Offical Nebraska Government Website

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we have compiled a list of the questions asked most often by people calling the Driver and Vehicle Records Division. The questions have been broken down into the following categories:

Driver Licenses, Permits and State Identification Cards

Driver Records

Permits

Plates

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Titles

Motorboats

Miscellaneous

 

Driver Licenses, Permits and State Identification Cards

How do I apply for a driver license, permit or State ID and how much will it cost?

How do I renew my driver license, permit or State ID and how much will it cost?

Will I receive my driver license, permit or State ID on the same day my application is processed?

Is a 30 Day Interim Receipt a valid proof of identification?

I’ve lost my driver license, permit or State ID. How do I replace it?

If I am out of state and have lost my license, permit or State ID, how do I replace it?

How do I change my address on my driver license, permit or State ID?

How do I change my name on my driver license, permit or State ID?

Can I register to vote when I apply for my driver license, permit or State ID?

Where can I get a Driver’s Manual?

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Driver Records

How do I get a copy of my Driving Record?

My insurance company has informed me that an accident appearing on my driving record is showing as my fault and it wasn’t. What can I do?

Where can I get a copy of an accident report?

I’ve been told that my driver license is suspended or has been revoked. Where can I get specific information?

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Motorboats

Does my motorboat need to be titled?

How do I register my motorboat and how much will it cost?

If I’m not a resident of Nebraska do I have to register the boat here before I can use Nebraska lakes?

My motorboat doesn’t have a Hull Identification Number. How do I get one?

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Permits

How can I get a Handicapped Parking Permit?

Can I have a Handicapped Parking Permit and a Handicapped License Plate?

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Plates

How can I get a Message or Specialty plate?

What kind of Specialty plates does Nebraska offer?

How can I see if the message that I want is available?

I have a Message plate and I just bought a new car. Can I transfer my Message plate to the new car?

I just bought a new vehicle. Can I put my old plates on it during the 30 days I have to register?

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Vehicle Registration

I’ve lost my vehicle’s registration. How do I replace it?

I’ve just moved to Nebraska from another state. How long do I have to register my vehicle? Where do I register? How much will it cost?

I just moved from Nebraska to another state. Can I get a refund on my plates and registration?

What are the insurance requirements in Nebraska?

I just moved from one county in Nebraska to another. Do I need to get new plates and registration in my new county?

It’s time to renew my vehicle’s registration and I haven’t received my renewal postcard. What should I do ?

What is the penalty if I don’t register my vehicle within 30 days?

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Vehicle Titles

How do I get a title for my vehicle?

I’ve lost the title for my vehicle. What can I do?

How is a lien noted/released on a title?

How do I get a title history for a vehicle?

How can I get a Nebraska title for a vehicle I’m bringing from another country?

I sold a vehicle some time ago and the buyer never put the title in his name. I’m still showing as the titled owner. What can I do?

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Miscellaneous Questions

What are the acceptable methods of payment?

When a vehicle is sold in a private sale, what is the correct procedure?

How do I obtain an “In Transit” sticker?

What can I do if a vehicle has been abandoned on my property?

If I have a license plate number, can I find out who owns the vehicle?

I’m not a resident of Nebraska but I just bought a car here. How do I get it home?

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Driver Licenses, Permits and State Identification Cards

How do I apply for a driver license, permit or State ID and how much will it cost?

You will need to appear before a Driver’s License Examiner, complete an application and provide proper acceptable Proof of Identification. and two forms of acceptable Principle Address Verification. Locations and schedules can be found at Examining Station Locations and Schedules. To determine the fee, please refer to Driver’s License Fees.

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How do I renew my driver license, permit or State ID and how much will it cost?

You can renew your license, permit or State ID by appearing before a Driver’s License Examiner and completing an application. You will need to bring your current Nebraska Driver’s License with you and two forms of acceptable Principle Address Verification. You may be asked to show your Social Security Card for verification purposes. To determine the appropriate fee, visit our website at Driver License Fees.

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Will I receive my driver license, permit or State ID on the same day my application is processed?

No. You will receive a 30 Day Interim Receipt that will serve as your driver's license, permit or State ID until the actual license, permit or ID arrives at the mailing address you provided at the time of application. It generally takes 5 to 7 days for the license, permit or ID to arrive from the Central Issuance facility.

If, after 20 days, you have not yet received your license, permit or ID, please contact the Driver Licensing Services Division and let them know.

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Is a 30 Day Interim Receipt a valid proof of identification?

Yes. We have worked with law enforcement and the Liquor Control Commission to provide education regarding the validity of the 30 Day Interim Receipt. If a situation should occur where the acceptability of a 30 Day Interim Receipt as a valid form of identification is questioned, we suggest that you download a copy of the brochure used in the education process, Driver's License Brochure, and provide it as a reminder of the Receipt's validity.

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I’ve lost my driver license, permit or State ID. How do I replace it?

You can obtain a duplicate license, permit or State ID at any County Treasurer office. You must present Proof of Identification that shows your name and your date of birth. If you will be requesting a name change associated with the duplicate request, you will be required to provide acceptable, certified documentation that supports the change. If you will be changing your address, you will be required to provide two forms of acceptable Principle Address Verification. To determine the appropriate fee, visit our website at Driver License Fees.

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If I am out of state and have lost my license, permit or State ID, how do I replace it?

An Application for Revision form must be completed and submitted to any County Treasurer, along with your Proof of Identification and the appropriate fee.

 

How do I change my address on my driver license, permit or State ID?

To change your address you will need to bring your current Nebraska Driver’s License and complete an Application for Revision form at the office of any County Treasurer. You will be required to submit acceptable Principle Address Verification. To determine the appropriate fee, visit our website at Driver License Fees. Also keep in mind that if your address changes you will need to re-register to vote. This option is available on the Application for Revision form.

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How do I change my name on my driver license, permit or State ID?

To change your name you will need to complete an Application for Revision form at the office of any County Treasurer and bring your current Nebraska Driver’s License and satisfactory evidence of the name change. Evidence can be certified documents such as a marriage license, divorce decree or a court order. The documentation that you present must enable the County Official to tie the two names together. To determine the appropriate fee, visit our website at Driver License Fees. Also keep in mind that if your name changes you will need to re-register to vote. This option is available on the Application for Revision form available from any County Treasurer’s office. This option is not available on the Application for Revision that is downloaded from this website.

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Can I register to vote when I apply for my driver license, permit or State ID?

Yes. That option is available when you make application for your license, permit or State ID at the Driver’s Exam Station or the office of any County Treasurer.

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Where can I get a Driver’s Manual?

You can pick up a Driver’s Manual for motor vehicles and motorcycle or for a Commercial Driver License at any Driver’s Exam Station or they are available online here.

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Driver Records

How do I get a copy of my Driving Record?

You can get a copy of your Driving Record by submitting a completed application to the DMV. For specific information regarding procedure and fees and to download an application, refer to Driver Records Requests.

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My insurance company has informed me that an accident appearing on my driving record is showing as my fault and it wasn’t. What can I do?

All certified driving records issued by the DMV contain the following statement,

“Any entry for an accident which may appear above is for statistical purposes only and does not indicate a determination of fault”.

If your insurance company has information that indicates you were at fault in an accident, you will need to first determine where they obtained the information and begin with their source to correct the error. It could also be helpful for you to contact the Nebraska Department of Roads - Accident Records and obtain a copy of the accident report to submit to your insurance company to assist in the correction of the error.

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Where can I get a copy of an accident report?

The repository for accident records is the Nebraska Department of Roads

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I’ve been told that my driver license is suspended or has been revoked. Where can I get specific information?

Contact the Financial Responsibility Division for specific information regarding driver license suspensions and revocations

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Motorboats

Does my motorboat need to be titled?

Nebraska law requires any boat with a motor that was manufactured after November 1, 1972 must be titled. Specific information regarding titling motorboats, including documentation requirements and fees, may be found on our website at Motorboat Certificates of Title.

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How do I register my motorboat and how much will it cost?

Your local County Treasurer registers motorboats. For specific information regarding the registration of boats in Nebraska including documentation requirements, fees, and acceptable methods of payment, please contact your local County Treasurer.

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If I’m not a resident of Nebraska do I have to register the boat here before I can use Nebraska lakes?

No. However, you should be prepared to produce proof of registration from your home state at the request of a Nebraska Game and Parks.

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My motorboat doesn’t have a Hull Identification Number. How do I get one?

Complete instructions for making application for a Hull Identification Number and the necessary application may be downloaded on our website at Assigned ID Numbers.

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Permits

How can I get a Handicapped Parking Permit?

The procedure for applying for a Handicapped Parking Permit and an Application for Handicapped Parking Permit can be downloaded on our website at Handicapped Parking Permits.

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Can I have a Handicapped Parking Permit and a Handicapped License Plate?

Yes. While only one Handicapped Parking Permit is allowed per handicapped individual, the individual may make application for one set of Handicapped License Plates for a motor vehicle and one Handicapped License Plate for a motorcycle in addition to their permit.

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For more information regarding Handicapped Parking Permits and to download an application, visit our website at Handicapped Parking Permits.

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Additional information about Handicapped License Plates and an application can be downloaded on our website at Handicapped License Plates.

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Plates

How can I get a Message or Specialty plate?

You must submit the appropriate application and fee. To download applications and obtain information for specific plates, please refer to Specialty Plates. When making application for a plate with a message, be very sure that every choice listed on your application is acceptable. We are unable to accept requests for refunds.

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What kind of Specialty plates does Nebraska offer?

To see the types of plates offered in Nebraska, please refer to Specialty Plates. To see examples of plates issued by the State of Nebraska, please refer to Nebraska License Plates.

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How can I see if the message that I want is available?

You can check to see if your choice of message is currently available on our website at Message Availability.

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Note: An indication that the message is available is not a guarantee that is the message you will receive. Always be sure to list more than one choice and that all choices listed are acceptable to you. If you are only interested in one message, list that one choice only and if the choice is taken, your application and fee will be returned to you.

 

I have a Message plate and I just bought a new car. Can I transfer my Message plate to the new car?

Yes. As long as the title on the new vehicle contains the name of at least one of the owners on the title for the vehicle to which the plates were registered. When you are ready to register the new vehicle bring your plates and the registration to your County Treasurer and tell them that you wish to transfer your Message plate to the new vehicle.

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I just bought a new vehicle. Can I put my old plates on it during the 30 days I have to register?

Yes. Just be sure to carry your ownership documents with you so that in the event you are stopped by law enforcement you can provide the proper evidence of ownership.

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Vehicle Registration

I’ve lost my vehicle’s registration. How do I replace it?

You will need to contact the County Treasurer in the county where the registration was issued and request a replacement. The replacement fee is $6.75.

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I’ve just moved to Nebraska from another state. How long do I have to register my vehicle? Where do I register? How much will it cost?

You have 30 days to register your vehicle at your local County Treasurer’s office. To determine actual registration fees and taxes, contact your local County Official. Please refer to Vehicle Registrations for specific information about motor vehicle registration.

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I just moved from Nebraska to another state. Can I get a refund on my plates and registration?

Depending on when you last renewed your vehicle’s registration, you may be eligible to apply for a refund of the unused portion of your registration fees, motor vehicle taxes and motor vehicle fees. For specific information about obtaining a refund, please refer to Registration Refunds and Credits.

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What are the insurance requirements in Nebraska?

Information regarding insurance requirements in Nebraska may be found on our website at Insurance Requirements.

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I just moved from one county in Nebraska to another. Do I need to get new plates and registration in my new county?

No. It is not necessary to obtain a registration and license plates in your new county until your vehicle’s regular registration renewal is due. However, you will need to contact the County Treasurer in your new county of residence to determine if you need to pay any local wheel tax.

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It’s time to renew my vehicle’s registration and I haven’t received my renewal postcard. What should I do?

Contact your local County Treasurer.

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What is the penalty if I don’t register my vehicle within 30 days?

There are no additional fees or penalties added by the county if you are late obtaining a registration for your vehicle. You should be aware that if you are stopped by law enforcement, you could be issued a citation for operating a vehicle that is not properly registered. Also, while there is no penalty for late registration, there is a penalty assessed if sales tax is not paid within 30 days. Contact your local County Treasurer to determine specific penalties for late payment of sales tax.

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Vehicle Titles

How do I get a title for my vehicle?

The designated County Official in each county issues titles. For specific information about obtaining a Nebraska Certificate of Title for a vehicle, visit our website at Motor Vehicle Titles.

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I’ve lost the title for my vehicle. What can I do?

When a title has been lost, destroyed, or mutilated, you can obtain a duplicate title from the designated County Official in any county. Additional information about obtaining a duplicate title can be found on our website at Duplicate Certificate of Title.

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How is a lien noted/released on a title?

Lien information can be found on our website at Lien Notations.

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How do I get a title history for a vehicle?

The title history of a vehicle is only available in cases where litigation is pending on the vehicle. For further information, please contact Title History.

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How can I get a Nebraska title for a vehicle I’m bringing from another country?

To see a list of the necessary documentation and procedures for obtaining a Nebraska title on a vehicle coming into Nebraska from a foreign country, please refer to Imported Vehicles.

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I sold a vehicle some time ago and the buyer never put the title in his name. I’m still showing as the titled owner. What can I do?

You will need to contact the individual(s) who purchased the vehicle and request that they have a title issued in their name. If you are unable to locate the current owner of the vehicle or they refuse, your only option is to retain all documents pertaining to the sale of the vehicle as proof that you sold it.

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Miscellaneous Questions

What are the acceptable methods of payment?

For services provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles, this would include Vehicle and Driver Record Requests and Applications for Specialty Plates, a check or money order is acceptable.

For services provided by County offices, such as title and registration issuance, you will need to contact the specific County Official to determine acceptable methods of payment.

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When a vehicle is sold in a private sale, what is the correct procedure?

The seller of the vehicle must provide a current, properly assigned, Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale and completed Department of Revenue Form 6 to the buyer at the time of sale. For further details regarding a vehicle sale, please refer to Transfer of Ownership.

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How do I obtain an “In Transit” sticker?

In Transit stickers can be issued by licensed dealerships only. They can only be issued once and are good for a 30 day period.

They cannot be used if the vehicle is purchased through a private sale. For vehicles purchased privately, you will need to carry your ownership papers with you until the vehicle is titled and registered in your name. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to title and register the vehicle.

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What can I do if a vehicle has been abandoned on my property?

Vehicles that have been abandoned are property of law enforcement and you should contact your local law enforcement agency

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If I have a license plate number, can I find out who owns the vehicle?

If your intended use for the information is listed as an Exempted Use under the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act, you may submit an Application for Copy of Vehicle Record. Please refer to Vehicle Record Requests for specific procedure and fees and to download and application.

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I’m not a resident of Nebraska but I just bought a car here. How do I get it home?

Please refer to our website for information regarding Non-Resident 30 Day Plates.

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