How to get an Iowa Driver's License
Find out how to get a new IA driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Iowa DMV guide.
Iowa Driver's License Rules
Under IA DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for an Iowa Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Iowa Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for an Iowa learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an IA drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months before taking the road skills test.
New IA Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa after 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in IA. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
The vision test is required to change a valid out-of-state license to an IA driver's license, however the written exam and road skills test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner.
If your out-of-state driver's license is expired, you may be required to apply for a license as a new driver and pass all required testing.
International Drivers
Driver Licenses issued to temporary foreign nationals will be limited to the period of time the foreign national is authorized to be in the United States, not to exceed two years.
Permanent resident foreign nationals should bring their Permanent Resident Card (I-551) to be issued a full term Driver's License.
Paperwork
Before you head to the DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your new Class C driver's license will be valid for 2 or 5 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
