Where to go for your driver's license in Davenport
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) issues driver's licenses in Iowa. In Davenport, you will go to the Scott County Driver's License Station, located at 600 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52801. This is the only full-service location in Davenport where you can take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license.
The station is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead at (563) 326-8604 to confirm current hours before you go, since they sometimes close for lunch or state holidays. Arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times.
You cannot renew your license online in Iowa, and you cannot use a mail-in option for a first-time license. You must appear in person at the station with the documents listed below.
Key Takeaways
- The Scott County Driver's License Station at 600 Brady Street is where you go in Davenport; it is open weekdays only.
- You need proof of identity, proof of Iowa residency, and your Social Security number before you go.
- First-time licenses require you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test with an examiner.
- The road test must be scheduled in advance; you cannot take it the same day as your written and vision tests.
- Bring your own vehicle for the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
What documents you need to bring
Iowa requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified copy of one document from the identity column and one from the residency column in the table below. Photocopies and digital images on your phone will not be accepted.
| Proof of Identity | Proof of Iowa Residency |
|---|---|
| U.S. passport or passport card | Utility bill (electric, gas, water) |
| Birth certificate (certified copy) | Lease or rental agreement |
| Naturalization certificate | Property tax statement |
| Tribal ID card | Bank or credit card statement |
| Military ID | Insurance policy or statement |
| Mortgage statement |
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign consent forms at the station.
The written test and vision screening
When you arrive at the station, you will first take a vision screening. An employee will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Next, you will take the written test on a computer at the station. The test covers Iowa traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait.
The Iowa DOT provides a free study guide online at dmv.iowa.gov. You can also pick up a printed copy at the Davenport station. Most people spend one to two weeks studying before taking the test.
Scheduling and taking your road test
After you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule your road test with an examiner. The road test cannot happen the same day — it is usually scheduled for a later date, often one to three weeks out depending on how busy the station is.
For the road test, you must bring your own vehicle. It must be registered in Iowa, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be able to take the test that day.
The test lasts about 30 minutes. You will drive on local streets while the examiner watches and scores your performance on steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must pass to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment and pay the retest fee.
Fees and what happens after you pass
A five-year driver's license costs $20. A ten-year license costs $40. You pay at the station when you pass your road test. The station accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
After you pass, the examiner will take your photo and print your license on the spot. You will receive it before you leave the station. Your license is valid when ready and can be used for identification and driving right away.
If you fail the road test, you will receive a notice explaining what you did wrong. You can schedule another test at the station, and you will pay the retest fee again.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Iowa, you do not have to retake the written and road tests. You can exchange it for an Iowa license by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of Iowa residency, and your Social Security number to the station. The fee is the same as for a new license.
Your out-of-state license will be kept by the Iowa DOT when you exchange it. You will receive your new Iowa license before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. Iowa requires you to take the written test in person at a driver's license station. You cannot take it online or mail it in. You must go to the Scott County station in Davenport.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Most stations let you try again after a short wait. You must pass before you can schedule a road test.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You only need to know your Social Security number and provide it verbally or on a form. You do not need to bring the card itself.
What if my vehicle fails the safety check before the road test?
You cannot take the test that day. You will need to fix the problem and schedule a new road test appointment. You will pay the retest fee again.
How long is a driver's license valid in Iowa?
You can choose a five-year or ten-year license when you get yours. A five-year license costs $20; a ten-year license costs $40. After it expires, you must renew it in person at a driver's license station.