IowaDrivers License Guide

ContentsTable of

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Numbers

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Starting the Journey

Getting Your First Driver’s License

Replacing Your License

Official Forms

DOT Hours and Locations

Getting an Iowa ID Card

Starting the Journey

Updating Your License Information

Renewing Your License

Reinstating Your Driver’s License

Vehicle Safety Tips

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12

15

19

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30

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Startingthe Journey

Welcome to the world of driving in Iowa! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Driving independently is an exciting experience, but you must make sure to complete all the necessary steps before hitting the road.

The purpose of this guide is to make sure you get to through it with as little stress or complications as possible. That is where we come in. We are here to help you know exactly what you need. Depending on your age, you are going to hold different permits and licenses before you get your full privilege Iowa driver license. If you are a new Iowa resident, you should also understand the process of transferring your out-of-state credentials. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) also offers state identification cards for residents in need of a primary form of identification that cannot or do not want to drive. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to start this journey, including information about necessary documents and methods to complete certain procedures. You should note that many of the documents linked in this guide link to a webpage to download a form to your desktop. You can view these documents in a PDF viewer but you may not be able to view them in your browser. So, review the sections below to begin your journey as a license driver in Iowa.

Teen DriversIf you are a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, chances are that you are currently dreaming of obtaining your driver’s license. Well, we are here to help you make that dream true! In each step moving towards obtaining your license,

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we will outline each procedure you must complete to help you understand the process in full. Teenage drivers who do not act responsibly can end up in car accidents that result in injury or even death. To avoid that, Iowa implemented the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program to improve teen driving laws, with the aim of reducing traffic crashes and fatalities involving young drivers. The DOT has a few steps for drivers under 18 years of age. As a teen driver and as a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This will avoid you any complications and prepare you to take on your responsibilities on the road.

Instruction Permit

With this permit, you may practice driving while supervised by a licensed driver. It is your first step to obtain your independent driving privileges, and you must hold it for one year before continuing with the process. To obtain an instruction permit, you must:

Be at least 14 years of age.

Pass the vision and written test requirements.

Have consent from a parent or guardian.

• Your guardian can come in person to a DOT office during the permit process, or they can fill out and complete the  Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (form 430018). If completed at home, this form must be notarized.

• You may need download the most recent version of Adobe PDF view to access this file. If you cannot view this file in your browser, download the file to your desktop and open it in the up-to-date Adobe PDF program.

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Go to a school (or authorized facility or site) in which they are not enrolled for after-school activities, such as a sport event. Teens may only drive to this school if it is a school district that borders their school’s district.

Drive to and from their home and school using the most accessible and direct driving route. Teens enrolled in school activities can also use this type of license to drive to and from the activities.

The Iowa instruction permit allows you to operate a vehicle with a supervising adult. This supervising adult must have a valid driver’s license and can be an immediate family member 21 years of age or older, a guardian/custodian, a parent, a person 25 years of age or older that has written permission from your parent or guardian or a driver’s education teacher. As the holder of an instruction permit, you cannot use an electronic device while driving. Additionally, you cannot have more passengers than there are seatbelts in your vehicle—remember that you must also have a supervising adult driver in the car.

Minor School License

A minor school license is an optional license type offered by the Iowa DOT. This license is for students who need to drive themselves to and from school or school-related activities. Teens can operate a vehicle without an adult from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. under certain circumstances. A minor school license allows teens to:

Present necessary documentation at the DOT office to provide proof of identity, Iowa residency and Social Security Number.

• You can use the online checklist here or you can review the checklist brochure on the page (Form 431053) for the necessary documentation.

Drive a vehicle to and from a bus stop that is closest to their home address.

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Go to a gas station on route to one of the above locations. This gas station must be the closest one off this route.

Be 14 years of age or older.

Obtain the Affidavit for School License (form 430021) and have it signed by the principal, superintendent or schoolboard chairperson of the school.

• A parent or guardian must also sign this form.

• You may need download the most recent version of Adobe PDF view to access this file. If you cannot view this file in your browser, download the file to your desktop and open it in the up-to-date Adobe PDF program.

Take a driver education course approved by the Iowa DOT.

• These courses include parent-taught courses for home-schooled students and private driver’s ed providers.

Teens driving with an adult must follow instruction permit rules for driving, such as passenger limit and the types of adults allowed to supervise. However, this type of license can drive minors who are relatives without an adult, as long as the minor is living in the teen’s household. This can include siblings and stepsiblings. A minor school license holder cannot use a cellphone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle. To get the minor school license, teens must:

Live at least one mile away from the school in which they are enrolled.

• Students may be able to get this license if they are under the one-mile radius in certain circumstances.

• Students with more than one residence must use their primary residence for reference when applying for a minor school license.

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The applying teen may need to complete a road skills test at the DOT office, but this is at the discretion of the DOT. Teens with a minor school license who receive a conviction for a traffic violation can face a temporary loss of driving credentials and reinstatement fees, depending in the violation.

Intermediate License

An intermediate license, sometimes called a minor’s restricted license, is the next step for teens looking to get a standard driving license. The intermediate driving license is very similar to the permit, but it offers different restrictions and there are more steps to obtain the license. To get an intermediate license, applicants must:

Be 16 years of age or older.

Hold an instruction permit for a minimum of one year and have a clean driving record for at least six months before applying for an intermediate driver’s license.

• This six-month period must be successive and immediately before the intermediate license application.

• Students who hold a permit and a minor school license must also meet these requirements.

Fulfill driving practice requirements when holding a permit or minor school license.

• Teens must have 20 hours of supervise driving practice, two of which must be nighttime driving. Nighttime driving is defined as the hours between sunset and sunrise. These hours are in addition to any driving school requirements

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Have consent from a parent or guardian.

• Your guardian can come in person to a DOT office during the permit process, or they can fill out and complete the Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (form 430018). If completed at home, this form must be notarized.

• You may need download the most recent version of Adobe PDF view to access this file. If you cannot view this file in your browser, download the file to your desktop and open it in the up-to-date Adobe PDF program.

Take a driver education course approved by the Iowa DOT.

• These courses include parent-taught cours-es for home-schooled students and private driver’s ed providers.

Out-Of-State Teen Drivers

Minors who hold out-of-state driving credentials but move to Iowa must follow DOT restrictions for teen motorists. Teens hoping to transfer out-of-state credentials to get an intermediate license must:

Be 16 years of age or older.

Have a clean driving record for six consecutive months before applying for Iowa credentials.

Be 17 years of age or older.

Have a current driver’s license or equivalent intermediate license for at least 12 consecutive months.

Have held an instruction permit or equivalent driving license for at least one year in their pre-vious state before applying for Iowa credentials.

Have consent from a parent or guardian in writ-ing.

Have 20 hours of supervised driving, including two hours of nighttime driving.

Sign up for and pass a driver’s education course.

• Teens who attended out-of-state driver’s ed schools may not have to take an Iowa course if the out-of-state class met DOT requirements.

New Iowa residents hoping to transfer their teen driving credentials into a standard Iowa license must:

The intermediate license allows teens to operate a vehicle without a supervising driver from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Parents or guardians can fill out the Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction form (form 431170) to remove the license restriction for work or school reasons. Teen drivers must carry this form in the vehicle when driving outside the window of 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Cell phone or other electronic use is still prohibited with an intermediate license, as is driving with more passengers than the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. An intermediate license has a passenger restriction for the first six months of use unless waived by the teen’s parent or guardian. This restriction means that teens with an intermediate license cannot drive more than one unrelated minor without the supervision of a licensed adult driver. Teens can drive siblings, stepsiblings and other minors living in the household without adult supervision. Teens with an intermediate license who receive a conviction for a traffic violation can face a temporary loss of driving credentials, license restrictions and reinstatement fees, depending in the violation.

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Have a clean driving record for 12 months before the Iowa DOT license application.

Teens must be 17 years of age or older to apply for a full license.

Applicants younger than 18 years of age must complete supervised driving time of 10 hours, two of which must be nighttime driving.

Minors applying for a full driving license need a parent or guardian’s consent.

30 hours of classroom time.

• This includes four hours of substance abuse education, at least of 20 minutes on railroad crossing safety and six hours of laboratory teaching. The six hours of lab instructions must have a minimum of three hours of street/highway driving.

Have supervised driving time of 10 hours, two of which must be nighttime driving.

Teen applicants must have held an intermediate license for 12 months before applying for a standard license. Additionally, teens must have a clean driving record for 12 consecutive months before obtaining a standard license.

Have finished and passed a driver’s education course.

Obtain parental consent.

Driving EducationDriving education is a requirement to complete the GDL program. You may start as soon as you turn 14 years of age and have obtained your instruction permit. The driver education course consists of:

Applicants must make sure to bring appropriate documentation for residency, proof of Social Security Number and proof of identity.

Full License

The next step for teens is the standard operating license. Teens who are eligible for a standard license do not face any restrictions on driving hours or passengers. The sections below will explore the process for getting a full driver’s license from the Iowa DOT. Those who are already 18 years of age but never completed the GDL may apply for a full license without meeting the graduated license requirements. Motorists younger than 18 or 21 years of age will have the words “under eighteen” or “under twenty-one” on their full license, respectively. Applicants younger than the age of 18 years meet the following requirements to obtain a standard license:

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Information on organ donation.Have a clean driving record for the previous two years before signing up for the parent-taught driver’s ed class.

Fax: 515-237-3071

Have a current and valid driver’s license from the Iowa DOT.

Proof of auto insurance.

The completion certificate from the DOT.

Instruction and information about bicycle and motorcycle awareness.

Have provided educational driving instruction to the teen applicant in the previous year.

Have control and custody of the teen taking the course.

Email: parenttaught.de@iowadot.us

Home-schooled teens can receive parent-taught driver’s education if the parent completes all necessary steps and follows program requirements. Parents must fill out the Application to Provide Parent-Taught Driver Education (Form 431225) and send it to the DOT by mail, fax or email. The DOT will then mail or email the parent an approval packet, depending on the option chosen on the form. Parents can send the application by mail to:

Driver & Identification Services P.O. Box 9204 Des Moines, IA 50306-9204

The DOT also accepts the applications through the alternative methods listed below:

When submitting the application, the parent must include proof that the teen is receiving driving instruction from an approved instructor, as outlined in Iowa state codes. When submitting the Parent-Taught driver’s ed form, parent must also list the name and course number of an approved course. Parents can click here and go to the “Approved Courses” tab to see a list of DOT driver’s education cases courses. Parents teaching driver’s ed must:

Students in this type of course need to have a valid and current instruction permit and must between the ages of 14 and 21 years.

The DOT will send a rejection letter to the household for ineligible parents. Eligible parents will receive the approval packet. To begin course instruction, parents can buy the course material from the provider and make sure that they implement all course requirements. After completing the course, parent instructors must submit a certificate of completion to the DOT. To request the Application for Parent-Taught Driver Education Certificate of Completion, parents must send an email to Parenttaught.de@iowadot.us and include the name of the completed course, copies of the written exams and a copy of the driving log. After gathering all the necessary documents, parents can send the information to:

Iowa Department of Transportation Driver & Identification Services P.O. Box 9204 Des Moines, IA 50306

The DOT will send a completion certificate if all requirements have been met. Otherwise, the DOT will send a denial notice with an explanation for the rejection. After receiving approval, the student can apply for driving credentials by bringing:

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For any questions about the parent-taught driver’s education course Iowa parents can click here for more information.

All DriversWhen you become a driver, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but also for the safety your passengers vehicles around you and pedestrians. Consequently, in order to best prepare yourself for that huge responsibility, you should first hold an instruction permit to practice and enhance your driving skills. If you are already 18 years of age and did not go through the GDL process, you may hold an instruction permit before applying for the unrestricted license if you want to prepare to take the tests. What is necessary, regardless of your age, is to pass the vision, written and driving tests before applying for a license. Review the sections below for more details on each test.

Vision Screening

Since vision is vital for you to drive safely, Iowa’s DOT requires you to take and pass a vision screening before getting a permit or a driver’s license. The DOT even requires the vision test when you renew your driver’s license. In the screening, you must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective eyewear. You may also choose to visit your own eye specialist and request a letter with the result of your vision screening. The letter must not be more than 30 days old. If your vision is less than 20/40 but at least 20/70, you will get a restriction for not driving when headlights are required. If it is less than 20/70, you are not eligible for a license. The vision exam also tests your field of vision. A field of vision less than 100 degrees makes an applicant ineligible for a license. Certain ranges can get a license but with certain restrictions.

A parental consent form or a parent with a valid driving license issued by the Iowa DOT.

Their instruction permit.

An acceptable method of payment for licensing fees.

Written Exam

You also have to take and pass a written test that will evaluate your ability to identify road traffic signs and understand traffic laws and safe driving practices. All the questions included in the test are taken from the Iowa Driver’s Manual. The Iowa DOT created practice tests where you may sharpen your knowledge, available here in in English and Spanish.

Driving Exam

Once you pass the other two tests, you need to take and pass a driving exam before getting your driver license. All drivers are required to take it, regardless of their age. This test will evaluate you driving skills and your ability to control a vehicle by asking you to perform some driving tasks and maneuvers. A licensed driver must accompany you to the test site and the car must be currently registered and titled. In addition, you must provide one proof of liability insurance. The DOT testing agent will provide a driving score and give you feedback on any errors. If you do not pass the driving skills exam, the instructor will let you know about the retesting procedures.

Fees

When applying for a license or permit, you must pay the permit/license fee with an accepted method of payment. Standard license fees for Class C licenses are charged per year of validity. Applicants who are younger than 17 years and 11 months of age can only get a two-year license, unless it is for an instruction permit. Persons 72 years of age or older can only get a two-year license. Otherwise, a driving license is valid for five to eight years, but the length of validity is chosen at random by the DOT as the DOT transitions to a new license term. The Iowa DOT began converting to an eight-year license in January 2014, and this transition to a longer license term should be completed by December 31, 2018. Click here to learn more about expiration periods for licenses for motorists of different ages.

An instruction permit is $6 and is valid for four years. A minor school license costs $8 and it is valid for two years. An intermediate/minor’s restricted license fee is $8 and it is valid for two years. A standard, Class C operate license is $4 per year, and it can be valid for five to eight years. You can contact your DOT office for questions on the expiration date on your license, as well as accepted methods of payment.

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No matter if you completed the GDL program or not, if you are 18 years of age or older you are now allowed to hold an unrestricted driver license.

If you are 17 and completed the GDL, you are eligible for the Class C licenses, as illustrated in the teen driver’s section. If you are a new Iowa resident, you will also find all the information that you need to transfer your driving credentials. Since January 2014, the Iowa DOT started transitioning from five-year to eight-year renewal periods, so valid license periods vary from driver to driver. To learn more about getting a standard Iowa driver’s license, read the sections below.

Getting YourFirst Driver’s License

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Current Iowa ResidentsAdults getting a driver’s license for the first time, with or without participation in the GDL program, must complete a simple process. Requirements for getting a Class C operating license are as follows:

Present necessary documentation at the DOT office to provide proof of identity, Iowa residency and Social Security Number.

• You can use the online checklist here or review the checklist brochure on the page (Form 431053) for the necessary documentation.

Those applying for driving credentials must present necessary documentation at the DOT office to provide proof of identity, Iowa residency and Social Security Number.

• Residents can use the online checklist here or they can review the checklist brochure on the page (Form 431053) for the necessary documentation.

Anyone applying for a driver’s license must pass a vision screening, a written knowledge test and a driving skills exam.

Applicants must bring an accepted form of payment for licensing fees.

• Methods of payment can vary based on the DOT location.

Complete a vision exam.

• The driving skills and driving knowledge exams may be waived if your license is current and valid.

moved to Iowa, you have to obtain an Iowa license to maintain your driving privileges. If you are a teen with some type of restricted license or permit, review the Teen Drivers section to learn how to get Iowa state credentials. You may be able to transfer your driving credentials without retaking certain test if your license if currently valid. Becoming an Iowa resident includes living in the state continuously for at least 30 days, after which time you should obtain an Iowa driver’s license. Other ways to establish residency is to be registered to vote in Iowa, to have your child or children sign up for an Iowa public school or obtaining and accepting a permanent employment opportunity in Iowa. If you hold a current out-of-state license, you must:

Bring an accepted form of payment for licensing fees.

• Methods of payment can vary based on the DOT location.

Applicants must be 17 years of age or older.

• Teen applicants must have held an intermedi-ate license for 12 months before applying for a standard license. Additionally, teens must have a clean driving record for 12 consecutive months before obtaining a standard license.

• Applicants younger than 18 years of age must complete supervised driving time of 10 hours, two of which must be nighttime driving.

• Minors applying for a full driving license need a parent or guardian’s consent.

You can only apply for an Iowa driver’s license if your out-of-state license is not revoked, suspended or canceled. If you have never held a license before, you must follow the same procedure as current Iowa residents.

If you are a temporary foreign national, your license will be issued for the period of time that you are authorized

New Iowa ResidentsIf you already hold an out-of-state license and just

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to stay by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The longest term is two years. Click here to see accepted documents.

FeesA new Class C Operator license $4 per year, and the license is valid for five to eight years. The valid period of a license is decided by the DOT. The Iowa DOT began converting to an eight-year license in January 2014, and this transition to a longer license term should be completed by December 31, 2018. Age also affects the period of validity for a driving license. Click here to learn more about expiration periods for licenses for motorists of different ages.

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Periodically, you must renew your driver’s license to maintain driving privileges. Driving without a valid license can lead to serious consequences like traffic violations, fines and suspended driving privileges.

Before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any issues. Since January 1, 2014, Iowa DOT started transitioning five-year license terms to eight-year license terms. This transition will finish in December 31, 2018 when all licenses for people younger than 67 years of age will be have an eight-year term. During the transition, a license with an expiration date between five and eight years will be randomly issued for you. However, these terms will be limited based on your age. You can review the table below for a list of ages and expiration dates. You can also click here to check the DOT site for any changes or updates before the end of the transition period.

RenewingYour License

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DRIVER AGE LICENSE EXPIRATION DATE

Younger than 17 years and 11 months Two years

Older than 17 years and 11 months through 66 years Five to eight years (selected randomly)

67 years Five to seven years (selected randomly)

68 years Five to six years (selected randomly)

69 years Five years

70 years Four years

71 years Three years

72 years Two years

73 years Two years

74 years and older Two years

You will have a grace period of 60 days after the expiration date of your license to continue driving without renewal. During this period, the license is still valid. If you are caught driving after the 60-day period, you will receive a ticket. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will have to take and pass the knowledge and drive tests. You have the choice to renew up to 30 days before the license expires or one year before the expiration date if you can provide a good reason to renew earlier. Every time you renew your license, you must take and pass a vision screening.

How to RenewTo renew a license, you can visit a DOT office, go online or visit a kiosk. You can sign up for an email renewal notice here if you do not want notifications by mail.

Online

To renew your license online, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

You need to be at least 18 years of age, but younger than 70 years of age.

Your license must expire within 180 days, and it cannot be out of date by more than one year and 60 days.

• You can renew online if your license’s expiration dates falls between March 18, 2017 and November 13, 2018.

You must be a resident of Iowa and a U.S. citizen.

You must hold a current and valid driver’s license or motorcycle license.

• You cannot renew a minor license, a work permit or and instruction permit online.

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You can renew online if your previous renewal was completed in person. You can only renew online every other renewal period.

If you need to submit a medical or vision report when renewing, you cannot complete this transaction online.

Be at least 18 years of age, but younger than 70 years of age.

Have a license that will expire within 180 days, and it cannot be out of date by more than one year and 60 days.

• You can renew at a kiosk if your license’s expiration dates falls between March 18, 2017 and November 13, 2018.

If you have unresolved requests for re-examinations, you cannot renew online.

Be a resident of Iowa and a U.S. citizen.

You can renew at a kiosk if your previous renewal was completed in person. You can only renew at a kiosk or online every other renewal period.

You cannot renew online if your license is marked with “Valid Without Photo.”

Have a current and valid, non-commercial driver’s license.

You cannot renew at a kiosk if you have made certain personal information updates or had any changes to the type of license you hold.

You cannot renew online if you have made personal information updates or had any changes to the type of license you hold.

• You name, address, date of birth and sex fall under these personal information changes.

• Changes to your license class, endorsements or restrictions mean you cannot renew online.

You cannot have restrictions G, J, T, Q or R on your driving credentials.

• Click here for a list of restrictions.

If you qualify to renew your license online, you can click here to begin the process. Keep in mind that you need a credit card to pay the fee. When renewing online, you will not get a temporary document. You should receive your credentials by mail within 21 days.

In Person or at a Kiosk

To renew in person, visit a DOT driver license station near you to complete the transaction. You must make sure to verify a method of payment with your DOT office, as some offices may not accept certain credit cards or other forms of payment. If you have a regular license

and want to get a REAL ID or add veteran’s designation when renewing, you have to renew in person. To get this veteran’s designation, you must bring a copy of your DD 214 paperwork to a DOT location. Alternatively, you can bring your DD 214 to the Veteran’s Affairs office in your county and complete a Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran Designation (Form 432035) at the VA office. Once that is complete, you can then bring the filled out form to a DOT location. You can only get the veteran’s designation on your license if you are on active duty or if you received an honorable discharge from you military.

The DOT also offers license renewal kiosks, but you must meet eligibility requirements that are similar to the online eligibility. To renew at a kiosks, you must:

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You cannot have restrictions G, J, T, Q or R on your driving credentials.

• Click here for a list of restrictions.

If you need to submit a medical or vision report when renewing, you cannot complete this transaction at a kiosk.

If you have unresolved requests for re-examinations, you cannot renew at a kiosk.

You cannot renew at a kiosk if your license is marked with “Valid Without Photo.”

• You name, date of birth and sex fall under these personal information changes for kiosk renewal.

• Changes to your license class, endorsements or restrictions mean you cannot renew online.

Click here to learn how to use a kiosk before renewal. You must bring a Discover, MasterCard or Visa debit or credit card. Like an online renewal, you will receive your new credentials by mail within 21 days. You will receive proof of your transaction at the kiosk.

Temporary ExtensionIf you are currently out-of-state and cannot renew through any available methods, you may apply for a temporary extension for six months. You must request this extension 30 days before or 60 days after your license’s expiration date. To apply, you must submit an Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License (Form 430027) to:

Office of Driver Services Iowa Department of Transportation P.O. Box 9204 Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204

You may submit the application by fax to 515-239-1837 or by mail to MYMVD@Iowadot.us to request an extension. You need to include your out-of-state address and/or out-of-state fax number when submitting this request.

Temporary Extension for Military PersonnelIf you are military personnel and are not able to renew your license through available methods, you may also request an extension. It will be valid until six months after you separate from active duty. There is also an extension for five years for dependents of active military personnel. Dependents must submit a copy of the dependent’s military identification with the request. Military personnel must also submit active duty assignment orders along with a completed Request for Extension of License for Military Service (Form 430081). You can apply by email, fax or mail. To apply by mail, send all necessary information to:

Office of Driver Services Iowa Department of Transportation P.O. Box 9204 Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204

You may submit the application by fax to 515-239-1837 or by mail to MYMVD@Iowadot.us to request an extension. You need to include your out-of-state address and/or out-of-state fax number when submitting this request.

FeesRenewal fees follow the new license fee guidelines. The cost of a license varies based on when the credentials expire. Currently, expiration varies between five and eight years as the DOT transitions to eight-year renewal periods. The year of renewal is chosen randomly, although drivers of certain ages determine the maximum amount of years a license is valid. This transition to a longer license term should be completed by December 31, 2018. A renewal for a standard operator license is $4 per year, and the license is valid for five to eight years. Click here to learn more about expiration periods for licenses for motorists of different ages.

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UpdatingYour License Information

Throughout your time as a licensed driver, you may need to make changes to your personal information. This can mean changing your name due to marriage, divorce or court order, or it can mean moving to a new place of residence. Either way, updating all necessary documents, including your DOT records, is extremely important. Review the sections below to learn more about making a change to your driver’s license.

Changing Your NameChanging your name is not only the result of a big change in your life, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. You can only make the change through an in-person visit to a DOT office location. You must provide proof of the name change, which can include a certified marriage certificate or a court order. You can use the online checklist here or you can review the checklist brochure on the page (Form 431053) for the necessary documentation. You must provide original copies of the necessary documents. If you provide a certified copy of a document, you must make sure that your original document has the seal and certificate of the court or registrar. A driver’s license replacement costs $10. Confirm with your DOT location on accepted methods of payment.

Changing Your AddressIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new

address, it is essential that you notify the Iowa DOT for them to update the address on your driver license. You may update your address through a few methods, although the methods differ based on updates to a residential address versus a mailing address. By law, you must notify the Iowa DOT of any change of mailing address within 30 days. If this change to your mailing address is also a change to your residential address, make sure to make this update within 30 days as well.

Residential Address Change

If you move to a new place of residence, you must make sure to change your DOT information and order a new

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license. You can complete this residential address change at a DOT driver’s license location or at a license kiosk. To find an office or kiosk near you, click here. You must bring an accepted method of payment for the $10 replacement fee. Kiosks only accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit or debit cards. If you go to a DOT office, you should verify the accepted methods of payment, as it can change between locations.

Mailing Address Change

If you need to update your mailing address, you do not need to order a replacement license. You can make this mailing address change online, by mail, by fax or by email. You must fill out a Change of Address Notice (Form 430012) to update the DOT information.

To make the information change online, click here and follow the instructions. Otherwise, you can fill out the address change notice and send it to:

Office of Driver Services Iowa Department of Transportation P.O. Box 9204 Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204

You may submit the application by fax to 515-239-1837 or by mail to MYMVD@Iowadot.us to request an extension. There is no fee to change your mailing address only.

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If you lose your license, or your credentials are damaged or stolen, you must replace your license as soon as possible to maintain your driving privileges. You may simply need to replace your license for certain information changes or corrections, as listed in the sections above. To learn how to obtain a duplicate license for any reason, read the sections below for more details.

Getting a Duplicate LicenseTo replace your driver license, you must visit a DOT driver license station. Before going to the DOT location, make sure you verify the accepted methods of payment for that location, as it can change from office to office. Make sure to bring proof of identity, such as a current U.S. passport or a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate. To see a complete list of accepted identity documents, you can use the online checklist here or you can review the checklist brochure on the page (Form 431053) for the necessary documentation. A duplicate license fee is $10.

Out-of-state Replacement

If you are currently out of state and you need to replace your driver’s license, you may apply for a temporary driving permit (TDP). You cannot use a temporary driving permit as a valid form of identification. To apply for a TDP you have to write a request that includes:

ReplacingYour License

Your full name and your date of birth.

Your signature.

An out-of-state address and/or out-of-state fax number.

• You must also let the DOT know where to send the TDP.

Your driver’s license number or your Social Se-curity Number.

Your email address and phone number.

You can send this request by mail to:

Department of Transportation P.O. Box 9204 Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204

You can submit it to the fax number at 515-239-1837 or by email to myMVD@iowadot.us to get your temporary permit.

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The suspension or revocation of your driver license is the consequence of traffic violations or numerous offenses in your record. If your license is suspended or revoked, your driving privileges are removed and you are not authorized to drive. If you are eligible to reinstate your license, you must follow the various reinstatement procedures. These procedures may vary based on the reason for suspension or revocation.

A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges while revocation is the termination of it. If your license is suspended, you must wait for the suspension period to expire and then request a reinstatement. If it is revoked, you will have to apply for a new license. Your license may also be canceled, denied or barred. A cancellation means that you should have never had a license in the first place. A denial happens when the DOT realizes that you are not qualified to hold a license and you driving privileges are barred if you are ruled a habitual offender. Find detailed information regarding this topic here. To get your driving privileges back, you must complete a reinstatement process. The process may consist of passing certain tests, taking a required education course and paying the corresponding fees. In some situations, you will also have to show one proof of financial responsibility such as a SR-22. In the event that your license was revoked or suspended due to convictions or for financial responsibility issues, you must pay a civil penalty before you can reinstate. The process can vary, so it is best to review the different scenarios here. Different scenarios for suspension or revocation can include repeated traffic violations or a failure to pay court fines.

ReinstatingYour Driver’s License

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Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)If you drive a car while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or a combination of both, you can face serious consequences. An OWI charge occurs when your blood alcohol content is measured at .08 or more, or of you have any amount of a controlled substance in your body. Iowa has an implied consent law. An implied consent law means that anyone driving a car in the state consents to tests of urine, blood and or breath from a law enforcement officer. The officer must have reasonable suspicions that the driver is operating a vehicle while intoxicated to ask for these types of tests. Anyone younger than the drinking age of 21 years violates the zero tolerance policy of the DOT.

The periods of revocation for an OWI varies based on how many OWI offenses you have previously committed. For example, a first offense for an OWI conviction can lead to a 180-day revocation. A second-time OWI conviction can lead to a revocation period of one year and the implementation of an ignition interlock device in a vehicle.

To reinstate a driver’s license that was revoked due to an OWI you may have to:

Pay a $200 civil penalty

Provide proof of completion of a substance abuse evaluation and treatment or rehabilitation services.

Present proof of completion of a course for drinking drivers.

• The DOT will not accept an online course.

Obey financial responsibility laws and/or ignition interlock requirements, when applicable.

Temporary Restricted LicenseThe Iowa DOT offers a temporary restricted license (TRL) to eligible motorists. Sometime called a work permit, these credentials are available to motorists 18 years of age or older who have a revoked suspended or barred driving license. The TRL has restrictions on when and why a license holder may operate a vehicle. You may apply for a TRL if you need it for work, health or child care, school, appointments for substance abuse treatment or parole/probation officers or community service as ordered by a court. You must fill out an Application for Temporary Restricted License (Form 430100) and follow the instructions listed in the form. For example, if you are applying for a TRL for health care reasons, you need to send a letter from your health care provider as proof. This letter must be on an official letterhead and signed by your provider, and it must include information about why you need to see the provider and the times and locations of the appointments.

Additionally, you must complete any necessary reinstatement procedures, such as paying reinstatement fees and/or civil penalties, when applicable. Depending on the violation, you may need to take a driver’s education course for drunk driving or take certain license exams. You can contact the DOT about TRL eligibility or other questions regarding the TRL credentials.

A court will decide if you face any criminal penalties. To learn more about OWI procedures and other reasons for a license suspension or revocation, click here.

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If you are not able to obtain a driver’s license, or you are not a driver, consider getting an Iowa identification card. Having an ID card is essential for you to prove your identity when you visit the bank, travel or need someone to identify you.

If you want to obtain your first Iowa ID card, you should know the proper procedures and steps to take, and that is where we come in! We will guide you through the process in this section on how to obtain, replace, renew and update your ID card so you will be well prepared for all situations.

When it comes to obtaining your ID card, the process is similar to that of obtaining your driver’s license, except that there is no minimum age to obtain one and the term is always eight years. If you are a minor, you must get a parent’s consent or bring in a completed Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (form 430018) to obtain an ID card. You must present

Getting anIowa ID Card

the necessary documentation at the DOT office to provide proof of identity, Iowa residency and Social Security Number. You can use the online checklist here or you can review the checklist brochure on the page (Form 431053) for the necessary documentation. Identification card replacement, renewal and corrections all follow the same procedures (or similar procedures) as the driver’s license.

Online Renewal RequirementsTo renew your ID card online, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

You need to be 18 years of age or older.

You must be a resident of Iowa and a U.S. citizen.

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Your ID must expire within 180 days, and it cannot be out of date by more than one year and 60 days.

• You can renew online if your identification card’s expiration dates falls between March 18, 2017 and November 13, 2018.

You can renew online if your previous renewal was completed in person. You can only renew online every other renewal period.

You cannot renew online if you have made personal information updates.

• You name, date of birth and sex fall under these personal information changes.

You cannot renew online if your ID card is marked with “Valid Without Photo.”

Like a driving license, you must make a visit in person if you want to add a veteran’s designation. When renewing online, you will not get a temporary document. You should receive your credentials by mail within 21 days. You need your current ID card and an accepted credit or debit card.

Renewing at an Office or at a KioskTo renew in person, visit a DOT driver license station near you to complete the transaction. You must make sure to verify a method of payment with your DOT office, as some offices may not accept certain credit cards or other forms of payment. If you have an ID card and want to get a REAL ID or add veteran’s designation when renewing, you have to renew in person. To get this veteran’s designation, you must bring a copy of your DD 214 paperwork to a DOT location. Alternatively, you can bring your DD 214 to the Veteran’s Affairs office in your county and complete a Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran Designation (Form 432035) at the VA office. Once that is complete, you can then bring the filled out form to a DOT location. You can only get the veteran’s designation on your license if you are on active duty or if you received an honorable discharge from you military.

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Before you get behind the wheel, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is safe and prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Be sure to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly and your tires are inflated and not worn out. Have the steering and suspensions checked by a mechanic.

Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid items, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel and extra gloves and socks.

VehicleSafety Tips

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Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that is prone to ice and snowfall. Consider the tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after snowfall. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic if You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while you are driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive or flying off and hitting someone while the vehicle is in motion.

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Things to Avoid Drinking and Driving

Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These unfortunate events can be prevented if drivers plan ahead of time and take certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Using Your Phone

Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous actions you can perform. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure to avoid texting, using the internet on your phone or receiving calls while you drive.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers should both be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as tailgating, verbally or physically harassing another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you engage in any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe and continue moving.

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Wasting Gas

If you drive often, you can start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are by turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and avoiding speeding. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive. Therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is properly tuned.

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OfficialForms

You should note that many of the documents linked in this guide link to a webpage to download a form to your desktop. You can view these documents in a PDF viewer but you may not be able to view them in your browser. You may need download the most recent version of Adobe PDF view to access this file. You can search for Iowa DOT forms here and download them to your desktop.

Affidavit for School License (form 430021)

Application for Temporary Restricted License (Form 430100)

Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran Designation (Form 432035)

Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (form 430018)

Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction form (form 431170)

Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License (Form 430027)

Application to Provide Parent-Taught Driver Education (Form 431225)

Iowa Driver’s Manual

Request for Extension of License for Military Service (Form 430081)

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DOT Hoursand Locations

There are several options available for you in case you need to visit or contact a DOT office. You may find addresses and contact information for DOT driver license stations here. You can also use the page to find driver’s license kiosks if you are eligible to use this method of renewal or information update. You just need to select a county or enter a zip code and it will display the office location, the phone number, the days and hours of operation, the holidays and the available services.

You can click here to fill out an online contact form. For general contact information for the Department of Transportation, you can call 515-239-1101. For specific driver’s license concerns, you can call 515-244-8725 or fax the department at 515-239-1837.

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