Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?
Motorcycle training courses are not required in Nebraska. However, the National Safety Council of Nebraska (NSCN) recommends their motorcycle safety training courses for all motorcycle riders in the state. Motorcycle training courses can help riders of all levels be safer on the streets. NSCN courses are approved by the Nebraska DMV which means successful completion exempts class takers from the DMV test.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?
In Nebraska, all motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets while operating their vehicles.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?
No, the Nebraska DMV does not currently give drivers the option to complete CDL application renewals online.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Can I take the DMV written test online?
No, you cannot take the Nebraska DMV written or driving test online. You must visit a local Nebraska DMV office.
Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?
Whether or not you can travel outside of Nebraska with your CDL license depends on the type of CDL license you hold. If you have an intrastate CDL license, you are not allowed to operate commercial vehicles outside of Nebraska. If you have an interstate CDL license, you can travel throughout the country.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?
Licensing requirements for scooters and mopeds in Nebraska vary based on the vehicle. Mopeds in Nebraska are considered any vehicle with a maximum speed of 30 mph and an engine that has 50cc or less or that uses pedals for propulsion. Mopeds do not have to be titled or registered. However, scooters are considered any vehicle with tires bigger than 14 inches and an engine 45ccs or more. Scooters are treated as motorcycles, which means that they require a title and registration. You will also need to obtain a Class M motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?
Residents of Nebraska getting drivers permits must be at least 16 years old to receive the permit. Requirements for receiving a drivers permit include:
  • Possessing a learners permit or school permit for at least six months
  • Have less than three points on their driving records
  • Have completed either a DMV-approved driver safety course or present a certificate of completion for 50 hours of driving practice with a parent or guardian over 21 (with 10 hours at night)

Completing a driver s ed course also exempts drivers from having to take the written and driving tests for the provisional driving permits.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?
As of July 2014, Nebraska residents who are military veterans can apply for a veteran s designation on their ID card. Applicants must first register with the Nebraska Department of Veteran’s Affairs Registry either by applying online at the Nebraska VA websiteor by calling the VA office at 402-471-2450.

From there, just indicate you would like the veteran designation on your ID card during the application process.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?
To initiate the Nebraska commercial drivers licenseapplication process, visit a local Nebraska DMV office with the following documents:
  • One proof of US citizenship/legal residency:
    • Certified US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by US Department of State
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card
    • Valid Employment Authorization Card
    • Valid Record of Arrival and Departure in a valid foreign passport
  • Two proofs of Nebraska residency:
    • Bank account statement issued within the last 90 days
    • Pay stub issued within the last 90 days
    • Government document issued within the last 90 days
    • Magazine issued within the last 90 days.
    • Any envelope, box or postcard that has been sent indicating a postmark or stamped date within the last 90 days
  • Proof of Social Security Number

At the DMV office, you will need to take a vision test, written test (if no prior commercial drivers learners permit) and the skills test. You will also need to submit the CDL License Data Form. The CDL application fee is $55 in addition to a $2.50 issuance fee.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?
To apply for a provisional drivers permit in Nebraska, visit a local Nebraska DMV office.Drivers permit applications require you to submit a few documents including:
  • School driver s permit (if under 18) or a school permit waiver form
  • Certification form for 50 hours of driving practice (if applicable)
  • Proof of identity
  • Two proofs of residency
  • Proof of Social Security Number

You will also need to pass the written, vision and driving tests. The written and driving tests will be waived if you completed a driver safety course. Additionally, you must pay the $17.50 provisional driving permit fee.

You may be able to apply for a provisional drivers permitonline if you meet the following requirements:

  • Held a school learners Permitfor at least six months
  • Completed a Nebraska DMV-approved driver safety course
  • Are under 18 and at least 60 days from your 16th birthday

While you can apply for your provisional permit for driving before your 16th birthday, it will not be issued until your birthday has passed.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?
To apply for a motorcycle licensein Nebraska, visit a local Nebraska DMV office to complete a motorcycle drivers license application. You will need to present one proof of identity and two proofs of residency. Drivers must also pass a vision test, written knowledge test and road skills test. Additionally, you will need to pay the $26.50 motorcycle driving license fee. For drivers who already possess a drivers license can obtain a motorcycle endorsement fee for $7.50. Drivers with a CDL license can get a motorcycle license endorsement for $12.50.

Contact the Nebraska DMV office to schedule an appointment for a road skills test.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

How do I get a duplicate ID card?
ID card applications for renewal in Nebraska can be conducted online, by mail or in person at a local Nebraska DMV office. To replace ID cards online, visit the ClickDMV website. Online ID card replacements can be obtained so long as you have not ordered more than two replacement ID cards online within the past five years.

To apply for ID card replacements by mail, print and complete an Out of State License Renewal, Replacements, Permit, Class O (Car), Class M (Motorcycle) Data Form TSIRDT. Additionally, you will need to present proof of identity and residency, as well as the ID card replacement fee.

To get ID card replacements in person, follow these steps:

Your replacement ID card will arrive by mail within 14 business days.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Nebraska Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I renew my driving permit?
Provisional permit renewals and replacements in Nebraska require a visit to a local Nebraska DMV office. At the DMV office, request and complete a provisional permit application. Submit the document along with a proof of citizenship and two proofs of residency. You will also need to pay the $17.50 renewal fee.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

How do I renew my ID card?
The ID card renewal process can be conducted either online or in person at a local Nebraska DMV office. Residents can renew ID cards 90 days before it expires if they are 21 or older or 10 days before it expires if they are younger than 21 years old. ID card renewal reminders are mailed out 90 days prior to the ID card expiration date.

To apply for an ID card renewal in person, visit a DMV office with your renewal notice and a completed ID card application form DMV 06-104.

You will also need to provide proof identity and residency, along with the ID card renewal fee.

To renew ID cards online, you must be 21 or older and have no necessary corrections on your ID card. Visit the ClickDMV website to apply and pay your ID card renewal fee. You will receive your new ID card within 20 days.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?
The Nebraska DMV will send a letter to CDL license holders notifying them that their self-certification is expiring. You must return the Self Certification Categories Certificate form enclosed along with any necessary documentation by the deadline on the form.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?
The Nebraska DMV mails out motorcycle license renewal notices within 90 days of your expiration date. You will be required to submit a New, Renewal and Replacements Permit, Class O, Class M and State ID Card Data Form along with the renewal notice at a local Nebraska DMV office. You will also need to show proof of identity and proof of residency.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?
Active duty military members in Nebraska wondering how to get a motorcycle license can do so through the same process as non-military members. Military members on active duty stationed outside of Nebraska with licenses issued after August 27, 1971 will have a valid license for as long as they are on active duty up to 60 days after discharge.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?
Nebraska drivers can apply for an unrestricted operator s driver s license after possessing a provisional permit once they have met one of the following qualifications:
  • Are at least 17 years old and had a provisional drivers permitfor at leastone year
  • Are 18 years old

Drivers in Nebraska will not be permitted to receive an unrestricted license if they have received three or more points on their driving recordsin the 12 months prior to their license application.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

How long will it take to get my new ID card?
ID card applications for initial cards will be processed right away at a local Nebraska DMV office. Replacement and renewal ID cards will be sent by mail between 14 and 20 business days after application.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?
Nebraska CDL licenses are valid for five years. To learn how to get a CDL license, contact a local Nebraska DMV office.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?
Nebraska residents like college students and military members who are currently out-of-state can replace lost ID cards by printing and completing an Out-of-State License Renewal, Duplicates and Replacements form TSIRDT. Mail the form along with a notarized signature, proof of identity and the ID card replacement fee to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 94789 Lincoln, NE 68509

Nebraska residents who are out of the country when they lose their ID card can apply for a replacement by calling the Nebraska DMV office and asking them to mail you the replacement forms.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Nebraska Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?
The minimum age requirements in Nebraska for a commercial driving license depend on whether you are completing a CDL application for intrastate or interstate travel. Intrastate applicants must be at least 18 years old. Interstate applicants must be at least 21 years old.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?
Nebraska motorcycle driving license applicants must be at least 17 years old to obtain a Class M motorcycle license. Riders must also have had a provisional motorcycle permit for at least a year and had no more than three points on their driving record.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

What are the available commercial license endorsements?
There are currently five endorsements for commercial drivers licenses. Endorsements include:
  • T: Double/Triple Trailers (requires knowledge test only)
  • P: Passenger (both knowledge and skills tests required)
  • N: Tank Vehicle (requires knowledge test only)
  • H: Hazardous Materials (requires knowledge test only)
  • S: School Buses (both knowledge and skills tests required)

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?
Fees for Nebraska ID cards depend on the length of the ID card s validity (due to applicant s age, CDL status or other exemptions from the typical five year validity period) and whether or not you are applying for an ID Card replacement. Fees are as follows:
  • One year or less: $5
  • One to two years: $10
  • Two to three years: $14
  • Three to four years: $19
  • Four to five years: $24
  • ReplacementID cards: $11

An additional $2.50 surcharge will be added to all ID card fees.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?
Provisional permits in Nebraska come with a few restrictions, including:
  • No unsupervised driving between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. (except for school and work purposes)
  • No more than one passenger younger than 19 years old (except for immediate family members)
  • All passengers must be wearing a seatbelt

Once you have had your provisional permit for at least a year, you can apply for your unrestricted driver s license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?
To apply for a CDL in Nebraska, you must complete the medical self-certification process. There are four categories of self-certification:
  • Interstate Non-Excepted
  • Interstate Excepted
  • Intrastate Non-Excepted
  • Intrastate Excepted

Commercial driving license holders who are exempt from medical certification include:

  • Any driver with a license to drive commercial issued prior to July, 30 1996
  • Government employees
  • Custom harvester drivers
  • Bee keepers
  • Private motor carrier of passengers used for non-business purposes

You will have to specify during certification whether you are driving solely interstate or intrastate.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?
There are no additional penalties in Nebraska for receiving a traffic ticket with a learners permit. However, learners permits require drivers to have a driver 21 or older accompanying them at all times unless they are driving to or from school or school-related activities.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Nebraska

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
Nebraska DMV differentiates between three-wheel motorcycles and two-wheel motorcycles by requiring different tests. Once you pass the three-wheel motorcycle test, you will be issued a Class Z three-wheel motorcycle only endorsement.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?
There are a few documents the Nebraska DMV requires when you are applying for a provisional or learning permit. Submit the documents when you apply at a local Nebraska DMV office. Required documents include:
  • Proof of identity:
    • US birth certificate
    • US passport
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Two proofs of residency:
    • Bank account statement from last 90 days
    • Pay stub from last 90 days
    • Federal, state or local government documents from last 90 days
    • Magazines received at address in last 90 days
    • Envelope, box or postcard with a postmark sent in last 90 days
  • Proof of Social Security Number:
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 form
    • SSA-1099 form
    • Pay stub with applicant s name and Social Security Number
    • Unexpired Record of Arrival and Departure in foreign passport

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?
There are a few required documents you must submit when getting a motorcycle license at a local Nebraska DMV office. Required documents include:
  • One proof of US citizenship/legal residency:
    • Certified US birth certificate
    • Valid US passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by US Department of State
    • Valid Permanent Resident Card
    • Valid Employment Authorization Card
    • Valid Record of Arrival and Departure in a valid foreign passport
  • Two proofs of Nebraska residency:
    • Bank account statement issued within the last 90 days
    • Pay stub issued within the last 90 days
    • Government document issued within the last 90 days
    • Magazine issued within the last 90 days.
    • Any envelope, box or postcard that has been sent indicating a postmark or stamped date within the last 90 days
    • Any correspondence, receipt or invoice dated within the last 90 days
    • Valid Nebraska vehicle registration.
    • Valid life, health, auto or home insurance policy documentation
    • Valid real estate tax statement
    • Any valid Nebraska professional or drivers license
    • Nebraska voter registration card
    • Mortgage, lease or rental agreement
    • Nebraska DMV Renewal Notice
    • Blank check or deposit slip
  • Proof of Social Security Number

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?
Nebraska Class M motorcycle licenses require applicants to pass both a written knowledge test and on-cycle skills test. The written test requires you to know Nebraska road rules and safe riding techniques, while the on-cycle skills exam tests rider s knowledge of vehicle control, crash avoidance and other riding techniques.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?
Nebraska CDL license holders convicted of DUIs are subject to the same penalties as drivers holding noncommercial drivers licenses. Additionally, you will receive a year drivers license suspension for a first offense. A second DUI offense will result in a lifetime disqualification of your CDL license.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?
DMV ID cards issued in Nebraska are photo-issued cards that serve as a form of identification for residents who don t have driver s licenses. ID cards can conveniently provide proof of identity in many situations.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?
Nebraska DMV written tests consist of 25 questions, of which the applicant must get at least 20 questions right. Each level of licensing (learner s, provisional, unrestricted) has a test with different questions. Residents who have completed a DMV-approved driver s ed course are exempt from taking the written and driving tests.

Drivers who fail the test three times in a row cannot reapply unless they meet the following requirements:

  • Pass a DMV-approved driver s ed course
  • Hold a learner s permit for at least 90 days

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?
The drivers permit application process in Nebraska includes a series of tests including a:
  • Vision test.
  • Written test.
  • Driving test.

Driving tests and written tests are waived for applicant s who completed a DMV-approved driver s ed course.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?
Depending on the endorsement you are applying for in conjunction with your Nebraska commercial drivers license, you will have to take the written knowledge test and the driving skills test. Additionally, you will have to take the vision test.

For more information: Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?
Nebraska ID cards are valid for five years for most residents. Exceptions include residents who are turning 21 in less than five years, at which point their ID card will expire. Residents who are in the US on a visa will also have their ID card valid for the length of their visa s validity. ID card renewals can be processed online, by mail or in person at a local Nebraska DMV office.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?
Obtaining an initial ID card in Nebraska requires residents to visit a local Nebraska DMV office in person with a completed New, Renewal, Duplicates and Replacements, Permit, Class O (Car), Class M (Motorcycle) and State ID Card Data Form form DMV 06-104.ID card renewals and replacements can be obtained online and by mail, as well as in person.

For more information: How to Apply for a Nebraska Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?
Minors who submit a driver s permit application to a local Nebraska DMV office must present a certified birth certificate as a proof of identity. Applications submitted without a birth certificate will require another proof of identity along with a Certification Stating The Identity Of A Child Under Age 18 completed and signed by the applicant s parent or guardian.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Nebraska