Your Iowa license expires on your birthday. It is valid for driving for an additional 60 days. It can be renewed within one year of the expiration date without having to take the knowledge test. You can also renew your license 30 days prior to your birthday.

You will have to pass the vision screening test each time your license is renewed.   If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will have to take the driving test as well as the knowledge test and vision screening.

Under special circumstances, you can apply for your license renewal from 30 days to one year before the expiration on your license.  You must, however, explain to the examiner why you're applying for such an early renewal.

If you are temporarily out-of-state or country and are unable to renew your driver's license in person, you may apply for a temporary extension not to exceed six months.  A request for extension may be made in writing by mailing or faxing Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License Form #430027 to:

Office of Driver Services
Iowa Dept. of Transportation
P.O. Box 9204
Des Moines, IA  50306-9204
Telephone:  515-244-8725
FAX:  515-239-1837

See Also:  Driver's License Station Locations & Hours & License Types & Fees (NOTE: Credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment of fees at this time).