How to Renew Your Driver's License in Iowa
Most Iowa residents must renew their driver's license every eight years. They may do so online or in person at an issuance site.
Written by Brenna Swanston
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Drivers in Iowa must renew their license every two to eight years, depending on age. They may do so either in person or online.
If you'd like a driver's license renewal notice from the state of Iowa, you should sign up to receive one through the
Iowa Department of Transportation
. When it's time to renew, you'll be obligated to pay a fee of $4 for every year that your new driver's license will be valid. Because most licenses last for eight years, most drivers pay a $32 renewal fee.If you're not looking forward to the Iowa license renewal process, don't worry—
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When to renew your driver’s license in Iowa
Most drivers in Iowa should expect to renew their licenses every eight years. Note that you can renew your Iowa driver's license starting 180 days before its expiration date. Your license remains valid for 60 days following expiration, after which point you may be ticketed for driving with an expired license.
In Iowa, the driver's license renewal period depends on age. The age brackets are as follows:
- Younger than 18: two years
- Ages 18-72: eight years
- Age 73: seven years
- Age 74: six years
- Age 75: five years
- Age 76: four years
- Age 77: three years
- Ages 78 and older: two years
If you've signed up to receive a license renewal notice from the Iowa Department of Transportation, you should get it in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.
How to renew your driver’s license in Iowa
Iowa offers online and in-person driver's license renewal. Drivers can also renew at an Iowa Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) self-service kiosk.
Renew your license online
Online driver's license renewal is available for Iowa drivers, but this renewal method has more qualifications than in-person renewal does. If you qualify to renew online, you will need your current driver's license and a credit or debit card. Note that renewing online incurs a $1.50 processing fee in addition to the renewal fee.
In order to complete this process online, you must meet the following Iowa driver's license renewal requirements:
- You are 18 to 69 years old.
- You are an Iowa resident and a U.S. citizen.
- You have a valid, noncommercial Iowa driver's license.
- Your license has not been expired for longer than one year.
- Your last driver's license renewal took place in person.
- You do not have restrictions E, G, J, T, Q, or R listed on the back of your license.
- You do not have to submit a medical or vision report.
- You do not have pending requests for re-examination.
- Your current license is not marked as "valid without photo."
If you meet these qualifications, renew your driver's license online through the
Iowa Department of Transportation
.Renew your license in person
If you do not meet one or more of the above-listed requirements, you must renew your driver's license in person at an issuance site. Iowa offers 100 issuance sites.
To renew your driver's license in person, make an appointment through the
Iowa Department of Transportation
. You may also contact your county treasurer
.If you renew in person, you should receive a temporary driver's license to hold you over until your new one arrives in the mail.
How long does it take to renew an Iowa driver’s license?
You should receive your new Iowa driver's license within 21 days of renewal. If your new license does not arrive in that time frame, call 515-244-6725.
How to save money on car insurance in Iowa
Now that you know how to renew a driver's license in Iowa, you should consider refreshing your car insurance policy.
Iowa features relatively low car insurance rates on average, which is good news for the state's drivers. However, you still deserve to find the best deal possible. Shopping for
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Need to cut car insurance costs? Keep the coverage and find the savings with Jerry.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
What documents do I need to renew my driver's license in Iowa?
Bring documents that prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and place of residence. You will also need your current driver's license and a valid form of payment.
Do I need an appointment to renew my Iowa driver's license?
Yes, if you want to renew in person. Make an appointment through the Iowa Department of Transportation, or contact your county treasurer.
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