How often do I need to renew my Well Drilling Contractor License in Nebraska?

The Well Drilling Contractor License in Nebraska must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Well Drilling Contractor License in Nebraska?

The renewal cost for a Well Drilling Contractor License in Nebraska is $300.00.

Nebraska renewal guide

Well Drilling Contractor License

Q: What happens if my Well Drilling Contractor License expires in Nebraska?

Constructing or drilling water wells in Nebraska without a valid license violates the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 46-1201 to 46-1241). Violators are subject to criminal penalties as a Class III misdemeanor and civil penalties of up to $500 per day per intentional violation (§ 46-1240). Licensed contractors who allow unlicensed persons to drill may face license discipline.

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

See this alongside the other 11 Nebraska license pages we track.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$300.00

Late penalty

$200.00

Bond requirement

Insurance requirement

Continuing education

12 hours

Last verified

May 2026

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
Finish the CE first

Complete the 12 required hours before you start the renewal.
2
File with the board

File through Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment and pay the $300.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online

If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $200.00 (60 days to renew with a late fee).

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

Nebraska Well Drilling Contractor License

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) issues the Well Drilling Contractor (WDC) license under the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 46-1201 to 46-1241). All water wells constructed in Nebraska must be drilled by a licensed contractor.

What This License Authorizes

The Well Drilling Contractor license authorizes the holder to construct new water wells, perform well repairs, and decommission water wells throughout the state. The WDC license is the contractor-level credential — it carries full responsibility for well construction work.

Related License Categories

DWEE also issues related water well credentials including supervisory licenses and pump installation contractor licenses. Contact DWEE at 402-471-4982 or dwee.moreinfo@nebraska.gov for a current list of all license categories and their requirements.

Examination Requirements

All WDC applicants must pass a written examination covering:

Minimum standards for water wells
Geological characteristics of Nebraska
Current drilling practices and techniques
Nebraska-specific requirements (Section I) and General Drilling (Section III)

Applicants must score at least 70% on each required examination section.

Fees

Initial Application Fee: $400 (flat fee for all license types; covers up to 4 exam attempts within 12 months)
Renewal Fee: $300 (biennial, Water Well Contractor license category)
Late Renewal Penalty: $200, added to the renewal fee, for renewals received after the December 31 (even-year) deadline. If the license has been expired more than 60 days, the licensee must instead pay a new $400 initial fee plus the $200 late fee and retest.
Continuing Education: 12 hours of Board-approved continuing education within the renewal cycle

Fees are set by the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Licensing Board under Nebraska Title 178 NAC 11 and are confirmed on DWEE's WAT310 (Water Well Standards – Application for Licensure) and WAT313 (Late Renewal Application for License) forms.

Renewal Process

Renewal Period: Every 2 years
Continuing Education: Required; specific hour requirements are set by the Board
Renewal is managed through the DWEE Credentialing Portal

Consequences of Operating Without a License

Constructing or drilling water wells without a valid license violates the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 46-1201 to 46-1241). Under § 46-1240, violators are subject to criminal penalties as a Class III misdemeanor and civil penalties of up to $500 per day per intentional violation, enforceable by mandatory injunction. Licensed contractors who allow unlicensed persons to drill wells may face license discipline.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.*

Official links

Check the board or agency directly.

Official website Apply online Renew online

Required documents

proof_of_experience

Source notes

Nebraska DWEE — Water Well Standards and Contractors' Licensing Program . Verified May 2026. https://dwee.nebraska.gov/water-quality/groundwater/water-well-standards-and-contractors-licensing-program. Fee figures re-verified 2026-09-16 from DWEE's official WAT310 (Water Well Standards – Application for Licensure) and WAT313 (Late Renewal Application for License) forms: $400 flat initial/application fee for all license types; Water Well Contractor biennial renewal $300; $200 late penalty; licenses expired over 60 days require a new $400 initial fee plus the $200 late fee and retesting; 12 hours of continuing education required per renewal cycle.

Rules move. Check Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.

Some details could not be fully confirmed from public sources. Double-check the fee, timing, and supporting requirements with Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.