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How to get a driver's license in Nebraska as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Nebraska needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
30 days (stated for new residents with a license from another state)
License exchange without tests
Not stated in official sources
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Disclose a valid SSN; applicants exempt from SSN may instead show a valid, unexpired I-94/I-94A in a valid foreign passport.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days (stated for new residents with a license from another state).

If your country is not on the list

Adults 18+ applying for a first Nebraska license must pass vision, written and drive tests.

Individuals 18 or older applying for a first time license, who have never held a POP: vision, written and drive tests. dmv.nebraska.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Valid foreign passport with I-94
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
  • I-797 or other document showing lawful U.S. presence

License validity: If you present a USCIS document, the license expiration is tied to that document's expiration date.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens will be required to provide proof of lawful status. dmv.nebraska.gov

Social Security number

Disclose a valid SSN; applicants exempt from SSN may instead show a valid, unexpired I-94/I-94A in a valid foreign passport.

Applicants must disclose their valid social security number which can be verified through the Social Security Administration dmv.nebraska.gov

Proof of residency

At least two documents showing your Nebraska principal address.

Principal Address in Nebraska (at least two documents are required). dmv.nebraska.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather proof of identity and lawful status, SSN (or I-94 if SSN-exempt), and two Nebraska address documents.
  2. Visit a driver licensing office; lawful status is checked on every visit (no online services for non-citizens).
  3. Pass the vision and written tests; you may get a learner's permit (LPD) to practice.
  4. Pass the drive test (after 3 failed drive tests, driver training or 90 days with an LPD is required).
  5. Pay the fee; verification of USCIS documents can take up to 20 federal work days.
  6. Receive a license that expires with your USCIS document.

Fees

Class O license valid 5 years: $24.00 plus $5.00 security fee = $29.00; shorter terms cost less.

| Valid for 5 years | $24.00 | $5.00 | $29.00 | dmv.nebraska.gov

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Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.