What You Need to Know About Nebraska Driver's Licenses

Nebraska issues a standard driver's license to residents who pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test. The license is valid for five years and costs $28 for a first-time applicant. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to the Department of Motor Vehicles office. If you're under 19, Nebraska has additional restrictions on when and where you can drive, and you must complete a certified driver education course.

Nebraska also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which costs the same but meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You'll need the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of citizenship or lawful presence. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are valid for eight years instead of five.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to get a Nebraska driver's license.
  • Nebraska requires all first-time drivers under 19 to complete a certified driver education course before taking the driving test.
  • A standard Nebraska driver's license costs $28 and is valid for five years; a Real ID license costs $28 and is valid for eight years but requires proof of citizenship.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a practical driving test at a DMV office to receive your license.
  • If you're under 19, your license will have restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits until you turn 19.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Nebraska's Department of Motor Vehicles requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

Proof of residency must be a current document showing your name and Nebraska address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you're homeless or living with family, you can bring a notarized letter from the property owner or resident stating you live there.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number at the office. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same DMV visit, though this will extend your appointment time.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

Nebraska's written knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The DMV provides a study guide online and at each office, and many people study it for a few hours before their appointment.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and your license will be restricted to driving with them. If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will refer you to an eye care professional; you can return once you've been examined and cleared.

The Driving Test and Road Skills

After passing the written test and vision screening, you'll schedule a practical driving test with a DMV examiner. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle operation, turning, parking, stopping, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current.

The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers: starting the vehicle, turning left and right, backing up, parallel parking, and stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. You'll also drive on local roads at normal speeds. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, hitting the curb while parking, or not using turn signals. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a few days.

Age-Based Restrictions for Drivers Under 19

Nebraska's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system places restrictions on drivers under 19 to reduce crash risk. When you first receive your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot carry more than one passenger under 19 unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle.

These restrictions remain in place until you turn 19 or until you've held your license for one year, whichever comes later. Once you meet either condition, the restrictions are automatically removed and you receive an unrestricted license. If you're cited for violating GDL rules, you may face fines and license suspension.

Before you can take the driving test, you must complete a certified driver education course if you're under 19. This course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. The course typically takes four to six weeks. You can find approved courses through the Nebraska DMV website.

Real ID Compliance and the Gold Star License

Nebraska's Real ID driver's license meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting in May 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Nebraska driver's license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.

To get a Real ID license, bring the same documents as a standard license plus proof of citizenship or lawful presence. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can bring an employment authorization document (EAD), visa, or green card. The Real ID license costs $28 and is valid for eight years, compared to five years for a standard license.

The Real ID license looks the same as a standard license except for a gold star in the upper right corner. You don't have to get a Real ID license if you don't plan to fly or visit federal buildings, but many people choose it for the longer validity period.

Renewing Your Nebraska Driver's License

You can renew your Nebraska driver's license up to one year before it expires. Standard licenses expire five years after issue; Real ID licenses expire eight years after issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

You can renew online through the Nebraska DMV website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you haven't changed your name or address. Online renewal costs $28 and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days.

If you need to renew in person—because your license is suspended, you've changed your name, or you prefer to do it at an office—bring the same documents you brought for your original license. You won't need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been suspended for a traffic violation or medical reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Nebraska driver's license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a standard Nebraska driver's license with a valid visa, employment authorization document, or green card. You'll need to bring your passport or travel document along with proof of identity and residency. If you want a Real ID license, you must have a green card or employment authorization document; a visa alone does not may have access to for Real ID.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each retake costs $5. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing specific skills they struggled with.

Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?

No. You only take the written test when you first get your license. When you renew, you just need to bring your documents and pay the renewal fee. You won't need to retake the vision or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

How long does it take to get a Nebraska driver's license after I pass the test?

Your license is issued when ready after you pass the driving test. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your plastic license card will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days. You can drive with the temporary license while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if I lose my Nebraska driver's license?

Report the loss to the Nebraska DMV and request a replacement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A replacement license costs $14 and will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days. You can request a temporary license to use while you wait for the replacement.