License Renewal in Nebraska

Renewing Your Nebraska Driver's License

You need to make sure you renew your driver's license with the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order to drive legally in the state. Continue reading this page to find out exactly when and how to renew your NE driver's license before or after it expires.

For more information about other types of driver's licenses or permits in Nebraska, visit our other pages:

Check Your NE Driver's License Status

Is your driver's license valid or suspended in Nebraska? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

REAL ID Requirements in Nebraska

The Mississippi DMV complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, meaning it provides first-time driver license applicants with REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements required for tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights. Without a REAL ID, you'll need to bring your passport or birth certificate for such activities after October 1, 2021.

New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID. For renewals, you have the option to retain a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license. For more details, visit the DPS' guide to REAL ID licensing.

When to Renew Your NE Driver's License

The NE DMV will send you a driver's license renewal notice approximately 30 days before it expires.

You can renew your driver's license up to 90 days before your birthday as long as you're 21 years old or older.

If you are 21 years old or older, and will be out of the state when your driver's license is due to be renewed, you may request an early renewal. You will be asked to provide proof that you are unable to renew your license during the assigned time frame. Contact your local NE DMV examining location for more details.

Expired Driver's License

Your Nebraska driver's license will expire on your birthday 5 years after the date of issue. You can renew a driver's license up to 1 year after it expires without having to take the written test. After this time, the NE DMV will require you pass the written test again before they will renew your driver's license.

If you're unsure of your license status, you may want to obtain a copy of your driving record.

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Renew Your Nebraska Driver's License

You can renew your NE driver's license online and in person at your local Nebraska DMV office.

NOTE: If you're out of state when your driver's license expires, you may be able to renew by mail. See “Out-of-State NE Residents & Military Members" below.

Online

You can renew your NE driver's license online as long as you meet the following requirements:

  • You are a U.S. citizen.
  • Your license is expiring before your 72nd birthday.
  • You are 21 years old or older.
  • You have NOT renewed online more than once in the last renewal cycle.
  • You have NOT changed your name or address since the issuance of your last driver's license.
  • You are NOT upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • The NE DMV has NOT requested a re-examination.
  • You do NOT need to submit medical or vision information to the DMV.
  • Your physical description has not significantly changed.
  • You do NOT have G, V, or X restriction(s).

If eligible, visit the Driver Licensing Services website. You will need to provide your:

  • Phone number.
  • Email address.
  • Credit card details (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) to pay your renewal fee.
    • See “Fees to Renew Your NE Driver's License" below.

Allow at least 20 days for your new license to arrive by mail. If you don't receive your renewed license, you can check the status of your renewal by contacting the Nebraska DMV.

If you have any questions about any exceptions that may apply, please contact the Nebraska DMV directly.

In Person

To renew your NE driver's license in person, you'll need to visit your nearest Nebraska DMV office and:

Upon completion, you will receive a DMV Issuance Certificate that you'll need to review and sign. Your receipt will serve as a temporary license until you receive your renewed license in the mail within 20 days.

Out-of-State NE Residents & Military Members

If you're going to be outside of Nebraska when your driver's license is due for renewal, you can renew by mail. The process varies slightly if you're an active-duty military member serving in another state (see “ Military Renewals" below).

Out-of-State Renewals

If you will be out of state during your renewal period, you will be able to renew by mail before your driver's license expires, or within 1 year after the expiration date.

You'll need to:

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 94726
Lincoln, NE 68509

The NE DMV will send you an issuance certificate, which you will need to sign and return to the Lincoln office with payment for the renewal fee.

Upon receiving your payment, the DMV will issue you a temporary driving receipt that is valid for 30 days. Approximately 14 business days later, you will receive your Nebraska driver's license at the address you provided.

Military Renewals

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are a military member serving on active duty outside of Nebraska, you—as well as your spouse and dependents—qualify for a military exemption card that keeps your driver's license valid for 60 days after you return to Nebraska or leave the service.

To receive an exemption card:

  • Write a dated and signed request that includes your current address.
  • Provide a copy of your:
    • NE driver's license.
    • Current military orders.

Send the above to:

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver and Vehicle Records Division
Attn: Military Exemption
P.O. Box 94789
Lincoln, NE 68509

If you choose, you can keep your driver's license current by submitting your renewal request by mail. Simply follow the instructions in “Out-Of-State Renewals" above.

You will also need to show one of the following:

  • A copy of your current orders.
  • A copy of your leave papers.
  • A copy of your discharge papers, (only valid for 60 days after discharge).
  • Your military ID card.

The Nebraska DMV requires that you show proof of Nebraska residency even if you are stationed out of state. If you no longer have residency in NE, you must provide a LES statement (showing you paid taxes to Nebraska) and show 2 documents to prove your new out-of-state address OR an APO/FPO address.

Fees to Renew Your NE Driver's License

The amount you must pay to renew your driver's license in Nebraska depends on how long you renew it for:

  • 1 year: $10.
  • 1 to 2 years: $15.
  • 2 to 3 years: $19.
  • 3 to 4 years: $24.
  • 5 years: $29.

Visit the NE DMV website for a complete list of fees.

NOTE: The NE DMV charges an extra $5 security charge for documents issues either online or in person.

Accepted Payment Methods

Some Nebraska DMV offices accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Major credit cards (online services).

Not all NE DMV offices accept personal checks and other payment methods. Be sure to contact your local Nebraska DMV office for specific details on how to pay your driver's license renewal fees.

Forms

DMV 06-104
New, Renewal and Replacements, Permit, Class O, Class M and State ID Card Data
Apply for an original, renewed, OR replacement Nebraska learner's permit, driver's license, motorcycle license, OR state ID card.
TSIRDT
Out-of-State License Renewal, Replacements, Permits Class O, Class M and State ID Data
If you're a NE resident currently living out-of-state, use this form to request a renewed OR replacement Nebraska learner's permit, driver's license, motorcycle license, OR state ID card.
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