Overview

Early in 2010, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and 81 county treasurer offices that issue driver's licenses will change from an "over-the-counter" issuance system for driver's licenses (DL) and identification (ID) cards to a "central issuance" system.

This change is being made to help reduce fraud and identity theft. There are a number of reasons individuals seek to get a DL or ID in an identity other than their own - to cash forged checks, have a license to drive when their own license is revoked, appear to be "legal age" to drink, secure employment when they are an undocumented immigrant, gain access to government benefits, and launder money, to name a few.

Central issuance is a system used successfully in 22 other states. Minnesota has used central issuance for over 35 years. Nebraska moved to this system last June. Other states are expected to do so in the near future for the same reasons as Iowa.

Under the new system, Iowans will continue to go the driver’s license station most convenient to them to receive services.
[Note: The driver’s license station on Euclid Avenue in Des Moines is a renewal-only station.]

Individuals will leave the station with their existing DL or ID (with holes punched in the card) and a temporary permit good for 30 days. A new DL/ID card will be received through the mail within 10 business days, just as Iowans receive credit cards, car titles, birth certificates, passports, and other documents. If an individual does not have an existing DL/ID, he or she will have the temporary permit.

Central issuance only affects the way licenses are issued. It does not affect the way they are applied for or the proof of identity requirements, testing or any other requirements to obtain a DL or ID card.