Iowa driver's license renewal and extensions

Renewing your license

Your license expires on the expiration date printed on the license. The license is valid for driving for an additional 60 days after the expiration date. After 60 days from the expiration date, you may be ticketed for driving with an expired license.

You should of course renew your license before the end of the 60-day grace period to avoid that. If, however, you expect to travel out of state or rent a car during the 60-day grace period, you should renew your license before doing so, as some entities may not recognize the grace period and may consider the license to be expired. If you fail to renew the license before the end of the 60-day grace period, you may still renew your license for up to one year after the expiration date without taking the knowledge test or drive test. After one year you will be required to take the knowledge test and drive test.

You must pass the vision screening each time you renew your license.

The earliest you may renew your license is 30 days before its expiration date. Under special circumstances, you may apply to renew your license up to one year before the expiration on your license. You must, however, demonstrate to the examiner that it is impractical to wait until 30 days before the expiration date and that good cause exists to renew earlier.

Temporary extension

If you are temporarily out of state and are unable to renew your driver's license in person, you may apply for a temporary extension not to exceed six months. A request for extension must be made within 30 days before or 60 days after the expiration date. The request must also be in writing by mailing or faxing an Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License to the Iowa DOT's Office of Driver Services. You must provide an out-of-state address and/or out-of-state fax number.

Temporary extension for military personnel

An extension of operating privileges may be given to military personnel who cannot return to Iowa to renew their driver's license in person. The extension is valid until six months following separation from active duty.

Iowa law also provides for an extension to dependents of active military personnel. This extension is valid for five years from the expiration date of the license. A copy of the dependent's military identification must accompany the written request.

A request for an Extension for Military Service may be faxed or mailed to:

Office of Driver Services
Iowa Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 9204
Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9204
Telephone: 515-244-8725
Fax: 515-239-1837