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We know getting an ID or driver’s license is key to settling into your new community. We're here to help with information and resources to make the process easier and less stressful.
Back to topWhat Can Your Card (ID Card or Driver’s License) Do?
Relocating to a new area, state, or country (whether by choice or not) can be an intimidating process. Getting where you need to go, when you need to go is a critical factor in your life.
We’re here to help you understand the differences between the card types, and the associated driving privileges with each type. Driving without the correct card type may lead to receiving citations (tickets/fines) from law enforcement, an expensive process we want to help you avoid.
Have questions specific to your record and eligibility? We’re here to help. Contact us in a way convenient for you.
What is a REAL ID?
The deadline to get your REAL ID (gold star) has been extended to May 7, 2025. If you fly commercially you’ll either need a REAL ID license or ID in addition to your USCIS issued document, or you’re going to be subject to additional screening and potential delay.
Don’t panic! We’re here to help you determine if you already have a REAL ID license or ID or decide if a REAL ID license or ID is right for you.
Back to topGetting an ID Card or a Driver’s License for the First Time
When you apply for an ID card or driver’s license (DL) for the first time, you will need to provide certain documentation to prove your identity and residential address.
The following information explains what documentation to bring when you visit one of our service centers, and why we require certain documents before issuing your ID or DL.
1. Apply for an Iowa Real ID-Compliant Card
Customer visits a driver's license service center (be sure to schedule an appointment) to apply for an Iowa Real ID-Compliant card (driver's license or ID card).
2. Provide Documentation
Customer must provide:
- Proof of identity document (USCIS);
- Social Security Number (if applicable);
- Two items that show Iowa physical residency (address)
View the complete list of acceptable documents
Licenses and ID cards issued to temporary foreign nationals must be limited to the period of time the foreign national is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to stay in the country, not to exceed two years. There must be at least 30 days of status time remaining.
3. Verify Lawful Status
Iowa DOT consultant verifies customer's lawful status via DHS/USCIS.
4. May Need Additional Verification
Sometimes, additional verification (manual review of documents by DHS/USCIS) is necessary. Generally it takes 45 business days to receive a response back.
5. Iowa DOT receives response from USCIS
- Issue ID or driver's license accordingly; or
- Advise customer of verification response & next steps
Renewing, Udpating, or Getting a Duplicate of Your Iowa Identification Card or Driver’s License
1. Renew, update or replace card
Customer visits us to renew, update, or replace their Iowa card. Be sure to schedule an appointment.
2. Do you have a REAL ID card?
Does the customer already have a REAL ID card?
- Yes. Customer must provide proof of USCIS-issued identity document. View the complete list of acceptable documents
- No. If customer wants a REAL ID, must provide:
- Proof of identity document (USCIS);
- Social Security Number (if applicable);
- Proofs (2) of Iowa physical residency
3. Verify Lawful Status
Iowa DOT consultant verifies customer's lawful status via DHS/USCIS.
Do I need to provide proof of legal status?
Federal Real ID regulations, 6 C.F.R. §37.11, requires that all foreign national customers provide proof of their legal status documents issued by USCIS to be considered for issuance of an Iowa credential. We (Iowa DOT) send the customer’s USCIS documentation information to USCIS through an electronic system called VLS (verification of lawful status). If USCIS can automatically approve the customer’s lawful status, we are able to issue accordingly the same day.
4. May Need Additional Verification
Sometimes, additional verification (manual review of documents by DHS/USCIS) is necessary. Generally it takes 45 business days to receive a response back.
What's next in the verification process?
Sometimes, we receive a response from USCIS that states, "additional verification is required." This can happen for a variety of reasons (customer is newly arrived in the United States, pending renewal or extension of their USCIS document, or customer is eligible under a Federal Register Notice, like a Temporary Protected Status (TPS)) but shouldn’t alarm you that there is an issue. Rather, it means that a USCIS employee has to manually review your document information and then manually send us back a response. This extra step requires us to send information through a different system that is commonly called SAVE.
When this happens, we will print what is called a SAVE Case CheckLetter. This lets you know that we submitted your information to USCIS and that they are working diligently to verify the information and respond, so that you can continue with your issuance process. It generally takes 3-7 business days before we receive a response. In the meantime, you can check your case using your case letter. You can also contact us at the service center phone number that we will write and provide to you on your SAVE Case letter.
5. Iowa DOT receives response from USCIS:
- Issue ID or driver's license accordingly; or
- Advise customer of verification response & next steps
Resources for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Customers
Technical and legal language can sometimes make it difficult to understand, regardless of someone’s understanding of the English language. We strive to create resources that utilize images or graphics to help better explain important information.
We also utilize a contracted language provider for translation and interpretation services. Our staff and you (yes, you!) can request language assistance for:
- Conversations in-person at our driver’s license service centers;
- Conversations by phone;
- Instructions prior to taking an on-the-road driving test (not available for commercial skills testing as Federal regulations require these testing portions be completed in English only)
We suggest that if you need language assistance, have someone write the language and/or dialect you need on a piece of paper, and bring that with you during your visit. Simply hand that to one of us and we’ll get an interpreter on the phone to ensure that you understand the important information that we’re relaying, and that we answer any questions you may have for us.
We currently offer limited language resources for our driver’s license study manual.
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