Frequently Asked Questions

Iowa applicants under the age of 18 must complete an Iowa DOT approved motorcycle rider education course to operate a motorcycle. If under the age of 16, a moped applicant must completed an Iowa DOT-approved moped education course.If above the age of 18, completing an Iowa DOT approved motorcycle rider education course may waive the skills (driving) examination.

Contact the Iowa DOT at 800-532-1121 for information on how to get a motorcycle license skills (driving) examination waiver at available locations.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

Although not legally required, the Iowa Department of Transportation heavily suggests and promotesmotorcycle-driving safety. The Iowa Motorcycle Operator Manual provides helmet and headgear safety information for drivers.

When taking the motorcycle skills (driving) examination at a local Iowa issuance location safety gear is required. The driver is required to bring:

• Helmet
• Long pants
• Sturdy shoes

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

Drivers may not renew the commercial driver s license online. To renew an IA commercial driving license, the applicant must visit a local Iowa issuance location. The applicant, if renewing or updating a CDL, may have to complete the self-certification process again after the new Iowa CDL is issued.

It is important that the renewed medical certificate is submitted to the Department of Transportation before the previous expires.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Iowa

No, the DMV does not administer an examination for an IA drivers permit online. The DMV examination is administered at a local Iowa issuance location using specific touch-screen equipment. The automated testing equipment offers audio assistant as well. The IowaDOT government provides desktop applications, cell phone applications, and an online 25-question practice examination. The 25 questions are chosen from the real knowledge questions given by the DMV.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

Only interstate drivers hold a valid license to drive CMV s anywhere in the United States. Intrastate drivers have a restricted Iowa CDL, shown as a “K” restriction, to allow them to only operate in the state of Iowa.

State CDL s are only valid to the state where the driver resides. If moving states, contact a local Department of Transport with questions on transferring a CDL from another state and how to get a CDL license.

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If the vehicle exceeds a speed of 30 miles per hours, anIA motorcycle license is required. However, if below 30mph and a motorized bicycle, the state of Iowa considers the vehicle a moped.

To operate a moped a driver s license or a moped permit is required for operation. Operators that are not at least 16 must complete a moped rider education course approved by the Iowa DOT.The moped permit requires a passing status on the operator’s knowledge examination and the vision screening examination. The examiner may or may not require a skills examination as well.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

Yes, an Iowa approved driver s ed course is required to hold an intermediate license. The course is available at age 14 and can only be completed with an instruction permit. The 30-hour course will include:

• Bicycle and motor cycle awareness
• Four hours of substance abuse education
• Minimum of 20 minutes on railroad crossing safety
• Minimum of three hours driving
• Organ donor education
• Six hours of laboratory

The intermediate license may then be obtained to serve as an Iowa permit for driving.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

If a veteran has been honorably discharged, he oris eligible to request a “Veteran” designation for anIowa identification card. The Veteran designation may be requested at any time. The applicant must present him or herself in person at the county or state Veterans Affairs Office with their DD 214 copy or discharge documents. Once their eligibility is certified, the office will file all applicable forms.

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

To apply for an Iowa CDL, an applicant must visit a local Iowa issuance locations thatissues CDL licenses. Upon arrival, the following must be presented:

• Completed Self-Certification for Commercial Driver’s License form
• Evidence of identity (birth date and full name) and Social Security Number
• Passing status on the skills examinations
• Passing status on the general knowledge examination
• Passing status on the vision examination
• Payment of applicable fees

Other applicable forms and documents may include:

• Passing status on the knowledge examination(s) applicable to the endorsement(s)
• Background check clearance
• Copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate for intersate non-expected drivers

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The state of Iowa has a Graduated License System for drivers bellow the age of 18. The system includes a series of three licenses: the instruction permit, intermediate license, and full license. The instruction permit and intermediate license serve as a learners permit, placing restrictions on minor drivers.

To apply for the instruction permit, the driver may apply at age 14 and provide the following at a local Iowa issuance location:

• Evidence of identification, residency, and Social Security number
• Parent s/Guardian s Written Consent Form.
• Passing status on knowledge examination
• Passing status on the vision examination
• $6.00 restriction permit fee (subject to change)

After 12 months, the driver may apply for the Intermediate license with:

• 20 logged hours of supervised driving
• Completion of the approved driver education course
• No accidents or violations for six consecutive months
• Parent s/Guardian s Written Consent Form.
• $8.00 restriction license fee (subject to change)

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

To operate a motorcycle in Iowa, the state offers the opportunity to apply for a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license.

To obtain an Iowa motorcycle license provide:

• Evidence of identity, Social Security, and examination
• Passing status on the motorcycle knowledge examination
• Passing status on the operator knowledge examination
• Passing status on the motorcycle skills (driving) examination
• Passing status on the vision screening
• Fee payment of $6.00 per year (subject to change)

To obtain an Iowa motorcycle endorsement provide the information stated above. The operator knowledge examination will be waived and a fee payment of $2.00 per year is required.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

Duplicate identification cards may be administered in the case of a lost, stolen, or mutilated Iowa ID card. To replace ID cards, residents visit a local Iowa issuance location at a kiosk or DOT location and provide the following:

• Two forms of evidence of identity and Social Security/legal status
• Payment of replacement fee of $10.00 (subject to change)

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

An instruction permit expires after four years. An intermediate license expires after two years. A driver may apply for a driver s license at age 18; therefore it is not necessary to renew either restriction on each Iowa learning permit. However, licenses or ID card may be renewed: online, in-person, or at a kiosk.Licenses issued to minors(under 18)will have shorter periods of renewal.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

Iowa ID car renewalscan be done online or in person. If eligible to renew online, the following may be required:

• Current ID card
• Payment of ID fee of $8.00 per year (subject to change)
• Payment of processing fee $1.50(subject to change)

To renew in person, visit a local Iowa issuance location at a kiosk or DOT location. For more information on how to renew IA ID cards,contact the Iowa Department of Transportation at 515-239-1101.

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

A Medical Examiner s Certificate must be renewed before expiration. Certificates have to be renewed, generally, every two years. However, renewal periods may vary depending on medical conditions.

For non-expected interstate drivers to keep their IA license to drive commercial vehicles, the medical report must be renewed. To renew the report, a certified medical professional on the list of National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners must examine the driver and fill out a new Medical Examiner s Certificate. The certificate must then be presented to the Iowa DOT s Office of Driver Services.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Iowa

Motorcycle license may be renewed online, at a local Iowa issuance location or at a kiosk. If having a noncommercial Iowa license and/or motorcycle license and eligible to renew online the following must be provided:

• Current Iowa driver’s/motorcycle license
• Credit/Debit card

To renew in person or at a local kiosk make sure to bring the current Iowa driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement or the Class M Motorcycle License with a form of payment. Contact the Iowa DOT at 800-532-1121 for further questions on motorcycle requirements and renewal.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

A military member may obtain an Iowa motorcycle license. Military veterans are eligible to request a “Veteran” designation on the motorcycle license or regular driver s license. If on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, the military member is eligible for a six-month license extension after leaving active duty.

Military members are not required to hold an Iowa driver s license if operating a military motor vehicle on duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

For the first step of the GDL, the instruction permit can be held at the age of 14. At the age of 16, the driver can then apply for the intermediate license if having a permit for 12 consecutive months. Upon completing both steps, the driver can obtain a full license available at age 17.

When getting drivers permits distinctive fees may apply. The permit restriction holds a $6.00 fee (subject to change). The intermediate license holds an $8.00 fee (subject to change).

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

Upon visiting a local Iowa issuance location Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to apply for ID cards, applicants must remember to bring important documentation and payment methods. Make sure to provide:

• Evidence of identity, Social Security/legal status, and residency.
• Payment of ID fee of $8.00 per year (subject to change).
• Completed Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (if applicable).

Upon completion, the applicant will be issued paper identification valid for 30 days. The plastic Iowa ID card will arrive in via mail in seven to 21 days.

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

Iowa commercial driving licenses must be renewed before expiring. Class A, Class B, and Class C CDL s have a duration period between five and eight years, and require an annual cost of $8.00 (subject to change). However, non-expected interstate drivers must renew their medical DOT cards/certificates periodically. The certificates/cards usually expire every two years. However, depending on the driver s medical conditions, medical renewals may need to be made more frequently.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Iowa

If an IA identification card is lost out of state, the person may only receive a replacement if going in person at a local Iowa issuance location. In attempts to replace an ID card provide the following:

• Two forms of evidence of identity and Social Security/legal status
• Payment of replacement fee of $10.00 (subject to change)

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

To operate a commercial motor vehicle, a driver must be at least 18 years. If driving at the interstate level, a driver must be at least 21 years of age.

Class A, Class B, Class C, and Commercial Instruction Permits require a minimum age of 18. With the exclusion of the Commercial Instruction Permit, the Iowa CDL licenses have a duration period of five to eight years and. If issued to a driver 72 or older, the license has a duration period of two years.

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Motorcycle instruction permits and motorcycle-only permits are available starting at age 14. These permits are issued to learners accompanied by a motorcycle-licensed driver.

An Iowa motorcycle endorsement that is added to a driver s license requires a minimum age of 16. A Class M motorcycle license requires a minimum age of 16 as well. A motorized bicycle (moped) permit is available at age 14.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

The IA commercial driver s license is available in Class A, Class B, or Class C depending on the vehicle and the transportation purposes. Each endorsement requires a fee and may require an endorsement-specific knowledge examination. Endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials
• Double/Triple
• Tank Vehicles
• Passenger
• School Bus

Use the Iowa Commercial Driver License Manual for preparation of CDL examinations, additional endorsement information and proper CDL procedures.

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

A Class O Iowaidentification card has a fee of $8.00 per year. An ID card is only valid for eight years. There is a fee for online ID card renewals of $1.50. There is an additional $10.00 fee to replace ID cards. If an Iowa DMV IDcard is defective in any way, there will be no additional charge to replace it. All ID card fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

The first year of holding an Iowa learningpermit comes with various limitations. Limitations include:

• Supervised driving with parent or guardian, driver education teacher, family member 21 or older, or driver 25 or older
• All passengers must have a seat belt
• No accidents or violations for six consecutive months
• Number of passengers limited to the number of seat belts in the vehicle

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

Part of the Iowa CDL application requires applicants to self-certify a category.

• Non-expected interstate drivers must meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements and provide a copy of the Medical Examiner s Certificate to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
• Intrastate non-expected drivers must meet the medical requirements issued by the state of Iowa.

The Medical Examiner s Certificate must be issued by a certified medical professional on the list of National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Upon completion, a copy of the Medical Examiner s Certificate must be given to the Iowa Department of Transportation and be renewed regularly before expiration. The Iowa CDL driver is required to have the Medical Examiner s Certificate, in certificate or card form, when operating the CMV.

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Iowa drivers with learning permits must maintain a clean driving record for a minimum of six consecutive months directly before applying for an intermediate license. Traffic violations received during your drivers permit period can result in suspension of your permit to drive.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

The state of Iowa requires applicants getting an IA motorcycle license for a three-wheeled vehicle to pass specific examinations differing from the standard two-wheel examinations. The Iowa Motorcycle Operator Manual offers supplemental information for three-wheel vehicles to pass the written knowledge examination and driving skills examination. The manual offers the following instructions for the Rider Skill Test:

• Left Turn, Normal Stop
• Cone Weave, Turn From a Stop
• Quick Stop
• Obstacle Swerve

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

To obtain an IA drivers permit, the applicant, when applying for an instruction permit, must provide evidence of identification, residency, and Social Security number to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Evidence of identification documenting birth, identity, and lawful status may include:

• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550, N-570 or N-578)
• Certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport

Evidence of social security and name may include:

• Pay stub or statement
• Social Security card
• W-2 form

Evidence of residency:

• Signed Parent s/Guardian s Written Consent Form

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

When getting a motorcycle license in Iowa, it is important to provide a local Iowa issuance location appropriate documentation. Documentation must include evidence of identity, Social Security/legal status, and residency.

Evidence of identification documenting birth, identity, and lawful status may include:

• Certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate
• Naturalization certificate
• Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”

Evidence of social security/legal status and name may include:

• Pay stub or statement
• Social Security card
• USCIS number

Evidence of residency may include:

• Iowa voter registration card
• Utility hookup or bill
• Credit, debit, or charge card statement

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

To obtain a motorcycle driving privileges a series of examinations must be passed. The Iowa Motorcycle Operator Manual provides the necessary information for all required motorcycle examinations. Examinations for an Iowa motorcycle license include:

• Motorcycle knowledge examination
• Operator knowledge examination
• Motorcycle skills (driving) examination
• Vision screening

If obtaining anIowa motorcycle endorsement, the operator knowledge examination will be waived. If the applicant has completed an Iowa DOT-approved motorcycle rider education course, the skills (driving) examination may be waived as well.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Iowa

CDL drivers may face distinctive consequences when convicted of a DUI. If a driver is convicted of a DUI for the first time, the driver will lose the Iowa CMV license for at least one year. If the commercial driver is charged with a DUI and has a placarded CMV for hazardous materials, the license will be revoked for at least three years. If a driver is convicted for a second offense DUI, then he or she loses the CDL for life and is not eligible to apply for a CDL again.

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

An ID card is an identification card, and is auseful form of self-identification. The Iowa ID card is issued under the state of Iowa government, under the Department of Transportation. The IA ID card serves as a form of documentation for Iowa residents to verify personal identity.It is not necessary for residents to get ID cards, but they are administered regardless of age.

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

The Knowledge examination (written test) requires the applicant to demonstrate understanding of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. All the required information is available in the Iowa Driver’s Manual and provides everything needed to pass the written examination.

IowaDOT government provides a 25-question examination based on the real knowledge questions. A score of 80% or higher is needed to be considered a passing score.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

The state of Iowa requires a passing status on the DMV administered Knowledge and Vision tests. The Knowledge examination (written test) requires the applicant to demonstrate understanding of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. The Vision examination tests and determines any restrictions. It requires a 140° or better field of vision and a 20/40 acuity to be eligible to not hold any restrictions (unless using glasses or contacts). Both examinations are administered at local Iowa issuance locations and are necessary to obtain a permit for driving.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa

To apply for a CDL in Iowa,a series of examinations will need to be passed. All applicants must pass the general knowledge examination.

After the required knowledge examination(s) have been passed, three CDL skills examinations, taken in the type of vehicle the applicant will be licensed in, will be administered. The skills examination includes:

• Vehicle inspection
• Basic vehicle control
• On-road driving

Use the Iowa Commercial Driver License Manual for preparation of CDL examinations and additional CDL information. Additionally, a vision screening examination will need to be passed. If applying as a non-expected interstate driver, a medical examination must be passed as well.Specific endorsements require additional examinations.

For more information: Iowa Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Iowa identification cards expire after eight years. The date of expiration is printed and can be located on the ID card.Class O non-operator identification cards are administered regardless of age and have no minimum age requirement. If in possession of a driver s license, the license will need to be returned to strictly maintain the ID card only. The fee for an ID card is $8.00 per year (subject to change).

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

Iowa ID cards are administered at around 100 local Iowa issuance locations, including DOT locations and kiosks. IA Identification cards are administered during business hours usually Mondays to Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If obtaining an ID card, remember to bring:

• Evidence of identity, Social Security/legal status, and residency
• Payment of ID fee of $8.00 per year (subject to change)
• Completed Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent Form (if applicable)

For more information: How to Apply for an Iowa Identification Card

It is required that the parent or guardian sign the Parent’s/Guardian’s written consent form to receive an IA learning permit. The form acknowledges parental consent in applying for a permit or license in the case of a minor. The form also acknowledges and declares the minor s proof of residencyin the State of Iowa.

The form also gives approval for:

• Organ donation (if applicable)
• Driving privilege supervision(if applicable)

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Iowa