Americans have an undying love affair with the open road, and there are few states with as much flat, open space as Nebraska.
Best known for its wide-open spaces and endless cornfields, Nebraska drivers could hardly be blamed for taking advantage of the open space and driving a little aggressively. It’s all fun and games, of course, until law enforcement catches up with you when you’re speeding along.
When the cops pull you over, what do you think they’ll discover on your Nebraska driving record?
Do you even know what’s on your Nebraska driving record?
There’s no better time than the present to obtain a copy of your driving record so you can avoid being caught with your pants down by law enforcement.
What’s on My Nebraska Driving Record?
Your Nebraska driving record contains a wealth of information about your status as a legal driver in the state. Information contained within the report varies from name, date of birth, and a physical description (hair color, eye color, etc.), to driver’s license number, issue date, and current status (valid, suspended, revoked, etc.).
In addition to this information, your record contains data about restrictions on your license, traffic accidents, convictions, and points against your license. While some states note the party at fault for accidents, Nebraska merely lists accident history.
The state of Nebraska maintains three different types of driving records for its residents: a 5-year record, a complete record, and a clearance letter.
The 5-year record offers a snapshot of your history over the last five years. The complete driving record provides a glimpse at your entire driving history as recorded by the state. A clearance letter is a simple form that allows former residents of Nebraska to access their records when applying for a license in a new state.
Who Can Access My Nebraska Driving Record?
You are not the only individual or entity that can access your records. Courts, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, potential employers, insurance companies, news publications, and the federal organ procurement organization are among the groups that can access a copy of your Nebraska driving record. However, the only way for other individuals to access your records is with a signed, notarized consent form provided by you as the owner of the record.
The use of your records by these various entities differs. Law enforcement and government agencies access them largely for enforcement, fine collection, and maintenance purposes. Insurance providers use records to determine the risk involved with providing you coverage. Potential employers use these records as part of pre-employment background checks. News publications may only use them when disclosing news involving driver or vehicle safety issues.
How Can I Obtain a Copy of My Nebraska Driving Record?
When you wish to view your driving record in the state of Nebraska, you have three options: online, by mail, or in person.
The quickest way to obtain a copy of your records is by going online to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles website and more specifically, the online services. Before you can access a copy of your report, you’ll be asked to provide your name, driver’s license number, date of birth, and valid email address.
There is a $3 fee to process your request that can be paid via e-check or credit card. Once your request has been processed, the Nebraska DMV will send you a copy of your driving record in the mail.
If you are in no particular hurry to obtain a copy, you can always submit a request via snail mail. The first thing you’ll need to do is print and complete the Application for Copy of Driving Record form. You need to sign this form and have it notarized before you can send it to the DMV. You should send your form, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and check for $3 (payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles), to the following address:
Nebraska State Office Building
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94789
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4726
You can visit your local Nebraska DMV office to submit a request in person. To complete the process smoothly, you’ll need a completed copy of the application form, proof of identification, and form of payment to cover the $3 processing fee.
For in-person requests, the DMV accepts cash, check/money order, and credit/debit cards. Should you need a clearance letter from the state of Nebraska to obtain a new driver’s license in another state, you’ll need to submit a written request.
Your request should include your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current out-of-state mailing address, check/money order ($3), and a self-addressed stamped envelope. This request can be mailed to the same address listed above, simply mark the envelope “ATTN: Clearance Desk.”
An accurate Nebraska driving record can mean the difference between lower fines and fees, and higher fees, larger insurance premiums, and possible license suspension.
If you notice inaccuracies in your driving record, contact your local DMV office immediately. You’ll need to be able to identify the nature of the error and provide proof for correction.
How Can I Improve My Nebraska Driving Record?
The easiest way to improve your driving record is to complete a Nebraska-approved defensive driving course. If you have less than 12 points on your record, you can remove up to 2 points from your driving record once every five years.
Completing a defensive driving course in Nebraska will also help drivers get an employment driving permit (required within 60 days) and an auto insurance discount.
If you’re a minor, taking this course can help address 6 points you might have accumulated on your record. Attending once can also dismiss a minor traffic ticket if so ordered by the court.
Now, attending the course in an in-person class is required for license reinstatement, employment driving permit, point reduction, and underage point accumulation.
As for online schools, you can take it for dismissing minor traffic tickets and fines and getting auto insurance discounts.
What is the Best Online and In-Person Traffic School in Nebraska?
We highly recommend taking the course offered by GoToTrafficSchool. The course they offer is state-approved in Nebraska (but check with your court handler or insurance provider first if they will allow you to take the course online before signing up).
GoToTrafficSchool’s defensive driving course has a very convenient audio read-along feature in different languages. Of course, you can also avail yourself of their full-text course. So whether you prefer reading or listening, you can study the course how you like.
If you need an in-person defensive driving course, we recommend the state-approved courses offered by the National Safety Council Nebraska. NSCN is the only National Safety Council chapter in the state. As a private, non-profit 501(c)(3), non-governmental organization, they aim to provide education and advocacy to reduce injuries and save lives in the workplace, at home, and on the road.