Where to go for your driver's license in Davenport

In Davenport, you get your driver's license at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) office located at 1111 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. This is the only place in Davenport where you can take the written test, the vision test, and the driving test. You cannot renew online if you need a new photo or if your license has been expired for more than a year, so you will need to visit in person for those situations.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (563) 261-8756 to confirm when they are open before you go. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back a second time because you forgot something adds weeks to the process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Davenport DOT office is at 1111 East Kimberly Road, and it is the only place in the city where you can test and get a license.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of Iowa residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number before you arrive.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you can study using the Iowa Driver's Manual available free online.
  • If you are renewing a license that expired less than a year ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the office.
  • Bring your current license or other ID, even if it is expired, because the office uses it to look up your record.

What documents you need to bring

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Iowa residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. A current or expired Iowa driver's license counts as both identity and residency proof, so if you are renewing, bring it even if it has expired.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a current or expired Iowa driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax statement — it must show your name and current Davenport address and be dated within the last 60 days.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead. The office will not accept a birth certificate as proof of Social Security number.

Taking the written test and vision screening

When you arrive, you will take a vision screening first. The screener checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to test that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with documentation of your vision correction.

The written test has 35 questions about Iowa traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, what different colored signs mean, and what to do at a four-way stop. You can study using the Iowa Driver's Manual, which is free on the Iowa DOT website. Many people study the manual for a few days before testing and pass on their first try.

You get three tries to pass the written test. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. After you pass the written test, you will schedule your driving test, which usually happens within a few weeks.

The driving test and what happens after you pass

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on local roads. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

If you pass the driving test, you will get your temporary license that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your Iowa driver's license expired less than a year ago and you do not need a new photo, you may renew by mail or online without visiting the Davenport office. You can renew online at the Iowa DOT website if your license is still valid or expired less than one year. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you must visit the office in person and take the written test again. If you have had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving, you also must visit in person.

Cost and how long it takes

A new driver's license costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. A renewal costs $20 for four years or $40 for eight years. These prices do not include the cost of the written test or driving test if you are taking them for the first time. Payment is cash or card at the office.

The timeline depends on whether you are new or renewing. If you are getting your first license, expect the written test and driving test to happen over two to four weeks. If you are renewing by mail or online, your new license arrives within two weeks. If you are renewing in person at the office, you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

What to do if you lose your license or it gets damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Davenport DOT office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency just as you would for a renewal. You do not need to take the written or driving test again. A replacement costs $20 and you get a temporary license the same day.

If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the Davenport Police Department, though this is not required to get a replacement. Having a police report can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in my own car?

Yes, as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition with working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, they will not let you test that day.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Most people pass within two or three tries. Each attempt costs the same fee.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Call the office at (563) 261-8756 to ask about their current appointment policy. Some offices take walk-ins, while others require appointments. Calling first saves you a trip if they are fully booked.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

What if I moved to Davenport from another state?

You must get an Iowa driver's license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of your Davenport address and Social Security number. You will need to take the written test and driving test, just as a first-time driver would.