Renewing Your License

When to Renew

In Iowa, your driver's license expires every five years on your birthday. However, it is still considered valid for another 60 days after that. If you renew your license after this grace period, you'll need to take a written test. A vision screening is required whenever you renew your driver's license.

Occasionally, drivers find it difficult to renew their licenses within the proper timeframe. If you can plan ahead, the Iowa DOT allows drivers with special circumstances to renew their licenses up to one year before the expiration date. However, you will need to explain why you are requesting an early renewal.

If your driver's license has been expired for one year or more, you will need to take a driving test in addition to the written exam and vision screening. The driving test evaluates your ability to safely perform basic tasks such as signaling, changing lanes, turning, and parking your vehicle. During the test, an Iowa DOT official will also inspect your vehicle's safety equipment and review your proof of insurance.

How to Renew

To renew your Iowa driver's license, you'll need to visit the nearest driver's license station. Unless you must take a supervised driving test, no appointment is necessary. Typically, the driver's license station is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

The renewal fee is $20 for a five-year license. For drivers younger than 18 or 70 and older who are issued a two-year license, the renewal fee is $8.

Changing Your Information

While Iowa driver's licenses are generally issued for a five-year period, it is very important to keep the information on your license as accurate as possible. For this reason, Iowa law requires residents to obtain an updated license within 30 days of a change in address. If you legally change your name after marriage or divorce, you will also need to apply for a duplicate license with the new name.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. See our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.