Your CDL expires on the expiration date printed on the license and is valid for driving in Iowa for an additional 60 days after the expiration date. After 60 days from the expiration date, you may be ticketed for driving with an expired license. After one year following expiration, you will be required to take the knowledge and driving tests.
Yes, I Have a REAL ID (Gold Star) on my Current CDL and I am a U.S. Citizen
There are two ways to renew your CDL:
If you have a hazardous materials endorsement, you will need to take the hazardous material knowledge test each time you renew your license so you will need to renew in person.
Online
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may renew your CDL online and skip a trip to the DMV location. You will need your current CDL card and a credit or debit card to complete the process. Fees will include your renewal fee plus a $1.50 online processing fee.
Eligibility Requirements
To renew your Commercial Iowa driver's license online you must:
- Be at least 21 years old, but younger than 70.
- Be an Iowa resident and a United States citizen (as shown by the Iowa DOT's existing records).
- Have a valid Iowa commercial driver's license license. (Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) and Restricted CDLs (RCDL) CANNOT be renewed online.)
- Have an Iowa Commercial driver's license that expires within 180 days or has not been expired for more than one year.
- Have a valid medical certificate on file if self-certified to non-excepted interstate driving.
- Have renewed your current driver's license at a driver's license issuance site. Driver’s licenses may only be renewed online every other issuance.
- Have no changes to your name, date of birth, sex, class type, endorsements, or restrictions.
- Not have a Hazardous Materials or a combination of Tank and Hazardous Materials endorsement.
- Not have restrictions E, G, I, J, T, Q, or R listed on the back of your current license.
- Not be required to submit a medical or vision report at the time of renewal.
- Have no pending requests for re-examination.
- Not have a current license marked "Valid Without Photo."
If you want to add a REAL ID or veteran's designation at the time of renewal, you will need to appear in person. (But if your card already has a REAL ID or veteran's designation, you may renew it online and keep that designation.)
If you renew online, you will not receive a temporary document valid to board an aircraft, but you can use your existing card if it has not yet expired. You will receive your new card in the mail in approximately 30 days. If your license does not arrive within 30 days, call 515-244-8725.
In Person
You can renew your CDL at any one of Iowa's 100 issuance sites.
If you certify to the “nonexcepted interstate” category you must provide a copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate when you renew.
No, I do NOT have a REAL ID (Gold Star) on my Current CDL or I am NOT a U.S. Citizen
You will need to come into a DMV location to renew your CDL and provide proof of citizenship (see list below). If you certify to the “nonexcepted interstate” category you must also provide a copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate when you renew.
If you have a hazardous materials endorsement, you will need to take the hazardous material knowledge test each time you renew your license.
You must bring one of the of the following documents to prove citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S.
U.S. Citizens
- Certified copy of U.S. birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Permanent Resident
- Permanent resident card (lawful permanent residents)
Temporary Foreign National
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Unexpired foreign passport with an I-94 document
If you want to obtain a REAL ID (gold star), find out what additional documents you need to bring with you.
Schedule an appointment
You can renew your CDL at any one of Iowa's 100 issuance sites.