What to Bring to the Nebraska DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Check the DMV website for wait times and consider booking an appointment
- →Download the Nebraska Driver's Manual and study the rules of the road
- →Make sure your parent/guardian knows exactly when you are going so they can meet you there
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to handle paperwork before your appointment
- →Get a good night's sleep so you're sharp for the written test
- →Verify your address matches exactly on all your residency documents
- →Bring your Social Security card if you have it, even if you have a W-2
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp
Bring the original document only; photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed, bring the marriage certificate or court order linking the names.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Pay stub with full SSN
- ✓Military ID with SSN
Nebraska requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, you must get one from the Social Security Administration first; there is no waiver for teens.
Proof of Nebraska Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement with current address
- ✓Parent's mortgage or lease agreement
- ✓School enrollment record with address
- ✓Nebraska vehicle registration or title
For a REAL ID, you generally need two documents proving residency. Since most teens live with parents, the parent's documents usually count if they match the application address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in person at the DMV
- ✓Guardian must provide their own proof of identity
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court appointment papers
- ✓Foster parents must bring foster care placement papers
If a parent cannot come in person, Nebraska requires a notarized affidavit of consent, but bringing the parent is the easiest and fastest way to avoid delays.
Fees & Payment
$26.50
This fee covers the learner's permit. If you fail the vision or written test, there may be a small re-testing fee, but the permit fee itself is paid once.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License or Instruction Permit (Form DL-180TD)
Available at: Download from dmv.nebraska.gov or pick up at any DMV office
Do not sign the form until you are in front of the DMV clerk; they need to watch you sign it.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided to ensure it works)
- ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't wait in the office)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating allowed in the testing area)
- ✗Cell phone usage during the test (it will get you kicked out)
- ✗Photocopies of documents (must be originals)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based; listen carefully to the instructions on the screen
- →You must pass a vision screening before you can take the written test
- →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail in a few weeks
- →Remember: With a learner's permit, you must always have a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat with you
Official Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles info: dmv.nebraska.gov
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