Nebraska driver's license costs $39. If you're under 21, the license costs $32. A motorcycle endorsement adds $10 to the cost. These fees are current but can change, so check the DMV website before you go.

If you pass all three tests on your first visit, you usually receive a temporary license that day and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you fail any test, you can retake it, but you'll need to schedule another appointment — you cannot retake a test the same day.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others, and afternoons are usually slower than mornings. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office, so you can check before you go.

Renewing your Nebraska license

When your license is about to expire, you have two main options: renew by mail or renew in person at a DMV office. Renewing by mail is faster and cheaper if you're may be able to access. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, you have no violations or suspensions on your record, and your address hasn't changed.

To renew by mail, the DMV sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for $39, and mail it back. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can also renew by mail without waiting for the notice — just contact your local DMV office or visit the state DMV website to request a renewal form.

If you cannot renew by mail, you must go to a DMV office in person. This is required if your address changed, if you have medical conditions, or if your license is already expired. When you renew in person, you do not retake the written or driving tests — you only need to bring your documents, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Finding a DMV office near you

Nebraska has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Lincoln, but you can renew or get a license at any DMV office in the state — you don't have to go to the one in your county. The state DMV website has a complete list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.

If you live far from a DMV office or have difficulty traveling, some counties offer mobile DMV services that visit smaller towns on a schedule. Check the DMV website or call your county office to see if this service is available near you.

Special situations: permits, endorsements, and ID cards

If you're under 19, Nebraska requires you to start with a permit before you can get a full license. A permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You take the written test to get a permit, practice for a set period, and then take the driving test. The rules change based on your age, so check the DMV website for the specific requirements for your age group.

If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. You take a separate written test and riding test for this. Some people take a motorcycle safety course, which can waive the riding test — the DMV website lists approved courses.

If you don't drive but need a state ID card for identification purposes, Nebraska offers a non-driver ID card. It looks like a driver's license and costs the same, but it doesn't let you drive. You get it the same way — bring your documents to a DMV office, take a photo, and pay the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Nebraska license online?

No, Nebraska does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you fill out a form, mail it with a check, and your new license arrives by mail.

What happens if my license expires while I'm out of state?

You can still drive on an expired license for a short time in most states, but it's not legal. If you're going to be out of state when your license expires, renew by mail before you leave. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a Nebraska DMV office when you return.

Do I need to take the driving test again if I move to Nebraska from another state?

If you have a valid license from another state, you do not need to take the driving test again. You take the written test and vision test, but the DMV waives the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license with you when you explore.

How do I change my address on my Nebraska license?

If you move within Nebraska, you can update your address by mail or in person. By mail, contact your local DMV office and request an address change form. In person, go to any DMV office with proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

Go to any DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring your documents and pay a replacement fee, which is usually around $20. The DMV will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot, with your permanent card arriving by mail within one to two weeks.

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.