Driving Tests

Can International Students Drive in Nebraska? Foreign License Rules

informational·how to guide·Published July 16, 2026

Can an international student drive in Nebraska with a foreign license?

Nebraska law exempts a nonresident full-time college student from Nebraska licensing if the student is "duly licensed under the laws of the state of his or her residence." Ask the Nebraska DMV how it treats a foreign license. At 18 or older, a first Nebraska license takes vision, written and drive tests. It costs $10 to $29 and lasts only for your authorized stay.

Where these Nebraska license facts come from

The student exemption comes from Nebraska law 60-488. The tests and fees come from the Nebraska DMV Class O license page. The license surrender rule comes from Nebraska law 60-4,122, and the license term from Nebraska law 60-484.05. The document rules come from the DMV document verification page, the DMV new resident page and the Nebraska Driver's Manual (January 2025). This guide is current as of 2026. It is not legal advice. Confirm the rules with the Nebraska DMV (dmv.nebraska.gov) before you drive.

Can you drive in Nebraska on your home license?

Nebraska law lets a nonresident drive under the general motor vehicle laws if the person is licensed under the laws of the state where he or she lives. This protection ends after 30 days of continuous residence in Nebraska.
A full-time student at a Nebraska college or university has a separate rule: a nonresident student with a license from his or her state of residence is exempt from Nebraska licensing.
The DMV pages on test waivers describe a valid license from another U.S. state. With a license from another country, ask the Nebraska DMV how it treats your license before you visit.

Which Nebraska license rule fits you?

You live in Nebraska and plan to stay

A Nebraska resident who drives on Nebraska streets and highways must have a Nebraska license. A new resident with a valid license from another state has 30 days to get one. See our guide on moving to Nebraska with a driver's license.

You are a nonresident full-time student at a Nebraska college, licensed under the laws of your state of residence

The student exemption in Nebraska law 60-488 applies to you. If you want a Nebraska license, follow the steps below.

You hold a license from another country and you want a Nebraska license

Ask the DMV before you go. Then use the tests, documents and steps below.

You are a new resident under 18

A new resident under 18 who surrenders a valid out-of-state license must meet the Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) requirements.

Which tests do you take for a first Nebraska license?

A first-time applicant who is 18 or older and never held a POP takes vision, written and drive tests. A Learner's Permit (LPD) that is valid or expired for no more than one year waives the written test.
The vision test checks how sharp your sight is and your side vision. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass, wear them at all times when you drive.
The Nebraska Driver's Manual says over 32% of first-time applicants fail the written test. You bring your own car for the drive test. A failed test cannot be retaken the same day (try our free question on this rule).

What documents do you bring to the Nebraska DMV?

Proof of lawful status: a valid, unexpired I-94 in a valid foreign passport.
With F1, F2, J1, J2, M1 or M2 status: your I-20 and/or DS-2019, which gives your SEVIS information.
A second document from the DMV lawful status list, or a Form I-797 or a similar document that shows your lawful status.
Your Social Security number, or proof of exemption: a valid, unexpired I-94 or I-94A in a valid foreign passport.
Two proofs of your Nebraska address from two different issuing sources, for example a lease that shows the landlord's name and contact information. A P.O. Box is not accepted.
Certified documents with a raised seal or stamp. Faxed or photocopied documents are not accepted.

How long does the DMV check of USCIS documents take?

The DMV verifies all USCIS documents before it issues a license. The DMV document verification page says this can take up to 20 federal work days. Document approval may not happen on the day of your visit, and you may have to come back to the office.
For the full list of accepted papers, read our guide to Nebraska DMV documents and REAL ID.

How to get a Nebraska license as an international student

1
Check your driving record
Nebraska does not issue a license if your driving privileges are revoked or suspended in Nebraska or in any other state or jurisdiction.
2
Collect your documents
Pack your passport with the I-94, your I-20 or DS-2019, a second lawful status document, your Social Security number or exemption proof, and two proofs of your Nebraska address.
3
Study for the tests
The Nebraska Driver's Manual has the information you need for the Class O written test. For the drive test, practice starting and stopping, turns, lane use, stop signs and signals, speed control, right of way, and parking and backing.
4
Take your tests at a driver licensing office
Take the vision test and the written and drive tests that apply to you. In Bellevue, Lincoln and Omaha, make a drive test appointment first.
5
Pay the fee within 90 days
Take the Issuance Certificate to a county treasurer (not the Douglas, Lancaster or Sarpy County Treasurer), or to a state driver licensing office in Douglas, Lancaster or Sarpy County, and pay. You get a 30-day receipt. The TSA does not accept it as identification to board a plane.
6
Wait for your card by mail
The permanent license comes by U.S. mail in about 20 days. The Postal Service does not forward it, so give the DMV your current address.

How long is a Nebraska license valid on a student visa?

A Nebraska license for a person whose authorized stay in the United States is temporary is valid only for that stay, or for one year if the stay has no definite end. The front of the card shows that it is temporary and gives the expiration date. To renew, show documents that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended your status. If your lawful status ends, return the license to the DMV.
The DMV ties the expiration to the date on your USCIS document, so the fee depends on how long the license is valid.

Nebraska Class O fee by how long the license is valid

Nebraska Class O fee by how long the license is valid
License valid for	Total fee (includes the $5 security fee)
1 year or less	$10
More than 1 year, up to 2 years	$15
More than 2 years, up to 3 years	$19
More than 3 years, up to 4 years	$24
5 years	$29

Key takeaways

A nonresident full-time student at a Nebraska college is exempt from Nebraska licensing if licensed under the laws of his or her state of residence. With a foreign license, ask the DMV how it treats your license.
At 18 or older, a first Nebraska license takes vision, written and drive tests.
Bring your I-94 in your passport, your I-20 or DS-2019, a second lawful status document and two proofs of your Nebraska address. The USCIS check can take up to 20 federal work days.
Your license is valid only for your authorized stay, or 1 year if the stay has no end date. The fee is $10 to $29, by the length of the license.
Next step: practice on the free Nebraska Class O learner's license practice test. It is in English only.

Foreign license and Nebraska: common questions

Can I exchange my foreign driver's license for a Nebraska license?

The DMV pages describe test waivers only for a valid license from another U.S. state. Under Nebraska law 60-4,122, a license used this way is surrendered to the DMV, and the DMV tells the state that issued it to invalidate it. With a license from another country, ask the Nebraska DMV before your visit.

Is a visa enough to prove my status at the Nebraska DMV?

No. Visas, Form I-151, Form I-94W and the I-94 Border Crosser are not accepted. Your main document is a valid I-94 in a valid foreign passport, with your I-20 or DS-2019 for F, J or M status. If you have a current I-797 for your I-94 status, show it too. It can help make the process simpler.

Do I bring my I-20 and passport every time I go to the Nebraska DMV?

Yes. A person who is not a U.S. citizen must show proof of lawful status at each visit to a driver licensing office. If you use USCIS documents, such as your I-94 and I-20, to prove your status, bring them every time you visit an exam office.

What if my USCIS documents do not verify at the Nebraska DMV?

If your USCIS documents failed to verify at the office, you can check their status with USCIS through its SAVE Case Check service. When the DMV receives the verification information from USCIS, the DMV sends you a letter.