Replace Under 21 ID

Upon turning age 21, and provided you are otherwise eligible, you may purchase a replacement license or identification (ID) card which will no longer say “Under 21” and will be horizontal instead of vertical. You’re not required to get a horizontal license or ID when you turn 21, but we know some people prefer to, and it helps assure access at all locations that check age for entry.

When Can I Purchase a Horizontal Replacement License or ID?

You can purchase a replacement card on or after the day of your 21st birthday, provided you are otherwise eligible. If you purchase a replacement card in-person prior to midnight on your 21st birthday, the card will still be vertical and say, “Under 21.”

Where Can I Purchase a Horizontal Replacement License or ID?

You can purchase a horizontal replacement license or ID:

• Online at myMVD, or
• In person at a DMV location.  Schedule an Appointment

Once purchased, your new card will be mailed to you within 21 days. The expiration date of your new license or ID will be the same as your current card’s expiration date.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Replacing the Card Online?

If you are 21 or older and have a vertical license or non-operators ID card, you may be eligible to get a horizontal card replacement online. 

Driver's License

To replace your under 21 vertical Iowa driver’s license with a horizontal license online, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Currently have a vertical driver’s license that states “Under 21."
• Be an Iowa resident and a United States citizen (as shown by the Iowa DOT's existing records).
• Have a valid, unexpired non-commercial Iowa license and/or motorcycle license (instruction permits, minor's licenses, and work permits cannot be replaced online).
• Have no changes to your name, date of birth, sex, class type, endorsements, or restrictions.
• Not have restrictions E, G, I, J, Q, R, or T, listed on the back of your current license.
• 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 replacement, you will need to appear in person. If your card already has a REAL ID or veteran's designation, your replacement license will keep that designation.

If you apply for a replacement 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.

During the online process, we will ask you questions. We may deny your online application and ask you to appear in person at a driver's license issuance site based on your answers to those questions.

To get replace your vertical card with a horizontal card online you will need:

• Your current Iowa driver's license.
• A credit card.

If you meet all of the requirements and have all the items listed above, you may begin the online replacement process.
 

Non-Driver ID Card

To replace your under 21 vertical Iowa non-driver ID card with a horizontal card online you must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Currently have a valid, unexpired, vertical non-operators ID card that states “Under 21.”
• Be an Iowa resident and a United States citizen (as shown by the Iowa DOT's existing records).
• Have no changes to your name, date of birth, or sex.
• Not have a current ID marked “Valid Without Photo.”

If you want to add a REAL ID or veteran's designation at the time of replacement, you will need to appear in person. If your card already has a REAL ID or veteran's designation, your replacement license will keep that designation.

If you apply for a replacement 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 ID card does not arrive within 30 days, call 515-244-8725.

During the online process, we will ask you questions. We may deny your online application and ask you to appear in person at a driver's license issuance site based on your answers to those questions.

To replace your vertical ID card with a horizonal ID card online you will need:

• Your current Iowa driver's license.
• A credit card.

If you meet all of the requirements and have all the items listed above, you may begin the online replacement process.

When Will My New Horizontal License or ID Expire?

The expiration date will remain unchanged from your current vertical license or ID.

What if My Current Vertical License or ID is Expiring Soon?

If your license or ID will expire within 180 days, you will need to renew your license or ID instead of obtaining a replacement card.

How Much Will the Horizontal Replacement Card Cost?

View fees and license types. Also, please note that online transactions have an additional service fee.

You can only be issued one horizontal replacement card on myMVD. Thereafter, you can visit any DMV location to receive a replacement card prior to renewing (Schedule an appointment).