Where to renew and what you need to bring

You renew your Nebraska driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Nebraska has 13 DVS locations across the state — the main office is in Lincoln, but you can visit any branch office in your county or a neighboring county. You do not have to go to the office that issued your original license.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.

If you are renewing by mail (see below), the requirements are slightly different. Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any of Nebraska's 13 DVS offices, or by mail if your license is not yet expired and you have no recent violations or medical holds.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and a vision test.
  • Nebraska driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • The renewal fee is $40 for a five-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at DVS offices.

When you can start the renewal process

You can renew your Nebraska driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can begin the renewal process on March 15, 2024. Starting early gives you time to gather documents and avoid the rush if your license is about to expire.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to a DVS office in person. An expired license is still accepted as identification at the office, so bring it with you even if it is past the expiration date.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

Mail renewal is available only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years, you have no medical holds or restrictions, and you are not changing your name or address. If you meet these conditions, you can request a mail renewal form from the DVS website or by calling your local DVS office.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $40 made payable to "Nebraska DMV," and mail it to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license sooner, go to a DVS office in person instead.

If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal, call the DVS office before you request the form. They can tell you in one call whether your driving record qualifies.

What happens at the DVS office during renewal

When you arrive at a DVS office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will verify your identity, check your driving record, and confirm you have no active suspensions or medical holds. They will then direct you to take a vision test — you read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for the test.

After you pass the vision test, you will have your photo taken for the new license. You will then pay the $40 renewal fee. DVS offices accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Your new license is usually printed on-site and ready within 15 to 30 minutes, though some offices may mail it to you if they are very busy.

If you fail the vision test, the staff member will tell you what you need to do — usually see an eye doctor and return with a corrected vision prescription. You can reschedule your renewal appointment for another day.

Finding your nearest DVS office and hours

The Nebraska DVS website lists all 13 office locations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. The main office in Lincoln is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most branch offices have similar hours, but some close for lunch or have shorter hours on certain days. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours can change seasonally or for holidays.

Many DVS offices now use an online appointment system. You can reserve a time slot on the website, which reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are still accepted, but appointments move faster. If you cannot find an appointment near you, try a neighboring county — you are allowed to renew at any DVS office in the state.

What your new license will look like and when it arrives

Your new Nebraska driver's license will be a standard-size plastic card with your photo, name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. The expiration date will be five years from the date you renew. If you renewed in person, you will receive your license the same day or within a few days by mail. If you renewed by mail, your license will arrive within two to three weeks.

Your old license becomes invalid once you receive your new one. You can keep it as a souvenir or destroy it. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DVS office where you renewed — they can check the status and reissue it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Nebraska does not offer online renewal. You must either go to a DVS office in person or renew by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. The DVS website has a form you can print and mail, but you cannot complete the entire process on the website.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number instead. The DVS office will accept any of these as proof. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to renew your license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Many DVS offices use an online system where you can book a time slot, which usually means a shorter wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Check the DVS website to see if your local office offers appointments.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. The DVS office will update your address on your new license at no extra cost. If you have not updated your address yet, you can do it during the renewal process.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at a DVS office to renew your license, except for mail renewal, which you must complete yourself. The office needs your photo and your signature on the new license, and they need to verify your identity in person.