Indianola is a city in Warren County, Iowa — you get your license through the Iowa Department of Transportation
Indianola itself does not issue driver licenses. You must go to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Driver Services Bureau, which handles all Iowa licenses statewide. The nearest full-service office to Indianola is in Des Moines, about 20 miles north. You can also use the satellite office in Indianola if one exists, but you should call ahead to confirm hours and current services, as satellite locations sometimes close or limit services.
Iowa offers several license types: a standard Class D license for regular driving, a Class M for motorcycles, a commercial Class A, B, or C license, and a chauffeur license. Your first step is knowing which type you need and whether you are getting a new license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.
The process, fees, and documents you need depend on whether this is your first Iowa license, a renewal, or a replacement. Renewals are usually faster than new licenses because Iowa already has your record. First-time applicants must pass a written test and a driving test; renewals do not require either unless your license has been suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Iowa Department of Transportation Driver Services office in person; Indianola residents typically go to Des Moines or check for a local satellite office.
- A new Iowa driver license requires proof of identity, proof of Iowa residency, a Social Security number, and passing both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
- Renewals cost $20 for an eight-year license and do not require a test unless your license was suspended or you are over 69 years old.
- Iowa licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue; you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If you hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, but you must still pass the driving test and provide Iowa residency proof.
What documents you need for a new Iowa driver license
A new license requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Iowa residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States (if applicable). You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your Iowa address. The document must be dated within 30 days of your process. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of lawful presence, bring your passport, a birth certificate, a green card, an employment authorization document (EAD), or a visa. If you were born outside the United States, a certified birth certificate from your country of origin is acceptable.
Bring all originals to the office. Do not mail documents ahead; you must present them in person. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also be present with their own ID.
Steps to get your first Iowa driver license
The process has five steps: gather documents, pass the written test, schedule a driving test, pass the driving test, and pay the fee. You cannot skip the written test for a new license, even if you hold a valid license from another state.
- Gather all required documents listed above and bring them to the Iowa DOT office.
- Complete the process form (Form 411019) at the office. Staff will help you if you are unsure.
- Pass the written knowledge test on the spot. The test covers Iowa traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return later.
- Schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner. Testing availability varies; you may be able to test the same day or you may need to book an appointment for a later date. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Pass the driving test and pay the fee. An examiner will ride with you for about 20 minutes, testing your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and follow traffic laws. You must pass to receive your license.
The entire process from first visit to license in hand usually takes one to three weeks if you pass both tests on your first attempt. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait several days for the next available appointment.
Renewing your Iowa driver license
A renewal is simpler than a new license. You do not take a test, and you do not need to prove residency again if your address has not changed. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
If your address has not changed, you can renew by mail or online through the Iowa DOT website. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The renewal fee is $20 for an eight-year license.
If your address has changed, you must visit an Iowa DOT office in person and bring proof of your new Iowa address. Bring your current license and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless you are over 69 years old (in which case you must pass a vision test).
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, allow 10 to 14 business days.
Fees and payment methods
A new Iowa driver license costs $20 for an eight-year license. A renewal also costs $20. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20. If you need a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license), that costs $5.
The Iowa DOT accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only. There are no additional fees for the written test or driving test; they are included in the license fee.
If you are a commercial driver (Class A, B, or C), the fee is higher — typically $40 to $60 depending on the class — and you must pass additional tests. Ask the office for the exact cost when you explore.
If you hold a valid license from another state
You do not have to retake the written knowledge test if you show a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state or territory. However, you must still pass an Iowa driving test and provide proof of Iowa residency. You also need proof of identity and Social Security number, as with any new applicant.
Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Iowa residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days), proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number. You will complete an Iowa process form, take the driving test, and pay the $20 fee. The written test is waived, so the process is faster than for a first-time applicant with no prior license.
If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you may not be able to use the waiver. Ask the office staff when you call to confirm your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. The written knowledge test must be taken at an Iowa DOT office in person. You cannot take it online or by mail. You can study using the Iowa Driver's Manual (available free on the DOT website) before you go, but the test itself is administered on-site.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day and schedule a new appointment. There is no additional fee for a retest. You will need to bring your vehicle again and meet the same requirements (registered, insured, safe condition). Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
This depends on the office. The Des Moines office accepts walk-ins for some services but recommends calling ahead or booking online to avoid long waits. Satellite offices may have different policies. Call the office nearest you before you go.
How long is an Iowa driver license valid?
An Iowa driver license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If you let it expire, you must reapply as a new applicant and retake both tests.
What if I move out of Iowa after I get my license?
Your Iowa license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, if you move and want to get a license in your new state, you will need to follow that state's procedures. You do not need to surrender your Iowa license unless your new state requires it.