Driver License Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I go to renew my drivers license?

How can I contact the Iowa Department of Transportation, Office of Driver Services?

How can I obtain a manual in order to study for the written operator test?

How can my child obtain a school license?

How long do I have to renew my driver license?

I have just moved to Iowa.  What do I need to do to get my Iowa driver license?

I have misplaced my Iowa license.  How can I get a duplicate?

My child will be turning 14 next month.  What do we need to bring in so they can take the written test?

Where can I obtain the study material for the CDL School Bus Endorsement?

Where do I find out information regarding the Hazardous Material Endorsement?

How can I pay for my driver license?

 

How can I contact the Iowa Driver and Identification Services? (Back to top)

 Iowa Driver and Identification Services

Mailing Address
   Driver and Identification Services
   P.O. Box 9204
   Des Moines, IA  50306-9204
Physical Address
  Driver and Identification Services
   6310 SE Convenience Blvd.
   Ankeny, IA  50021
Telephone
   515-244-9124 - Local Des Moines
   515-244-8725 - Local Des Moines
FAX
   515-239-1837 - Local Ames
E-mail
Driver.Services@iowadot.us

 

 

How can I obtain a manual in order to study for the written operator test? (Back to top)

If your county issues Driver’s License, we have Driver’s License Instruction manuals on hand in our office as well as Commercial Driver’s License and Motorcycle Operator manuals.  Stop in and pick one up.

OR

https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/driverslicense/dlmanual

 

How can my child obtain a school license? (Back to top)

https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/Under-18

 

How long do I have to renew my driver license? (Back to top)

Your license expires on your birthday. It is valid for another 60 days, but other states, airlines or businesses requiring ID may not recognize the 60 days. You do not have to take a written and drive test for expired licenses until 1 year has passed. 

You will have to pass the vision screening test each time your license is renewed.

For information from the state of Iowa, click here.

 

I have just moved to Iowa.  What do I need to do to get my Iowa driver license?

 (Back to top)

If you just moved to Iowa, you are considered an Iowa resident for the purposes of driver licensing and vehicle registration when you have done at least one of the following:

registered to vote.

enrolled your children in public school.

accepted a permanent job.

resided in Iowa for 30 continuous days. 

If you have a valid out-of-state license, follow these steps to obtain your Iowa license:

Satisfy Iowa’s identification, Social Security disclosure, and residency requirements with licensing personnel.

Take required tests. Knowledge and driving tests may be waived if you surrender a valid out-of-state license (excluding instruction permits) and you have no mental or physical disability that may affect your driving.

Turn in your out-of-state license to the DOT. 

For information from the State of Iowa for new residents, please click here.

 

I have misplaced my Iowa license.  How can I get a duplicate? (Back to top)

If your license has been lost or stolen, please contact your driver’s license station. There is a $10 charge for a duplicate license.

For information from the state of Iowa regarding replacing your license, click here.

 

My child will be turning 14 next month.  What do we need to bring in so they can take the written test? (Back to top)

Your child will need a government issued certified birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport; their social security card; and the consent of a parent or legal guardian. For more information visit: 

https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/Under-18

They will need to pass both the vision and written tests.

The cost of an instruction permit is $6 for 4 years.

 

Where can I obtain the study material for the CDL School Bus Endorsement? (Back to top)

Click here to find that material.

 

Where do I find out information regarding the Hazardous Material Endorsement? (Back to top)

Hazardous Material Endorsement information can be found on the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website.  Click here for this information.

 

How can I pay for my driver license? (Back to top)

Check, cash, debit card, and Discover, Visa, or Master Card credit cards.   There is a $1.50 convenience fee for the use of a debit or credit card.