iowa drivers license renewal - IA

Renew your Iowa Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. The only way in which you can renew your license in Iowa is by going in person to a Department of Transpiration office. Your other alternative is to use our site and download your checklist. We’ll supply you with all of the forms, rules, and steps. Please continue reading below to get started with your Iowa license renewal.

Iowa License Expiration Dates

The expiration date of your license expires on the date listed on your actual driver’s license. It usually expires five (5) years from the year in which it was issued.

Its expiration date will always fall on your birthday.

When To Renew

It’s best if you renew your driver’s license on, or before its expiration date. You can also prepare ahead of time, and apply for renewal 30 days before its expiration date. You can renew it before the 30 day mark if you explain your situation at the licensing office.

If you are unable to renew before it expires, try to not to wait longer than sixty (60) days. Iowa gives you a grace period of 60 days before your license is considered legally expired. If your license has been expired for over 60 days, you run the risk that some agencies will consider your license to be expired. However, if you do not renew your license during the grace period, you can renew one (1) year later, without having to reapply for a new license. If you go past the 1 year mark, then you will need to retake the knowledge and driving test.

Renew Online

Iowa allows you to renew your drivers license via the internet. Click Here to get started with your online Iowa renewal.  

Renew by Mail

Iowa does not allow renewing of your drivers license by mail.

Renewal for Military Drivers

Active duty military drivers and dependents can take advantage of the following options for their Iowa license renewal. If you are currently in active duty, you mail file for a six (6) month extension from the date in which you return from the military. Dependents can also take advantage of an Iowa state law which allows you to extend your driver’s license renewal period for an additional five (5) years (from original expiration date on your license).

Renewal Steps for U.S. Military Drivers at a local DMV office

• You must complete and mail or fax the following Extension for Military Service form.
• The following is the mailing address
• Office of Driver Services
  Iowa Department of Transportation
  P.O. Box 9204
  Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204
  Telephone: 515-244-8725
  Fax: 515-239-1837

Renewal for drivers who are temporarily Out of State

If you are a resident of the state of Iowa and you are currently temporarily out of state, you may apply or a temporary extension of a maximum of six (6) months from the expiration date on your drivers license. There is no additional charge for an extension. In order to process your extension successfully you must:

• Complete the following Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License form.
• Mail or fax it to:
  Office of Driver Services
  Iowa Department of Transportation
  P.O. Box 9204
  Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204
  Telephone: 515-244-8725
  Fax: 515-239-1837
• You must include your out of state address (or an out of state fax number).

Renew In Person at a DMV Office

You can also walk into any Driver Services office to renew your license. The cost to renew will be $8 for a 2 year license, $20 for a 5 year license. Click here for the latest FEES. You will need to do the following to renew in person:

1. Find a local iowa dmv office branch.
2. You must pass a vision screening test. You can have the test done at the local DMV office or you can have the test completed by your own personal eye doctor. If you select your own doctor, he will need to fill out a Vision Statement form.
3. Depending if you have gone past your driver’s license expiration date, you might need to pass the knowledge and driving tests. You might also need to retake these tests if your physical condition has been worsened due to illness.
4. Pay the required FEE.

Expired License

If your license has expired for over one (1) year, it’s mandatory that you retake the vision, knowledge and driving tests again. If its less than 1 year, you only need to pass the vision screening test (mandatory for all renewals).