Iowa driver license guide

Minimum age for an instruction permit

14 (graduated licensing for ages 14-17).Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Instruction permit fee

$6.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Class C license fee

$4 per year of license validity (a standard 8-year license works out to $32).Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Applicants under 18 need a signed consent from a parent, guardian or custodian, each time a license or permit is issued.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

Up to four years from the birthday in the year of issue.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period

Hold the instruction permit at least 12 months before an intermediate license (ages 16-17).Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit supervision

Under 18: drive only with a licensed parent/guardian, immediate family member 21+, driver ed instructor, or a person 25+ with parent permission, seated beside you; no more passengers than seat belts.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test passing score

Set by the DOT for each test; not stated in rule.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retaking the knowledge test

A failed knowledge test may be repeated at the examiner's discretion; a passing score is valid 180 days.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

Every new applicant's eyesight is screened; a vision report from an eye specialist can be filed instead.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents to bring

Proof of identity and date of birth, Social Security number, Iowa residency and address (two documents), and lawful status.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours

20 hours (2 at night) before an intermediate license, then 10 more hours (2 at night) before a full license.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education

Required for an intermediate license; at least 30 classroom hours plus 6 lab hours (3 on the road).Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Intermediate license

Age 16-17, permit held 12 months, driver education done, and 6 months free of accidents and violations.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Intermediate license limits

Supervision required 12:30-5:00 a.m. (waivers for school activities and work); one unrelated minor passenger for the first six months unless a parent waives it.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Full license

At 17, after holding the intermediate license 12 months and logging 10 more supervised hours.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License validity

Eight years for ages 17 years 11 months to 78 (not past age 80); two years if younger or 78 and older.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Within 180 days before expiration; no tests needed if renewed within one year after expiration.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Electronic renewal

Allowed for U.S. citizens 18-69 with no name or birth date change, but not twice in a row.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Grace period

You are not considered unlicensed for 60 days after expiration.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Optional; requires documented identity, date of birth, SSN, principal address and lawful status verified under federal rules.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you count as a resident

Residency is presumed if, among other things, you stay in Iowa more than 30 days, take a job, register to vote or enroll a child in school.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests waived for new residents

Knowledge and driving tests can be waived with an equivalent out-of-state license that is valid or expired less than a year.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement fee

$10.Source: legis.iowa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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