Before you can drive in Nebraska you need a license, and to get one you must prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Knowing the document rules saves you a wasted trip to the driver licensing office.
Know the rule
Any Nebraska resident who operates a motor vehicle on the streets and highways of Nebraska must have a license.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Time a new resident with a valid license from another state has to get a Nebraska license
Handbook p. 9 ↗Every permit, license or State ID applicant must show:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, with name, date of birth and identity (ONE document)
- Proof of your Nebraska principal address (at least TWO documents)
- Your valid Social Security number, or a valid unexpired I-94/I-94A in a valid foreign passport as exemption
Document rules:
- Documents must be certified with a raised seal or stamp
- Faxed or photocopied documents are NOT accepted
- Proof of citizenship is needed once; it isn't required again on later visits
- Non-citizens must show proof of lawful status at every visit
- Anything marked "NOT TO BE USED FOR PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION" is refused for identity
- Approval may not happen the same day and may need another visit
Accepted identity documents (bring one):
- Certified birth certificate issued by a state government office
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-451)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
- Valid, unexpired I-94 or I-94A in a valid foreign passport
Know the rule
Not accepted for identity: hospital-issued birth certificates, Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before September 30, 2010, visas, Form I-151, I-94W or I-94 Border Crosser.
Handbook p. 17 ↗Know the rule
Changed your name? Bring certified marriage licenses, divorce decrees or a court order linking your new name to the name on your current permit, license or ID card.
Handbook p. 17 ↗Proof of principal address (two, from different issuing sources):
- Bank or financial account statement issued within the last 90 days
- Pay stub with the employer's name and address, issued within the last 90 days
- Postmarked mail, correspondence, receipt or invoice dated within the last 90 days
- Valid Nebraska vehicle registration, or a valid insurance policy or card
- Mortgage, lease or rental agreement (leases must list the landlord's name and contact info)
- Nebraska voter registration card, DMV Renewal Notice, or a blank check or deposit slip
Know the rule
A P.O. Box is not accepted as proof of principal address. If you're under 21 and can't prove your address, your parents' or guardians' address documents are accepted.
Handbook p. 18 ↗Proof of Social Security number:
- Social Security Card
- W-2 form
- SSA-1099 form
- Pay stub showing your name and Social Security number
- Valid, unexpired I-94 or I-94A in a valid foreign passport (exemption)
NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION
The mark on licenses, permits and ID cards issued to people with PAROLEE immigration status. They meet the same identification, verification and testing rules as everyone else.
Handbook p. 19 ↗Put it into practice
You just moved into your first apartment. Bring two proofs of your new Nebraska address from different sources, such as your lease (with the landlord's contact info) and a pay stub from the last 90 days. A P.O. Box won't count, and neither will a photocopy of your birth certificate.