What Iowa's Driver License Kiosks Do

Iowa operates self-service kiosks at select locations where you can renew your driver license or state ID card without waiting for an appointment or speaking to staff. The kiosk handles the entire transaction — you scan your current license, answer security questions, take a new photo, and pay the fee. The kiosk prints your temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

These kiosks are available at the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) offices in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Dubuque. They operate during regular business hours and are designed for straightforward renewals, not for first-time licenses, address changes, or other complex transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Iowa's driver license kiosks are located in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Dubuque and handle renewals and state ID card renewals only.
  • You must have a current, valid Iowa driver license or state ID to use a kiosk; you cannot obtain a first-time license through one.
  • The kiosk prints a temporary license when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Kiosk transactions cost the same as in-person renewals at a DOT office and require payment by debit or credit card.

Who Can Use an Iowa Driver License Kiosk

You can use a kiosk if you are renewing a valid Iowa driver license or state ID card that has not yet expired or expired within the last year. Your current license must be in good condition — readable and not damaged — because the kiosk scans it to pull your information.

You cannot use a kiosk if you are obtaining a license for the first time, if your license was suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, or if you have medical conditions that require a restricted license. For any of these situations, you must visit a DOT office in person and speak with staff.

What You Need to Bring to the Kiosk

Bring your current Iowa driver license or state ID card. That is the only document the kiosk requires. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.

Do not bring documents you would normally bring to a DOT office — the kiosk does not accept proof of residency, Social Security cards, or birth certificates. If the kiosk cannot read your current license or if you cannot answer the security questions it asks, the transaction will stop, and you will need to visit a DOT office instead.

How to Use the Kiosk Step by Step

Insert your current driver license or state ID into the scanner slot. The kiosk will read the barcode and pull up your information on the screen. Review the details — name, address, date of birth — and confirm they are correct. If anything is wrong, stop the transaction and visit a DOT office; the kiosk cannot change your address or personal information.

Answer the security questions the kiosk displays. These questions are based on your driving record and personal history. If you cannot answer them or answer incorrectly, the kiosk will end the session, and you will need to visit a DOT office.

Take a new photo when the kiosk prompts you. The photo is taken by the kiosk's built-in camera. You can retake the photo up to three times if you are not satisfied with it. Once you approve the photo, you cannot change it.

Review the final summary of your renewal, confirm your information one more time, and insert your debit or credit card to pay the fee. The kiosk will process the payment and print your temporary license when ready. Keep this temporary license with you until your permanent card arrives.

Kiosk Locations and Hours in Iowa

The four kiosk locations are in Des Moines (DOT headquarters), Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Dubuque. Each kiosk operates during the same hours as the DOT office it is located in, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location.

Before you travel to a kiosk, check the Iowa DOT website or call the office to confirm the kiosk is working. Kiosks occasionally go offline for maintenance or technical issues. If a kiosk is not available when you arrive, you can request an appointment with staff at that office or visit a different location.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a driver license or state ID at a kiosk is the same as the fee for an in-person renewal at a DOT office. As of the most recent update, a standard driver license renewal costs around $20 to $25, though the exact amount depends on how many years you are renewing for. The kiosk accepts debit and credit cards only — it does not accept cash, checks, or money orders.

The fee is charged when ready when you complete the transaction. You will receive a receipt printed by the kiosk. Keep this receipt with your temporary license until your permanent card arrives.

What Happens After the Kiosk Transaction

The kiosk prints a temporary license that is valid when ready. This temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent license and can be used to drive, board a plane, or show as identification. The temporary license is valid for 30 days or until your permanent card arrives, whichever comes first.

Your permanent driver license or state ID card is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the Iowa DOT. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, but you can keep it as a record.

When You Cannot Use a Kiosk and Need to Visit an Office

Visit a DOT office in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you are obtaining a license for the first time, if you need to change your address, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license. You will also need to visit an office if you have a medical condition that requires a restricted license or if the kiosk cannot read your current license.

To schedule an appointment at a DOT office, visit the Iowa DOT website or call the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long, especially during peak hours. Appointments are free and can usually be scheduled within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at a kiosk if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit a DOT office in person. The kiosk is designed only for renewals of licenses that are current or expired within the last year.

What if the kiosk rejects my license or I cannot answer the security questions?

The kiosk will end the transaction and return your license. You will need to visit a DOT office and speak with staff. Bring your license and any documents that support your identity, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card.

Can I change my address at the kiosk?

No. The kiosk only renews your license with the address already on file. If you need to change your address, you must visit a DOT office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

How long does the temporary license last?

The temporary license printed by the kiosk is valid for 30 days or until your permanent card arrives by mail, whichever comes first. Your permanent card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I use a kiosk to renew a REAL ID license?

No. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, you must visit a DOT office in person. The kiosk does not handle REAL ID upgrades or new REAL ID licenses.