A new AI-powered resident-assistance chatbot called the Nebraska Navigator went live on the state’s website on Sept. 1, the next phase in a rollout that began with the launch of a similar chatbot on the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) site in December 2025.
In a release announcing the Nebraska Navigator launch, Gov. Jim Pillen said the “impressive” results of the DMV pilot inspired the Nebraska State Records Board, which is funding the program, to expand its implementation statewide.
“This project aligns with my administration’s goals of providing improved service delivery to citizens, streamlining state resources and meeting the needs of people through the newest forms of technology,” said Gov. Jim Pillen upon the launch of the Nebraska Navigator.
Titled “Ask the DMV,” the pilot program fielded more than 188,000 inquiries and led to a 20% reduction in call volume for the agency. The DMV saw an increase in online transactions and a corresponding decrease in in-person transactions month over month, according to the release.
Available 24/7 and able to operate in more than 50 languages, the release touted the fact that 19% of Ask the DMV interactions occurred between midnight and 6 a.m., increasing accessibility to DMV services.
Created in partnership with Nebraska-based e-government firm Tyler Technologies, the program is being paid for not with tax dollars but funds generated when residents pay for online government services, most of which are also provided through Tyler Technologies.
As reported by Nebraska Public Media, State Auditor Mike Foley has argued that the state should reconsider its contract with Tyler Technologies, alleging that the company has held the state hostage for higher payments for its services.
Before launching Nebraska Navigator, state teams tested the program using more than 5,000 questions, according to the governor’s release, reporting a 95% success rate. As the chatbot continues into October, public beta testing will help those teams continue to refine the system.
Nebraska Navigator appears at the top of the state website, inquiring, “What do you need help with?” along with a slate of suggested topics such as “Buying a fishing license” and “Registering to vote.”
A disclaimer below the window reads, “The Nebraska Navigator is powered by AI and can make mistakes,” encouraging users to double-check important information received through the chatbot.
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