Renewing Your CDL in Nebraska

Renewal Basics

Although applying for your Nebraska CDL can seem like a complex process, renewing your license is surprisingly simple. In fact, many drivers can complete the entire renewal process in just a few minutes.

If you are under the age of 21, your Nebraska CDL will expire on your 21st birthday. If you are over 21, your license expires on your birthday five years after it was first issued. You will receive a renewal postcard from the DMV approximately 90 days before your license is scheduled to expire. Bring this postcard with you when you renew your license at one of the state's 99 examining locations.

To prevent identity theft, you will be required to show proof of your Social Security number, birth date, and full legal name before renewing your Nebraska CDL. Several forms of documents are acceptable, but no photocopies or faxes will be permitted.

There is a $57.50 fee to renew your Nebraska commercial driver license.

Testing Requirements

Whenever you renew your Nebraska CDL, you will be required to complete a short vision screening. If you wear contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses to pass the screening, you must wear these corrective lenses whenever you operate a commercial motor vehicle.

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you will not have to retake any written exams that you have previously passed for your CDL. However, federal law states that you will still need to complete the exam requirements for maintaining a hazardous materials endorsement each time you renew. You may also need to have a new physical exam.

When you renew your commercial driver license, you may need to take a driving exam. Driving tests are often required if you have recently been convicted of a traffic violation or had your driving privileges suspended. However, the Department of Motor Vehicles has the authority to request that any applicant demonstrate their proficiency in basic vehicle control skills. If you are required to complete a driving test, you must take the test with a vehicle that is appropriate for your license classification.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen License

Since it's against the law to operate a commercial motor vehicle without a valid CDL, you must replace a lost or stolen license promptly. Do not wait until your license is scheduled to expire.

You may request a duplicate CDL by at the office of your nearest county official. You will be required to present proof of your identity and pay an $13.50 replacement fee.

New Federal Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Nebraska DMV by January 2014. This means you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate
• Excepted Interstate
• Non-Excepted Intrastate
• Excepted Intrastate

If you choose Non-Excepted Interstate, you must, in addition to a completed self-certification application, provide the DMV with a federal medical certificate.

Questions? The NB DMV has answers.

Find more information at Applying for a New CDL, Replacing a Lost CDL, Commercial Driver Education, and Commercial Driver FAQs on this site.

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