Identification Cards in Iowa

SUMMARY: Iowa Identification Cards

Applications for an Iowa ID card must be made in person at a DOT office. You will need proof of your identity, lawful U.S. status, SSN, and Iowa residency, as well as payment for the fee. Renewals may be completed either online (if eligible) or in person. If you need a replacement non-driver ID card, you must apply in person.

Continue reading this page to learn how to apply for an ID card from the Iowa a Department of Transportation (DOT).

REAL ID Requirements in Iowa

The Iowa DOT complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, meaning it provides first-time driver license and ID card applicants with REAL ID-compliant credentials. REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements required for tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights.

New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID. (Options differ for renewals and replacements.) For more details, visit the DOT's guide to REAL ID licensing.

How to Get an ID Card in Iowa

There is NO age requirement for a non-operator identification card in Iowa.

To apply, you must visit your local IA driver's license issuance station and:

  • Show proof of identity, date of birth, and lawful U.S. status, such as your:
  • Submit proof of your Social Security number (SSN), such as your:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 form.
    • Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form.
  • Provide documents to prove your residency in Iowa, such as your:
    • Iowa voter registration card.
    • Credit card statement.
    • Utility hookup or bill.
  • Pay the $8 Iowa ID card fee.

Your non-driver ID card will expire after 8 years.

NOTE: Be prepared to surrender any existing driver's licenses or non-driver IDs when applying for a new ID card in Iowa.

For a complete list of required documents, visit the Iowa DOT website.

You will be issued a REAL ID compliant driver's license, which may be used for travel to eligible countries by land or sea. For more information, read our REAL ID Act article.

Renew Your State ID Card

Your IA identification card will expire 8 years from the date of issue. Renewals can be completed either in person or online.

Renew IA ID Card Online

To renew your Iowa ID card online, you must:

  • Be 18 years old or older.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Still be a resident of Iowa.
  • Have an ID card that:
    • Will expire within the next 180 days.
      OR
    • Has not been expired for longer than 1 year.
  • Have not changed any of the information on your ID card, such as your address or name.
  • Have complete your last renewal in person.
  • Have your photo on your IA ID card (cannot have "Valid Without Photo" printed).

NOTE: If you don't have a REAL ID card yet and would like one, you must renew in person.

Online renewals can be completed on the IA DOT website. You will need a valid credit card to pay the the $8 renewal fee. (You may be charged

Your renewed Iowa ID card will be mailed to you in about 30 days.

Renew ID Card in Person

To renew your non-driver ID card in person, visit your local IA DOT office. You will need to pay the $8 ID card renewal fee.

Contact the Iowa DOT before you visit to check what other documents you may need to show.

How to Replace a Non-Driver ID Card

If you're looking to replace a lost or stolen identification card in Iowa, you must apply in person at an IA driver's license issuance station and:

  • Submit proof of your identity, such as your:
    • Valid/unexpired U.S. passport.
    • Certified copy of your state-issued birth certificate.
    • Certificate of naturalization.
  • Pay the $8 ID card replacement fee.

Change Your Name or IA Address

You must notify the Iowa DOT within 30 days of changing your address, which can be done in person, online, by mail, or by fax.

NOTE: Notifying the IA DOT of your new address will change your records only. If you'd like a replacement state ID card, you must apply for a replacement.

If you changed your legal name, you must visit your local IA DMV office and apply for a duplicate ID card showing your new name. You will need to provide proof of your new name.

For more information about changing your credentials on your Iowa ID card, visit our following pages:

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