Where to go for your driver's license in Des Moines

In Des Moines, you get your driver's license at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) office. The main location is at 100 Euclid Avenue in downtown Des Moines. This is where you'll take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license, or renew an existing one.

The DOT office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On busy days, you may wait an hour or more. If you want to check current wait times before you go, you can call the Des Moines office at (515) 237-3100.

There are also DOT satellite offices in other parts of Iowa, but if you live in or near Des Moines, the Euclid Avenue location is your closest option.

Key Takeaways

  • The Iowa DOT office at 100 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and handles all driver's license services.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an ITIN to explore for a new license.
  • A new driver's license costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license; renewals cost the same amount.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license that is not expired by more than five years.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the DOT office, gather the documents listed below. You will need to show proof of your identity, proof that you live in Iowa, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a school ID, a work ID, or a bank statement with your name on it.

For proof of residency, bring a document showing your current address in Iowa. This can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document like a tax return. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have one, bring your ITIN and a document that shows it, such as a tax return or an ITIN letter from the IRS.

The cost and how long it takes

A new driver's license in Iowa costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license. You choose which one you want when you explore. Renewals cost the same amount. The DOT office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you are getting a new license for the first time or after your license has been suspended or revoked, you must take a written test and a vision test at the office. The written test covers Iowa traffic laws and road signs. You can study for it using the Iowa Driver's Manual, which is free on the DOT website. Most people pass on their first try.

On the day you explore, you will get a temporary paper license that you can use right away. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is still valid and not expired by more than five years, you may be able to renew it without going to the office. Iowa allows some renewals by mail and online.

To renew online, go to the Iowa DOT website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Iowa DOT website, fill it out, and mail it to the address on the form along with your payment. Mail renewals take longer — usually three to four weeks from the time the DOT receives your form.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information. In those cases, you must go to the office in person.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to the DOT office and explore for a new license. This means you will take the written test and vision test again, even though you have held a license before.

If your license expired five years ago or less, you can still renew by mail or online using the process described above. The five-year window gives you time to renew without losing the option to do it remotely.

If you are driving with an expired license, you can be ticketed by police. It is not the same as driving without a license, but it is still a violation. Renewing as soon as you notice your license has expired will help you avoid this.

Getting a Real ID compliant license

A Real ID is a federal standard for driver's licenses that makes them acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Iowa driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default — you don't have to ask for one or pay extra.

When you explore for a new license or renew, the DOT will issue you a Real ID license as long as you bring the documents listed above. Your Real ID license will have a small gold star in the upper right corner of the card.

If you don't want a Real ID license, you can request a standard license instead, but you will not be able to use it for domestic air travel starting in 2025. Most people choose to keep the Real ID version since it costs nothing extra and works for more purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and a document that shows it, such as a tax return or an IRS letter. The DOT will accept this instead of a Social Security number.

Do I need an appointment to go to the DOT office?

No. The Des Moines DOT office takes walk-ins. You don't need to call ahead or book a time slot. However, wait times can be long during busy hours, so going early in the day or mid-week may mean a shorter wait.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the Iowa Driver's Manual between tries.

How do I change my address on my license without renewing?

You must go to the DOT office in person to change your address. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, and the DOT will issue you a new card with the updated address at no extra cost.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

Yes, an outstanding ticket will not stop you from renewing your license. However, if you have unpaid fines or your license has been suspended for other reasons, the DOT may not process your renewal until those issues are resolved. Call the Des Moines office at (515) 237-3100 to check your status before you go.