Driver's License

Schedule an Appointment Online

When scheduling your appointment online, be sure to click "Read more" on the service selected to ensure you will have everything you need for your appointment.  Please call if you are unsure of eligibility status or type of appointment needed.

What Documents Do I Need?

Build a checklist of what you'll need to bring to get:

• Your Iowa license or ID for the first time.
• Your Iowa license or ID as a new Iowa resident.
• A Real ID gold star on your card for the first time.

Hours & Locations

Renew your license 30 days before or 60 days after your birthday. If your license has been expired for over one year, full testing (computer and skills) are required.

REMINDER: If you are not a Winnebago County resident and do not pay property taxes to Winnebago County, you will be charged a $10.00 convenience fee for issuance of a Driver's License or Identification Card, per HF267 and HF718 effective July 1, 2023

General Hours & Appointments

Driver's license services are available Monday through Friday by appointment only. Some services are only available at certain times. Please see the appointment list below for specifics.

Appointments available:

• Renewals | BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last appt. at 3:30 p.m.)
• Computer Knowledge Test | Please call to set up a testing appointment
• Skills Driving Test | by appointment only
  • Skills tests can be scheduled after passing the computer knowledge exam
  • No motorcycles or CDL skills testing in Winnebago County.  You may contact a state DOT station to find a motorcycle or CDL testing location.
  • For more information on preparing for your drive test, please visit: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/drivetests

Please call 641-585-2322 or 641-585-4430 to book an appointment.

Services

Permit Test Requirements

• Birth certificate
  • Certified state copy of the birth certificate (the hospital birth certificate with baby footprints will not be sufficient)
• Social security card
• A parent must be present at the appointment or this Parent Consent Form (Iowa DOT Form 430018) must be completed prior to the appointment
• Two pieces of mail with the minor’s name and physical address listed

School Permit Requirements

• Completed and passed Driver's Education
• 6 months of having a permit with no accidents or citations
• Completed Affidavit for Minor School License (Iowa DOT Form 430021)

Renewals

Renewals are $4 per year for basic renewals. Motorcycle endorsements are an additional $2 per year.

• Renewal Requirements
  • 8-year renewals | 18 to 72-year-olds
  • 7-year renewals | 73-year-olds
  • 6-year renewals | 74-year-olds
  • 5-year renewals | 75-year-olds
  • 4-year renewals | 76-year-olds
  • 3-year renewals | 77-year-olds
  • 2-year renewals | 78-year-olds and older

Payment Options

• Cash
• Check made out to Treasurer, State of Iowa
• Debit/credit cards for an additional $1.50

Duplicate/Replacement

Duplicates cost $10.

Identification Cards

• In Iowa, you can have an ID card or a driver's license; you are not allowed to have both. 
• Iowa non-operator’s ID cards will be issued with an expiration date of eight years.

Commercial Drivers Licence (CDL)

CDLs are $8 per year. If you have the hazmat endorsement, testing is required at renewal time. Every five years, fingerprints and background checks are required as well. More information can be found on the Iowa DOT website.

If you have a CDL you must certify if you are interstate or intrastate. Intrastate includes using your CDL only within the state of Iowa while interstate is using your CDL while outside of the state of Iowa. If you certify as non-excepted interstate you will need the following:

• Medical card from your doctor
• Completed Certification for Commercial Driver’s License

Failure to comply with the required timeline will result in a downgrade of your CDL. 

See the diagram below for more information on interstate vs intrastate.

Reminder! CDL holders must bring in their birth certificate, passport, or INS document to renew if they don’t have a Real ID. 

REAL ID Requirements

• Deadline: May 7, 2025
• Typical documents needed (Please check the 'What Documents do I need' link for a list specific to your needs):
  • Identity
    • Birth certificate or valid passport
  • Social security
    • Card or 1099/W-2 with full number listed on document
  • Residency
    • Two pieces of mail verifying your physical residency (no PO Boxes), must be from separate senders
  • You may also need proof of legal name change, if applicable
    • If your legal name has changed, you will need to bring in your certified legal name change documents (i.e. certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.).
  • To change your existing license to the Real ID license it is $10 if not at renewal time.

Iowa DOT REAL ID Info    View REAL ID flyer   What Documents Do I Need?

Address Change

In-state address changes cost $10 and can be done through a verbal address update. If from out of state, please visit the Iowa DOT website for more information.

New to Iowa?

Learn how to get an Iowa driver's license.

• You will need to bring:
  • Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, INS documents)
  • Proof of social security (social security card, anything listing your full social security number or social security number affidavit for driver's license or identification card services
  • Proof of residency x 2 (2 pieces of mail)
  • If your legal name has changed, you will need to bring in your certified legal name change documents (i.e. certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)

For more information about drivers licensing, please check out our frequently asked questions section. 

Driver's License FAQ

For additional forms, please check out the online forms. 

View More Forms