How to Renew Your Nebraska Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Nebraska driver's license in person at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary permit the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit — you're may be able to access if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical suspensions, and you haven't changed your address since your last renewal.

Before you go to the DMV or prepare your mail packet, gather these documents: your current Nebraska driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you want to update it; if you do want a new photo, the DMV will take one at your appointment.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary permit when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks but has no office visit requirement.
You are may be able to access for mail renewal only if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical holds, and your address hasn't changed.
Bring your current license, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any DMV office.
The renewal fee is $39 for a four-year license or $59 for an eight-year license; you choose the length at the time of renewal.

Renewing in person at a Nebraska DMV office

Find your nearest DMV office on the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles website. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though some offices offer online appointment scheduling that may reduce your wait time. Bring your current license, proof of address, and Social Security number. The staff will verify your information, take a new photo if needed, and collect the renewal fee.

You'll receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner — for travel or identification purposes — ask the DMV staff whether expedited printing is available; some offices can print a license on-site for an additional fee.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical suspensions or other holds on your driving record, and your mailing address matches the address on your current license. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

Request a mail renewal form from the Nebraska DMV website or call 402-471-3861. Complete the form, enclose your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($39 for four years or $59 for eight years), and proof of your current address. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks of receipt. Do not send cash through the mail.

Understanding the renewal fee and license length options

Nebraska offers two renewal periods: a four-year license for $39 or an eight-year license for $59. You choose which length you want at the time of renewal. The eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over twice as long, so your annual cost is lower. Most people choose based on how often they plan to visit the DMV for other reasons — if you need to update your address or vehicle information frequently, a shorter license means fewer trips.

The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail. If you're over 65, Nebraska offers a reduced-fee renewal option; ask the DMV staff or mention it in your mail renewal request.

What to do if your license has been expired more than five years

If your Nebraska license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID.

The written test covers Nebraska traffic laws and road signs. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and takes about 20 minutes. Both tests are offered at DMV offices during regular business hours. If you pass both tests, you'll receive a temporary permit and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

If your address has changed since your last renewal

If you've moved since your license was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office — mail renewal is not available for address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. The DMV will update your address during the renewal process at no additional cost.

If you've moved out of state and no longer live in Nebraska, you should not renew your Nebraska license. Instead, explore for a license in your new state of residence.

Medical suspensions and other holds on your license

If your license has a medical suspension or any other hold placed by the DMV, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The staff will review the reason for the hold and explain what you need to do to clear it — this might mean providing a medical clearance from your doctor, completing a vision test, or other steps depending on the type of hold.

Contact the Nebraska DMV at 402-471-3861 before your visit to ask what documents you'll need to bring. Clearing a hold can take additional time beyond the standard renewal process, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using the standard process — in person or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test and a driving test.

What if I want a new photo on my license?

If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo automatically. If you renew by mail, your new license will use your current photo. If you want a new photo with a mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

How long is my temporary permit valid?

Your temporary paper permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it doesn't, contact the DMV to check the status.

Can I renew my license online?

Nebraska does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Some DMV offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times for in-person renewal.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Nebraska and can result in a traffic citation and fine. Renew your license before it expires to avoid this penalty.

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.