Where to renew your license in Des Moines

In Des Moines, you renew your driver license at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Driver Services Bureau. The main office is located at 100 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313. You can renew in person at this location, or you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.

Before you go, check whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than a certain period. Iowa allows online renewal for many drivers whose licenses are not yet expired or expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will likely need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

The DOT office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You do not need an appointment for most renewals, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times. Call ahead at (515) 244-8725 if you have questions about your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew at the Iowa DOT Driver Services Bureau at 100 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines during business hours, or online if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years.
  • You will need your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency; bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • Standard renewal costs $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license, and payment is cash, check, or card.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass the written knowledge test again.
  • Processing takes a few minutes in person; your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current or expired driver license as your primary form of identification. If you do not have it, bring another government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number—your Social Security card is the easiest option, but you can also bring a W-2, tax return, or other document that displays it.

Proof of your current Iowa address is required. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old proof of address and your new one. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice) also counts.

If you are renewing online, you will not need to bring physical documents, but you will need to enter the information from your license and answer security questions to verify your identity.

Cost and payment methods

A standard four-year driver license costs $20. An eight-year license costs $30. These are the renewal fees; if you are also changing your address or requesting a duplicate, there may be additional small fees. The DOT office accepts cash, personal checks, and credit or debit cards.

If you renew online, you will pay by credit or debit card at the time of renewal. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail.

Online and mail renewal options

Iowa allows online renewal if your license is not yet expired or has been expired for less than two years. You can renew online at the Iowa DOT website. The process takes about 10 minutes: you will enter your license number, answer security questions, and pay the renewal fee by card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is also an option for licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than two years. You can read the renewal form from the Iowa DOT website, fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DOT receives your process.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to the DOT office in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if you want to add or remove endorsements.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you are no longer considered a currently licensed driver in Iowa. You will need to renew in person at the DOT office, and you may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The DOT will let you know whether a test is required when you arrive.

Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you must take the written test, you will take it at the office before your license is renewed. The test covers Iowa traffic laws and safe driving practices and is the same test new drivers take.

Processing takes a few minutes once your paperwork is complete and any test is passed. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at the DOT office. Bring your current or expired CDL, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address, just as you would for a standard renewal.

You will not retake the written test unless your CDL has been expired for more than two years or the DOT has reason to require it. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The renewal fee for a CDL is the same as for a standard license: $20 for four years or $30 for eight years.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a duplicate at the DOT office. Bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. A duplicate license costs $5 and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a duplicate online if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. The DOT does not need a police report to issue a duplicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at the DOT office in Des Moines and may need to retake the written test.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you renew. If you renew in person, processing at the office takes only a few minutes. If you renew by mail, add 2 to 3 weeks for the DOT to receive and process your process before the mailing period begins.

What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?

You can update your address when you renew. Bring both your old proof of address and your new proof of address to the office, or include both when you mail in your renewal form. There is no extra fee to change your address during renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the DOT office?

No appointment is needed for most renewals. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

What if I fail the written test when I renew?

If you are required to take the test and do not pass, you can retake it the same day or return another day to try again. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You will not receive your new license until you pass.