Where to go for your driver license in Davenport

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) handles all driver licenses in Iowa. In Davenport, you visit the Scott County DOT office, located at 600 West 4th Street, Davenport, IA 52801. This is the only place in Davenport where you can take your written test, vision test, and road test, or renew an existing license.

You do not need an appointment for most services, but the office does have walk-in hours and can get busy. Calling ahead at (563) 326-8555 lets you know the current wait time and whether they are accepting new customers that day.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by season, so check the Iowa DOT website or call before you go, especially in winter when hours sometimes change.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scott County DOT office at 600 West 4th Street in Davenport is where you get your license, take your test, or renew.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of Iowa residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you go.
  • A new license costs $20 for an eight-year license; renewals cost $8 for a four-year license or $16 for eight years.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass your test or complete your renewal.
  • You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, but you must still visit in person for your first license or after a suspension.

Documents you need to bring

Iowa requires three types of documents before you can get a license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a tribal ID. A school ID or expired license does not work on its own.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 12 months showing your Davenport address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address on your license.

If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows your number. If you have an ITIN instead, bring the letter from the IRS that issued it.

Getting your first license: the written test and road test

If you have never held an Iowa license, you take a written test first. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Iowa Driver's Manual, which the DOT office has free or you can read from the Iowa DOT website. Most people pass on their first try.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test. The DOT office in Davenport does road tests on weekdays. You drive a route in Davenport with an examiner in the car. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Once you pass the road test, you pay the $20 fee and your license is ordered. It arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card.

Renewing your license before it expires

If your Iowa license is not expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at the Scott County DOT office. Online renewal is the fastest: you go to the Iowa DOT website, enter your license number and personal information, pay the fee, and you are done. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer because the office has to process it. You fill out the form, send it with payment, and wait for your new license to arrive.

In-person renewal at the office takes about 30 minutes if you walk in. You bring your current license and pay the fee. You do not take another test unless your vision has changed or you have medical restrictions.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must go to the office in person.

License types and costs

Iowa offers two license lengths: a four-year license and an eight-year license. A new license costs $20 for eight years or $10 for four years. A renewal costs $16 for eight years or $8 for four years.

You can also get a Real ID license, which meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. A Real ID license costs $5 more than a standard license. You need an extra document to prove your residency to get a Real ID, but many people already have one in their wallet.

Iowa also issues enhanced licenses, which let you cross the Canadian and Mexican borders by land without a passport. An enhanced license costs $30 for eight years. You need a passport or passport card to get one.

What happens after you pass your test

After you pass your road test or complete your renewal, the DOT office gives you a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail.

Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks. If more than three weeks pass and you have not received it, call the Scott County DOT office to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary license until the plastic card arrives.

Once your new license arrives, it is valid for the number of years you chose (four or eight). You can renew it before it expires using the online or mail method, or you can wait until it expires and renew in person.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your Iowa license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to the Scott County DOT office in person. The office staff can tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to restore your driving rights.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Each reason has different steps to restore your license. The DOT office can explain what applies to your situation and what documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?

No. Online renewal only works if your license is not expired. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must go to the Scott County DOT office in person and may need to retake your written test and vision test.

How long does the road test take?

The road test itself lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive a route in Davenport with an examiner. The entire visit to the office, including paperwork and waiting, usually takes one to two hours.

What if I fail my road test?

You can take the road test again. Most people schedule their second attempt within a week or two. There is no extra fee to retake the test, but you do pay the license fee once you pass.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself?

No. You need to show your Social Security number, but you can bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form instead of the card itself. If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that issued it.

Can I get a license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A birth certificate is one option for proof of identity, but you can also use a U.S. passport, military ID, or other documents the DOT office accepts. Call the office to ask which documents you can bring.