Where to renew your license in Des Moines

In Des Moines, you renew your driver's license at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) office located at 6310 SE Convenience Boulevard, Des Moines, IA 50320. This is the main office serving the Des Moines area, and it handles both standard renewals and replacements. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be between 18 and 69 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that have changed.

If you prefer to renew in person, the Des Moines DOT office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no appointment system, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary, but mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons. The office is closed on state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Des Moines DOT office is at 6310 SE Convenience Boulevard and handles renewals without an appointment.
  • You can renew by mail if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or vision changes.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • A standard renewal costs $20 for an eight-year license, and you will need a new photo taken unless you renew by mail.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days by mail or same-day in person, though you receive your license in the mail within two weeks either way.

Documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal at the Des Moines DOT office, bring your current driver's license, one form of proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID is not required if you already have a valid Iowa license.

If you are renewing by mail, you still need proof of address, but you mail it along with your process form and payment. The form is DL44, which you can read from the Iowa DOT website or request by phone at 515-244-8725. Do not send your original license in the mail — the DOT will return it to you.

The cost and what it covers

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Iowa costs $20. If you want a four-year license instead, the cost is $10. Payment is cash, check, or card at the Des Moines office. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order only.

Your renewal covers the right to drive in Iowa for the duration of your license term. It does not include a Real ID designation unless you request one and bring additional documents. A Real ID costs an extra $15 and requires proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) plus proof of Social Security number (W-2, Social Security card, or tax return). Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.

How to renew by mail

To renew by mail, contact the Iowa DOT at 515-244-8725 or visit the website to request form DL44. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and date of birth. Attach a copy of your proof of address and a check or money order for $20 (or $10 for a four-year license). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

The DOT processes mail renewals within 10 business days, but your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval. You cannot drive on an expired license while waiting, so mail renewal works best if your license is not yet expired or will not expire for at least two weeks.

What happens at your in-person appointment

When you arrive at the Des Moines DOT office, take a number and wait to be called. A staff member will check your documents, verify your information against state records, and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions. You will then have your photo taken for the new license. The photo is taken at the office, so you do not need to bring one.

After your photo is taken, you pay the $20 renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for that purpose.

Renewing a license that has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must come in person to the Des Moines DOT office. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Iowa traffic laws. The knowledge test is the same test new drivers take, and you can study using the Iowa Driver's Manual, available free on the DOT website.

Bring the same documents as a standard renewal — your expired license (if you have it), proof of address, and your Social Security number. If you do not have your expired license, bring an alternative form of ID such as a passport or state ID card. The vision test and knowledge test are given at the office on the same day, so plan for a longer visit than a standard renewal.

Changes to your address or name

If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. straightforward provide your new proof of address at the office or include it with your mail renewal. The address change is processed as part of the renewal at no extra cost.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must bring documentation of the name change along with your renewal documents. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name by mail — you must renew in person at the Des Moines office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Iowa does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at the Des Moines DOT office or by mail. Mail renewal is the closest option to online, and it takes about two weeks total from the time you mail your documents.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you need a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement costs $10 and requires a police report if the license was stolen. You can get a replacement at the Des Moines DOT office in person. Bring your proof of address and Social Security number, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. You only have your photo taken if you renew in person at the office.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive within two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary license covers you for the full 30 days. If your permanent license does not arrive by day 30, contact the DOT at 515-244-8725.

What if my vision or medical condition has changed?

If your vision has changed or you have developed a new medical condition, you must renew in person and take a vision test. Some conditions require a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor. Tell the staff member at the Des Moines office about any changes when you arrive, and they will let you know what documents you need.