Cannot be canceled, suspended, or revoked in any state.
Pass a vision test.
Pass all applicable written test(s).
If you have a valid driver’s license from one of the 50 United States (including District of Columbia), a U.S. territory, or Canada, you may not need to take the knowledge test.
If you have a valid driver’s license from one of the 50 United States (including District of Columbia), a U.S. territory, or Canada, you may not need to take the driving test.
More information may be required before you receive a permit or driver's license if you have a medical and/or vision-related condition that may affect your driving.
Driver's License Reciprocity
Iowa has driver’s license reciprocity agreements with France, Germany, South Korea, and the Republic of China (Taiwan). If you hold a valid and unexpired driver’s license from one of these countries, you may not need to take the knowledge or driving test to transfer your driver’s license to Iowa. Please contact or make an appointment at one of our DMV locations for further information.
No. A student who has a permanent residence and a valid driver’s license in another state or country may operate a motor vehicle on Iowa roadways without obtaining an Iowa driver’s license. A student is required to possess the driver’s license while operating a motor vehicle and may need to have the license translated into English if not already done so. For information on having your license translated into English, please visit the website of your consulate or contact the consulate. AAA also offers international driving permit translation services at a cost.
Each state or country’s driving laws differ. For a comprehensive overview of Iowa’s driving laws, including vehicle safety information, please review the Iowa Driver’s Manual.
Vehicle insurance is a policy purchased by vehicle owners for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other road vehicles. Essentially, it’s an agreement between you and the insurance company in which you agree to pay a premium for the policy and in return the insurance company agrees to pay your losses in the event of an accident as defined in the policy. An insurance policy provides financial protection for physical damage and/or bodily injury to another vehicle or person that resulted from a traffic collision that you were involved in.
If you operate a motor vehicle in the state of Iowa (owned or not owned), there must be a motor vehicle liability policy in place to cover you as an operator (driver), in accordance with Iowa Code 321A, Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility; Iowa Code 321A.21, “Motor Vehicle Liability Policy,” Defined; and the Iowa Motor Vehicle Financial and Safety Responsibility Act.
For further information or to get insured, please work with an insurance agent.
To obtain an Iowa driver’s license or identification card, you must document your date of birth, identity, and lawful status or presence in the United States as well as your Social Security number (if you have one) and two documents showing your current Iowa residence. You can create a personal checklist of the documents you will need to satisfy Iowa’s identification requirements.
In accordance with Iowa Code 321A Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility: If you operate a motor vehicle, there must be an insurance policy on file that covers you as a driver. If you are driving someone else’s vehicle, you are responsible for making sure the vehicle insurance policy covers you as an operator. The consequences for not being covered are severe, which can include having your license suspended. It is important to make sure you are: 1) covered as an operator before driving someone else’s vehicle; 2) that the vehicle you are operating has valid plates and are displayed in accordance with Iowa Code 321.37; and 3) proof of registration is carried in the vehicle at all times in accordance with Iowa Code 321.32.
Your local college, university, or city may have free or reduced-cost transportation options. Be sure to check with them. In addition to those services and the use of taxis and transportation network companies (think Uber, Rideshare or Lyft), the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Public Transit offers an interactive website showing what public transportation options are available in your area. Check our interactive transit map for options near you.
A bill of sale conveying ownership is an important first step and should be obtained from the seller at the time of sale along with a properly assigned vehicle title. The bill of sale will list the vehicle description, name of buyer and seller, purchase price, and date of sale. The vehicle title and bill of sale are the proof of sale and serve as temporary vehicle registration. Within 30 days of purchase, submit these documents to your local county treasurer’s office to obtain license plates. Get more detail on vehicle sales.
Someone in possession of a counterfeit or altered government issued driver’s licenses or identification card or falsely using another person’s driver’s license or identification card may be charged with a misdemeanor offense. The fine for a conviction of this offense can range from $100 to $1,875 with a possible jail sentence up to one year. The Iowa Department of Transportation may impose a driving sanction as well as up to a sixmonth suspension of driving privileges. Students may also find themselves as victims of identity theft if they provide personal and financial information to another person for the purpose of manufacturing a counterfeit driver’s license or identification card. This information is commonly used to commit identity fraud against the student, which results in an often drawn-out process to recover one’s identity.
The first thing to do is to remain calm and stay in your vehicle unless directed by the officer to exit the vehicle. The officer may not immediately come to your car as they may first check the status of your vehicle registration with their dispatch center. Before the officer approaches your car, make sure your hands are where the officer can see them and you should avoid making sudden movements. The officer may ask you questions about your trip and will ask to see your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. You should follow the officer’s instructions and you should soon be on your way.
