Where to go for your driver's license in Davenport

In Davenport, Iowa, you get your driver's license through the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Driver Services. The main Davenport location is at 1100 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. This is the full-service office where you can take the written test, the driving test, and get your photo taken on the same day if you are ready.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you are renewing an existing license and do not need to take a test. The Iowa DOT website lets you check which services are available without an appointment and which ones require you to book ahead. Call 319-244-8725 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Davenport DOT office is at 1100 East Kimberly Road and handles new licenses, renewals, and tests in one location.
  • You need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address to explore for a new license.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Iowa Driver's Manual, available free on the DOT website.
  • Road tests must be scheduled in advance, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not expired more than five years and you do not need a new photo or address change.

Documents you need to bring

For a new driver's license, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. The DOT will not accept a photo of these documents; they must be originals or certified copies.

Bring two forms of proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts. A government-issued ID with your address on it also counts as one form of proof. If you have recently moved and your mail has not caught up, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may not need to bring address proof again. Check the DOT website or call ahead to confirm what the office needs for your specific situation.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 35 questions about Iowa traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the Davenport office, and you get your results right away.

Study the Iowa Driver's Manual, which is free on the Iowa DOT website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test, but the amount of time you need depends on how familiar you already are with driving rules.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is a fee each time you take the test.

Scheduling and taking the road test

Road tests must be scheduled ahead of time. You cannot walk in and take a road test the same day. Call the Davenport office or use the Iowa DOT online scheduling system to book your test. Tests are usually available within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the office is.

Bring a vehicle that is registered in your name or in the name of someone who is with you, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before you drive. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets and possibly a highway or rural road.

You must have a valid learner's permit or a valid driver's license from another state to take the road test. If you do not have either, you must pass the written test first and get a learner's permit before you can schedule the road test.

Fees and how long it takes

A new driver's license costs $20 and is valid for four years. A renewal costs $20 and is also valid for four years. If you are over 70, your license is valid for two years and costs $10. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; check the Iowa DOT website to confirm the current price.

If you pass both the written and road tests on the same day, you can get your license the same day or within a few days. The office will take your photo and issue a temporary license you can use right away while your permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent card usually arrives within two weeks.

If you renew by mail or online, the process takes about two weeks from the time the DOT receives your process. You cannot use a temporary license for mail or online renewal; your permanent card will be mailed to your address on file.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is not expired more than five years, you can renew it by mail or online without going to the office. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. You will need your current license number and your date of birth to start the online renewal.

Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer because the DOT has to receive your process, process it, and mail your new license back to you. If you renew by mail, send your process and current license to the address listed on the DOT website.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed, if you want to change your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must go to the Davenport office in person.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to the Davenport office and bring documentation showing why the suspension or revocation happened and what you have done to resolve it. This might include proof that you paid a fine, completed a traffic safety course, or paid back child support.

The office staff can tell you what documents you need and whether your license can be reinstated. Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically after a certain date; others require you to take action. Call ahead so you know what to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner's permit?

Yes. You do not need a learner's permit to take the written test. However, you must have a valid learner's permit or another state's driver's license before you can take the road test. After you pass the written test, the office will issue you a learner's permit if you do not already have one.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as soon as the next available appointment, which is usually within a few days or a week. There is a fee each time you take the test. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card. You can bring a W-2, a 1099, or any document that shows your Social Security number. An original or certified copy is required; a photo will not be accepted.

How long is a driver's license valid in Iowa?

A standard driver's license is valid for four years. If you are over 70, your license is valid for two years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must pick up your license in person at the Davenport office. You will need to sign the back of the card when you receive it. If you cannot go to the office, ask the staff whether they can mail your license to you instead.