Where to go and what to bring
In Iowa City, you renew your driver's license at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) office located at 100 Southridge Drive, Iowa City, IA 52240. This is the only place in Iowa City where you can complete a renewal in person. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — but if you need to renew in person, this is where you go.
Before you arrive, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If your address on your license is outdated, bring the address proof. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than late afternoon or Friday.
Key Takeaways
- The Iowa DOT office at 100 Southridge Drive in Iowa City is the only in-person renewal location; hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 90 days.
- You can renew online through the Iowa DOT website if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change requiring verification.
- A renewed license costs $20 for an eight-year license and is mailed to you within 10 business days of approval.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Online renewal and when you can use it
Iowa allows online renewal through the Iowa DOT website if you meet certain conditions. Your current license must not be expired, and you cannot have a name change or address change that requires in-person verification. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
To renew online, go to the Iowa DOT website, select "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $20, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you avoid the trip to Iowa City and the wait time. However, if you have any doubt about whether your situation qualifies, contact the Iowa DOT at 515-244-8725 before attempting online renewal. A rejected process wastes time and may require you to renew in person anyway.
Mail renewal and processing time
You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no name or address changes requiring verification. read the Driver License Renewal process (Form 411035) from the Iowa DOT website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of your address to the Iowa DOT, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204.
Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person — typically three to four weeks from the time the DOT receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time both ways. If you are on a tight timeline, in-person renewal at the Iowa City office is faster.
Keep a copy of everything you mail. If your process is lost or rejected, you will have proof of what you sent. The DOT will contact you by mail if anything is missing or incorrect, which adds another week or more to the process.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for one year or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same, and you do not need to retake any tests.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at the Iowa City DOT office. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus bring glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. The written test covers Iowa traffic laws and road signs; study materials are available on the Iowa DOT website.
A license expired more than one year also costs more to renew — the fee is higher than a standard renewal. Contact the Iowa City office at 515-244-8725 to confirm the current fee before you arrive.
Renewing before your license expires
Iowa allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip, starting a new job, or straightforward want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. The renewal process is identical whether your license is current or approaching expiration — you use the same documents and pay the same fee.
Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date. So if you renew one year early, your new license will expire one year later than it would have if you had waited. This is not a penalty — it is straightforward how the system works.
Renewing early is especially smart if you are close to a name change, address change, or other life event that might complicate renewal later. It also means you will not be caught without a valid license if you forget to renew on time.
What to expect during your in-person visit
When you arrive at the Iowa City DOT office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will verify that everything is in order and may ask you questions about your address or name change. This usually takes five to ten minutes. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you when ready and give you a chance to clarify or provide additional proof.
Next, you will have your photo taken and your vision tested. The vision test is basic — you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. You will also answer a few questions about your health and any medical conditions that might affect your driving.
Once everything is complete, you will pay the $20 fee by cash, check, or card. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Iowa City office to check on the status.
Renewing a license with a name or address change
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person at the Iowa City office. Bring the original or certified copy of the document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not enough.
If your address has changed, you can renew online or by mail as long as you have proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days. If you cannot provide current proof of your new address, renew in person and bring whatever address proof you have — the staff can help you figure out what works.
Name and address changes do not cost extra or take longer than a standard renewal. The only difference is that you must provide the additional documentation and, for a name change, you must do it in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must contact the Iowa DOT to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 515-244-8725 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew using any method.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still renew in person at the Iowa City office even without your current license. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address instead. The staff will look up your license information in the system. You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive within 10 business days, so the temporary is usually just a backup. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Iowa City office when ready.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. For online and mail renewals, the DOT uses the photo from your current license unless you request a new one. For in-person renewal, a new photo is always taken.
What if I move out of Iowa City after I renew?
Your Iowa driver's license remains valid no matter where you move, as long as you are still an Iowa resident. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. If you move within Iowa but to a different city, your license does not need to be updated — your address on the license can be anywhere in Iowa.