DMV

Expiration dates

Your license expires on the expiration date printed on the license. The license is valid for driving 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.

One year following expiration, you will be required to take the knowledge test and drive test. If you plan to travel or rent a car during the 60-day grace period, you should renew your driver's license; some entities may not recognize the grace period. You may renew your driver's license 180 days before its expiration date. If you demonstrate a good cause exists to renew earlier, you may renew your driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. You must pass the vision screening each time you renew your license.

If you are a foreign national, you may renew your driver's license up to 30 days before the expiration date. Since we need to verify your lawful status, we are not able to renew earlier.

*Please note: Expiration dates may vary based on the issue date and will begin to taper down at age 72 and expire no later than the person’s 80th birthday.

Iowa non-operator's ID cards will be issued with an expiration date of eight years.

Instruction permits will be issued with an expiration date of four years.

Commercial learner permits (CLP) will be issued with an expiration date of one year. Full test required upon renewal.

Driver licenses issued to persons under the age of 18, over 72, or persons who are temporary foreign nationals will be issued with shorter renewal periods set by Iowa law.

Electronic renewal notification

Receive an email reminder to renew your driver's license or identification card.

Real ID

If you want a REAL ID-marked card, you must complete a new application (assisted by the driver’s license issuance site representative) and present proof of identity. Regardless of whether you have held your driver’s license or ID card for a short time or many years, the same provisions apply. The REAL ID (gold star) effective date is set for May 7, 2025.

To assist Iowans gather the necessary documents, there is a list of acceptable documents available on the Internet (Proof of Identity), or you can call 515-244-8725 to listen to a recorded message.

Temporary extension

Your driver's license is valid for driving for an additional 60 days after the expiration date. If you are temporarily out of state, are unable to renew your driver's license in person and do not meet eligibility to renew online, you may apply for a temporary extension not to exceed six months. CDL holders are eligible for only one extension up to 60 days, due to federal regulations. Please note: If you are eligible to renew your license online, you may not be eligible for a temporary extension. A request for extension must be made within 30 days before or 60 days after the expiration date. The request must also be in writing by mailing or faxing an Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License to the Iowa DOT's Driver & Identification Services. You must provide an out-of-state address and/or out-of-state fax number. If you are a foreign national, you are not eligible for a temporary extension. 

Optional driver’s license or ID card designations

There are several optional designations you may add to your driver’s license or non-operator identification cards to, such as “Veteran,” “Hard of Hearing” or “Deaf,” and others. Find out more about these voluntary designations and how to add them to your license.