Applying for a New License

Whether you're a first time driver or someone who is interested in obtaining a different license classification, applying for a new license is a fairly simple process.

The Driver License Examining Division of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles is the state agency in charge of issuing licenses to Nebraska residents. You can apply for your Nebraska driver license at any one of the state's 99 examining locations.

Types of Nebraska Driver Licenses

There are several different classifications of Nebraska driver licenses. Knowing what type of license you need will make the application process much easier:

• Most adult Nebraska residents will apply for a Class O Operator's License.

• Teen or beginning adult drivers can apply for a School Learner's Permit, School Permit, Learner's Permit, or a Provisional Operator's Permit.

• Nebraska residents who wish to drive semis or other commercial vehicles can apply for a Class A, B, or C commercial license. There is also a Commercial Learner's Permit and a Restricted CDL.

• School bus drivers are required to have a School Bus Permit.

• Farmers can apply for Farm Husbandry Permits or Seasonal Permits.

• Nebraska residents who wish to legally operate a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license (or motorcycle endorsement for their Class O license).

If you are a new Nebraska resident, you have 30 days to surrender your out-of-state license and obtain the appropriate Nebraska driver license.

Identification Requirements

When you apply for a Nebraska driver license, you'll need to present to the examining location one form of identification that shows your birth date and full legal name. Several different types of documents are acceptable, but no faxes or photocopies will be allowed. This is a precaution to protect residents against identity theft.

In addition to proving your name and date of birth, you will also be asked to verify your Social Security number before receiving your Nebraska driver license.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Nebraska and possess a valid foreign license from another country, you can drive for up to 30 days within the state. At that point, you will need to apply for a Nebraska license, with specific identification requirements noted below.

It's not a bad idea to get yourself an International Driver's Permit, issued by your country of origin. This permit does not replace your foreign license, but translates it into a format more understandable to U.S. officials.

Non-Citizen Identification Requirements

To apply for a Nebraska driver license you'll need to provide at least one of the following:

• A valid Resident Alien Card or Permanent Resident Card, which includes your name and date of birth (I-551).

• A valid Temporary Resident Identification Card, which contains your name and date of birth (I-688).

• A valid foreign passport, which contains your name, date of birth and arrival/departure record (I-94 or I-94A). If your I-94 or I-94A is stamped “Refugee” or the place of origin is “Canada," a foreign passport is not required. Visas, Form I-151, I-94W or I-94 Border Crosser will not be accepted.

• A valid foreign passport, which contains your name and date of birth, stamped with “Processed for I-551."

• A valid Employment Authorization Card, which must contain your name and date of birth (I-688A, I-766).

• A letter from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services on state letterhead showing your name and date of birth.

• Naturalization papers, which show your name and date of birth.

• A Certificate of Citizenship, which, of course, displays your name and date of birth.

Keep in mind that photocopied documents will not be accepted. You must provide the original documents.

Testing Requirements

Whenever you apply for or renew a license, you will be required to complete a vision screening. If you take the test with your contacts or eyeglasses, your license will indicate that you can only drive while wearing corrective lenses.

A separate written test is required for each type of Nebraska driver license. Written tests are typically required for applicants applying for a first-time license, reinstating a license after a suspension of driving privileges, or renewing a license more than one year after the expiration date. To prepare for a written test, you can download a copy of the appropriate manual or complete an online practice exam.

The Nebraska DMV has the authority to request that any applicant take a driving test if there is a question regarding his/her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Driving tests are mandatory to receive a commercial driver license (CDL). For other types of Nebraska driver licenses, drive tests are often necessary when renewing a suspended license or a license that has been expired for more than one year.

Fees

Driver licenses are typically issued for a five-year period, unless you are under the age of 21. The application and renewal fees will vary according to the type of license you wish to apply for. Please see the DMV fee schedule for details.

For information on learner's permits and graduated licensing requirements, please see Teen Drivers, Driver Education, and Drivers Training on this site.

Also see related information at Applying for an ID Card, Renewing Your License, Replacing a Lost License, Changing Your Address, and Other License Information.