Iowa Online Traffic School & Defensive Driving Courses

Getting an Iowa Driver License

The state of Iowa uses a graduated licensing procedure for new drivers under the age of 18.

Upon reaching the age of 14, new drivers may apply for an instruction permit, which is designed to allow the driver to practice with adult supervision. In order to earn a permit, the driver must pass vision and knowledge tests and have consent from a parent or guardian. The new driver must also provide the appropriate forms of documentation required for a driver’s permit. Iowa has a documentation website that walks you through a series of questions to determine what documentation is required.

There are no restrictions on hours that a driver with an instruction permit can drive, but there are restrictions on passengers and the use of electronic devices while behind the wheel.

At 14 ½ years of age, Iowa drivers who hold an instruction permit can apply for a Minor School License that will allow them to drive unsupervised to and from their educational center. The driver must complete an Iowa-approved driver education course, live more than one mile from their education center, and have a clean driving record for the six months prior to applying for the Minor School License. Applicants must also present completed affidavits from their parent or guardian and school. The Minor School License has restrictions on passengers and electronic devices. It may not be used for the driver to drive to work. Note that the Minor School Permit is optional; it is not required to advance from an instruction permit to an intermediate license.

Drivers who have reached the age of 16, have completed an Iowa-approved driver education course, and have completed a minimum of 20 hours of supervised driving are eligible to apply for an intermediate license. Applicants must have held a permit or Minor School License for at least 12 months and have a clean driving record for the six months prior to applying. Parental or guardian permission is required for the intermediate license. Intermediate license holders can drive at any time with adult supervision, or between the hours of 5:00 am and 12:30 am without supervision.

At the age of 17, Iowa drivers are able to apply for a full license if they have held an intermediate license for at least 12 months, with a clean driving record for at least 12 months prior to applying for the full license. They must also have completed 10 hours of supervised driving, with two of those hours completed between sunset and sunrise.

After turning 18, new drivers can apply for a full license without meeting these additional requirements. Appointments can be scheduled online at the Iowa DOT website.

Iowa License Renewal

Iowa drivers have three options for renewing driver’s licenses: online, in-person, or at a kiosk.

Online renewal can only be completed if you meet the requirements. Once you have verified that you meet the requirements, visit the Iowa DOT online renewal page to complete the process. Your new license will arrive by mail within 21 days of completing the online renewal.

Iowa also has over 100 issuance sites for in-person driver’s license renewal. You can view a map of these service centers and find a listing by county on the Iowa DOT website.

Kiosks are located around the state at a variety of public offices and private business. A full listing of these sites can be found on the Iowa DOT website.

Iowa REAL ID

Do you fly commercially? Or visit federal property? Beginning October 1^st, 2021, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will be necessary to board domestic flights and access federal property, such as military bases and government offices. Iowa is converting all licenses and IDs to REAL IDs at the time of renewal. Additionally, all new licenses are REAL ID-compliant. The REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right-hand corner.

Whether you are converting an existing license or getting a new, REAL-ID compliant license, the process is the same. Make an appointment to visit an Iowa driver’s service center and present documents that prove your identity, date of birth, social security number, legal or authorized status, and Iowa residency. The Iowa DOT website can help you understand the documentation you need to bring with you.