Motor Vehicle Enforcement

Employment opportunities with MVE

photo of MVE officers standing in front of their vehicle

We are looking for motivated individuals with a calling to serve the public; who care about people and wish to make an impact on their safety.

We post open positions for specific locations across the state as needed. Each open position will list two counties as your work location, and you must live in one of those two counties or relocate at your expense.


View open positions

Minimum requirements


  • Be a U.S. Citizen and a resident of Iowa or intend to become a resident upon being employed
  • Be 18 years of age at the time of appointment 
  • Hold a valid Iowa driver's license
  • Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol
  • Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation
  • Successfully pass physical fitness tests
  • Not be opposed to use of force to fulfill duties
  • Be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate
  • Have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes or corrected to 20/20, and color vision consistent with the occupational demands of law enforcement
  • Have normal hearing in each ear (hearing aids are acceptable if a candidate can demonstrate sufficient hearing proficiency to perform all necessary duties of a law enforcement officer)
  • Be examined by a physician and meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
  • Undergo psychological testing
  • Undergo cognitive (Basic Skills) testing

Hiring process

All MVE peace officer applicants/candidates must meet all Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) minimum hiring standards and MVE hiring standards to qualify.


Post Hiring-required Training for New Motor Vehicle Officers

  • Field training program (19 weeks)
  • Iowa Law Enforcement basic training academy (16-20-weeks)
  • Commercial vehicle driver inspection certification (1 week)
  • Commercial vehicle inspection certification (1 week)
  • Hazardous materials inspection certification (1 week)
  • Bulk package inspection certification (optional) (1 week)
  • Passenger vehicle (Bus/Motor Coach) inspection certification (optional) (1 week)
  • CMV inspection certification classes

Questions about MVE employment? Email us at MVE8@iowadot.us.