Renewing Your Iowa Driver’s License – A Complete Guide

As a licensed driver in Iowa, your driver’s license will be valid for 8 years from the date it was issued to you. You will have a 60-day grace period after the expiration date before your license will officially be deemed invalid.

The state of Iowa offers a few different ways to complete a driver’s license renewal which we’ll cover in-depth in this article.

What Documents Are Needed for License Renewal?

Like most engagements with the DMV, you will be required to present the following documentation for your license renewal.

• Proof of Identity
• Current Iowa Driver’s License
• Proof of Birthdate
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of Residence
• Form of Payment

There are a multitude of documents that will satisfy these requirements. You can find a list of them here.

How Much Does License Renewal Cost?

Upon renewing your Iowa driver’s license, you will be charged $32, or $4 per year that your license will be active. Those over the age of 78 will be issued a license that is valid for only two years, equating to a renewal fee of only $8.

How to Renew Your Iowa Driver’s License

You are able to renew your license in a few different ways.

• In-person
• Online
• By mail

#1. In-Person Renewal

The most common way for Iowa residents to renew their driver’s license is in person at any Iowa driver’s license locations throughout the state. To begin the process, you will need to do the following:

1. Visit your local driver’s license issuance site
2. Present your license and necessary documentation
3. Pass a vision test
4. Complete written and driving exam (if the license has been expired over 12 months)
5. Surrender current license
6. Pay renewal fees

If your license has been expired for over 12 months, you will need to pass the knowledge and road exams before you can complete the renewal process. Need help studying? Try our Iowa practice test to make sure you learn all you need!

You can also use one of Iowa’s many self-service kiosks if:

• You’re 18 to 70 years old
• A US Citizen
• You aren’t needing to change your name or sex

#2. Online Renewal

You may renew your Iowa driver’s license online if you satisfy the following requirements:

• You have a valid Iowa driver’s license
• You are between 18 and 70 years old
• You are a US citizen
• Your license has been expired for less than a year
• It is less than 6 months to the expiration date on your license
• You do not need to change your name on your license
• Your current license was not renewed online

Once you have confirmed that you meet these requirements, you will need to visit the Iowa DOT online renewal platform and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be asked to provide certain information that is available on your driver’s license, so be sure to have it nearby when completing the application.

Once you have successfully gone through all the steps, a fee of $32 will be assessed and must be paid by credit card. Your new license will arrive at your mailing address in 3 weeks.

#3. Renewal by Mail

Renewal by mail is not currently available for Iowa residents. However, if you are temporarily out-of-state or do not meet the eligibility to renew online, you may apply for a temporary extension of up to six months. This request must be made within 30 days before or 60 days after your license expiration date.

To do so, complete an Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License and mail or fax this document to the Iowa DOT’s Driver & Identification Services with your out-of-state address.

That’s It!

That’s all the information you need to complete your Iowa driver’s license renewal. Remember, you may renew your license up to 6 months before it expires and it will be valid for 60 days after expiration.

Be sure to reference this blog in order to make sure you have everything you need to get it done correctly with minimal stress!