Get a replacement at your local Iowa DOT office with your ID and a completed form

To replace a lost Iowa driver's license, you need to visit a Driver Services Bureau office in person, bring a valid ID and proof of your current address, and complete form 411094. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20.

You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. Iowa requires you to appear in person so staff can verify your identity and take a new photo. If you live outside Iowa, you can still use a mail-in process, but it takes longer and requires notarization.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Bureau office in person with a valid ID, proof of address, and a completed form 411094.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you live in Iowa, visiting an office is faster than any other method; if you live out of state, a notarized mail-in process is available but takes longer.
  • Your new license will have the same number as your lost one unless you request a different number for an additional $1 fee.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of ID that shows your photo and signature. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill.

You also need proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the address document must match the name on your ID.

Bring the completed form 411094, which you can read from the Iowa Department of Transportation website or fill out at the office. You do not need to print it in advance — staff can provide a blank copy.

Finding and visiting a Driver Services Bureau office

Iowa has 7 Driver Services Bureau offices located in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Sioux City, and Waterloo. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings.

Check the Iowa Department of Transportation website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. Wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings and longest on Friday afternoons. Bring all required documents in one visit — if you're missing something, you'll have to return another day.

What happens after you pay the fee

After you pay the $20 replacement fee, the office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same driving privileges as your plastic license and is legal to carry while you wait for your replacement card to arrive by mail.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services Bureau office where you applied. Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives.

If you live outside Iowa

If you're an Iowa resident living out of state, you can request a replacement by mail. read form 411094 from the Iowa Department of Transportation website, complete it, and have your signature notarized. Mail the form along with a copy of your valid ID and proof of address to the Des Moines Driver Services Bureau office.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, compared to 7 to 10 days if you visit in person. You'll still need to pay the $20 fee; include a check or money order with your process. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Requesting a different license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license by default. If you want a different number, you can request one for an additional $1 fee. Tell the staff member at the office that you want a new number, and they'll process the request along with your replacement.

A new number takes the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive. This option is useful if you're concerned about identity theft or straightforward prefer a different number, but it's not required.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — you still visit an office with your ID and address proof and pay $20. However, you may want to consider requesting a new license number, since a stolen license could be used fraudulently. The $1 fee for a new number is worth the extra protection.

If you believe your stolen license has been used for identity theft, contact the Iowa Department of Transportation and file a report with local police. Keep copies of the police report in case you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with my temporary paper license?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and has the same driving privileges as your plastic license. You must carry it with you whenever you drive. Once your plastic license arrives, you can stop carrying the paper one.

What if I don't receive my replacement license within two weeks?

Contact the Driver Services Bureau office where you applied. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Do I have to visit the office in the county where I live?

No. You can visit any of the 7 Driver Services Bureau offices in Iowa, regardless of which county you live in. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you'll need to handle that in a separate visit or process after you receive your replacement card.

What if my address has changed since my lost license was issued?

Bring proof of your current address to the office. Your new license will show your updated address. You do not need to update your address separately.