Posted on

Come on down and get cozy in the Hawkeye State! Obtaining an Iowa driver’s license is important for different reasons. Depending on your career, you may also require a commercial driver’s license. In this article, you’ll learn how to obtain your Iowa driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Let’s get started!

Types of Iowa Driver’s Licenses

In the state of Iowa, there are different types of driver’s licenses, such as non-commercial, motorcycle or moped, and commercial driver’s licenses. Let’s start with the commercial driver’s licenses first!

Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Class C – There are different non-commercial driver’s licenses in the state of Iowa. The Class C driver’s license in Iowa is the standard driver’s license for residents in this state. The minimum age to receive this license is 16.

Class D – the Class D driver’s license is a Chauffer’s license that is required for individuals who operate taxis, cars for Uber, and vehicles for similar commercial purposes, not including semi-trucks and other vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Class M – the class M Iowa driver’s license is required for individuals who want to operate a motorcycle or moped on the roads and highways of Iowa.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses

You can also obtain a commercial driver’s license in the state of Iowa. There are different classifications of commercial driver’s licenses, such as Class A, B, and C.

Class A (CDL) – a Class A (CDL) is a commercial driver’s license that allows individuals to operate trucks and trailers that fall in this category. Class A commercial vehicles are vehicles that have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) that exceeds 26,000 lb. If you are towing a unit, the towed unit should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 10,000 lbs. Examples of vehicles that fall in the Class A (CDL) include double and triple trailers.

Class B (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that has a GCWR of at least 26,000 lbs. Unlike Class A CDL vehicles, Class B vehicles that have a towed unit should not have a GVWR of fewer than 10,000 lbs. Examples of commercial vehicles that fall into the Class B CDL include tractors, trucks, and trailers.

Class C (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate a vehicle that has a GCWR that does not exceed 26,000 lbs. and a GVWR or less than 10,000 lbs. Vehicles that fall into the Class C category include vehicles that transport hazardous materials that need placarding and vehicles that can carry at least 16 passengers.

Iowa Driver’s License Requirements

Before you make your way to your local Iowa Department of Transportation (IA DOT) office, you must apply for a new Iowa driver’s license.

You will be required to obtain an Iowa driver’s license if:

  • You are a current Iowa resident who’s never been licensed
  • You are a new resident of Iowa and want to apply for an Iowa driver’s license or transfer your out-of-state driver’s license.
  • You intend on operating any of the non-commercial driver’s licenses described above
  • You have legal presence in the state of Iowa and the U.S. (you are NOT required to obtain an IA driver’s license if you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State).

You are not required to possess an Iowa driver’s license if:

  • You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Iowa with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • You’re an active military member or dependent who is stationed in Iowa, as long as you obtain a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in Iowa
  • You operate farm vehicles off public highways
  • You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads)

Applying for Your Iowa Driver’s License

To be eligible for a non-commercial driver’s license, you are required to be at least 18 years old or have completed the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. You must visit your local Iowa DOT office and:

  • Submit proof of your identity, date of birth, and lawful U.S. presence, which can be your:
    • U.S. passport
    • U.S. citizenship certificate
    • Foreign passport with a printed I-94
  • Provide proof of your name change (if applicable), which can include your:
    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce decree
    • Official court documentation
  • Provide proof of your Social Security Number (SSN), which can include your:
    • Social Security card
    • Pay statement
    • Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form
  • Submit proof of your Iowa address, which can include your:
    • Utility bill
    • Bank statement
    • Insurance card (must be valid)
  • Pass the IA DOT (DMV) tests:
    • Vision
    • Driving
    • Written
  • Pay the fee of $4 per year of validity (your driver’s license will be valid for up to 8 years)

Driver’s License Tests

Before the IA DOT issues your driver’s license, you must pass a written knowledge and a driving test. The Iowa written exam tests your knowledge of Iowa’s local traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road signs. This written exam is based on the Iowa Driver’s Manual found here. You will be tested on your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely on the public roads of Iowa.

You are responsible for providing your vehicle to complete the driver’s exam. The car must be registered and have valid auto insurance coverage. You will also be required to provide the car’s registration and insurance card. If you fail either of the DOT exams, you must retake the test. There may be a waiting period and fees you may have to pay.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Iowa

In the state of Iowa, there are different types of acceptable identification documentation you can present when you’re applying for an Iowa driver’s license. Proof of identity documents can include:

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Armed forces ID cards
  • Permanent resident card
  • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 expiration date must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)

Examples of true full-name verification documents include:

  • A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
  • Marriage certificate
  • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
  • Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after

Examples of acceptable residency documents include:

  • Insurance documents
  • Resident utility bills (including cell phone bills)
  • A record of a financial institution (bank statements)

Obtaining an Iowa Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

Receiving your Iowa driver’s license for the first time is a major event for any teenager. If you’re under the age of 18, the IA DOT requires you to complete the GDL driver’s license process to receive your initial Iowa driver’s license.

New Residents of Iowa Who Are Under 18 Years Old

If you are a new resident of Iowa who is under 18 years old, you can transfer your out-of-state learner’s permit, intermediate driver’s license, or full driver’s license to an Iowa learner’s permit or driver’s license. To transfer your out-of-state permit or driver’s license for an IA intermediate license, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have held your out-of-state learner’s permit or intermediate driver’s license for a minimum of 12 months
  • Have completed an approved Driver’s Ed course
  • Have not had any accidents or moving violations on your out-of-state driving record within the last 6 months
  • Have practiced driving for at least 20 hours, including 2 hours of night driving
  • Written consent from your parent or guardian

To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license or intermediate license for a full privilege IA driver’s license, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Have held your out-of-state driver’s license or intermediate license for the last 12 months
  • Have completed an approved Driver’s Education course
  • Have not had any accidents or moving violations on your out-of-state driving record for at least 12 months
  • Have completed 10 hours of driving practice, including 2 hours of night driving
  • Written consent from your parent or guardian

You must take your out-of-state permit or license to your local IA DOT office with your parent or guardian to provide written consent. You will be required to pay the appropriate licensing fee.

Iowa Graduated Driver’s License Program

Iowa implemented a GDL program that requires prospective teenage drivers to meet certain milestones before they can obtain an Iowa driver’s license. Many milestones teenagers are required to meet are age-specific and experience related. If you are under 18 years old, you must complete each of the following steps to obtain your full Iowa driver’s license:

  • Instruction permit
  • Driver’s education
  • Minor school license (optional)
  • Intermediate driver’s license
  • Full privilege driver’s license

Iowa Age Requirements

Each stage of the Graduated Driver’s License process has the following minimum age requirements:

  • Instruction permit/learner’s permit: 14 years old
  • Minor school license: 14 ½ years old
  • Intermediate license/provisional license: 16 years old
  • Full privilege driver’s license: 17 years old

Iowa Learner’s Permit

If you are at least 14 years old, you are eligible to apply for your instruction permit, also referred to as a learner’s permit. You must visit your local IA DOT office and:

  • Provide primary forms of identification, proof of Iowa residency, and proof of your social security number
  • Pass the written test and vision exam
  • Submit a completed Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent (Form 430018)
  • Pay the $6 permit fee

You have the option of obtaining a minor school license at 14 ½ years old, which allows you to operate a motor vehicle unsupervised to and from school.

Iowa Learner’s Permit Driving Restrictions and Practice

While you possess an instruction permit, you can:

  • ONLY operate a motor vehicle while you’re being supervised by an adult, such as:
    • Your parent or legal guardian
    • An immediate family member who is at least 21 years old
    • Your Driver’s Ed teacher
    • An adult who is at least 25 years old and has written permission from your parent or guardian
  • NOT carry more than 1 passenger who is a minor WITHOUT adult supervision, UNLESS they are a family member.

Before you can continue to receive your provisional license, you must complete at least 20 hours of supervised driving practice, including 2 hours of night driving. Your supervising driver will need to download the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program App that allows them to log and track your driving hours. You can also download the RoadReady app to help with tracking your driving hours. You must bring your driving log with you when you apply for your Iowa license.

Taking Driver’s Ed in Iowa

Before you apply for your IA intermediate license, in addition to your behind-the-wheel practice, you must complete an approved Driver’s Ed course that consists of:

  • 30 hours of classroom instruction, which includes 4 hours of substance abuse education
  • A minimum of 20 minutes on railroad crossing safety, and information on organ donation
  • 6 hours of laboratory instruction

Iowa Provisional License

If you are at least 16 years old, you can obtain an intermediate license if you have:

  • Completed a state-approved driver’s education course
  • Have attained your instruction permit for at least 1 year and a CLEAN driving record for at least 6 consecutive months
  • Completed 20 hours of driving practice, including 2 hours of night driving

You must visit your local Iowa DOT office with:

  • Your Iowa instruction permit
  • Your parent or guardian, or a completed Parent’s/Guardian’s Written Consent (Form 430018).
  • Your completed driving log from the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program
  • Payment for the $8 minor’s restricted license

For more information regarding the required documents to obtain your Iowa provisional driver’s license or to address questions or concerns, you can contact the Iowa DOT directly.

Iowa Intermediate License Driving Restrictions and Practice

After you have your Iowa intermediate license, you can ONLY operate a motor vehicle under the following conditions:

  • WITHOUT supervision from 5 AM to 12:30 AM
  • Between 12:30 AM and 5 AM (ONLY with a licensed driver who is a parent, guardian, or immediate family member who is at least 21 years old, or a designated adult over 25 years old. (You are allowed to operate a motor vehicle during these hours WITHOUT supervision for work or school purposes, ONLY if you have a Waiver of Intermediate Driver’s License Hour Restriction Form (Form 431170). This form must be carried in the vehicle at all times).

Be advised that you can’t use ANY electronic communication device, such as a smartphone, cell phone, tablet, or entertainment device while operating a motor vehicle.

Before you can proceed with obtaining your full Iowa driver’s license, you are required to complete 10 hours of supervised driving, including 2 hours of driving between sunset and sunrise.

Full Unrestricted Iowa Driver’s License

In the state of Iowa, you can obtain your unrestricted driver’s license if you’re at least 17 years old, and you:

  • Have attained your intermediate license for at least 12 months
  • Have a driving record that is free of incidents for the last 12 months
  • Have written approval of your parent or guardian
  • Have met the required supervised driving time of 10 hours, with 2 hours of driving performed between sunset and sunrise

If you’re at least 18 years old, you are not required to meet the above-stated requirements. Make sure you bring your provisional license to your local driver’s licensing office, along with the payment for the $4/year Iowa license fee.

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Iowa

As a new resident of Iowa with a valid or recently expired driver’s license from your previous state, you are eligible to obtain an Iowa driver’s license without having to pass the driving and written knowledge tests. You must bring all required documents and payments and surrender your out-of-state driver’s license. If your out-of-state driver’s license is invalid or has expired for more than 1 year, you must pass the Iowa written exam.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will only be eligible for an Iowa driver’s license if your legal stay in the country is for at least 30 days. If you are authorized for employment, you are required to have a social security number (SSN). You will also be required to:

  • Pass all DOT (DMV) tests, including vision, writing, and driving
  • Pay all applicable fees

The length of your driver’s license depends on the length of your stay in the U.S.

The Iowa Written Exam and Road Test

Taking the Iowa Written Exam

The Iowa written exam consists of 35 questions, 28 of which you must answer correctly to receive a minimum passing score of 80%. You must be at least 14 years old to apply to take the Iowa written exam. The fee to take this exam is $20.

Taking the Iowa Road Test

When you take the Iowa road test, you will be tested on your ability to perform basic driving maneuvers, such as stopping, parking, reversing, and more. You are required to pass this road test to receive your driver’s license.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

You may be required to submit name change documentation in Iowa if you’re applying for a new Iowa driver’s license or identification card. You may be required to provide name change documents, such as your marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.

If the name on your identification documents is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name. Examples of documents that you can use to establish your true full name can include the following:

  • Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A marriage certificate
  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
  • A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Iowa?

Starting October 1, 2021, US residents must provide a federally accepted ID, such as a passport or REAL ID to:

  • Board a commercial airplane (including domestic travel)
  • Enter a federal facility
  • Enter a nuclear power plant

You are not required to obtain a REAL ID to continue driving in the state of Iowa. If you choose to keep and renew your standard Iowa driver’s license or state ID card, this option is still available.

You can tell you have an Iowa REAL ID by the gold star located in the upper right corner of the license or ID. To receive an IA REAL ID, you must visit your local DOT office and provide the necessary documents.

Residents of Iowa are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to perform any of the following:

  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Vote
  • Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (such as a post office)
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), Veteran’s Affairs, etc.)
  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

There are different documents you are required to provide when you’re applying for an Iowa REAL ID card. You must visit your local IA DOT branch and provide:

  • Proof of identification, which can include:
    • Valid US passport
    • Original US birth certificate or a certified copy
    • Certificate of citizenship
  • Proof of social security, which can be:
    • Social security card
    • W-2 or 1099 tax documents
    • Pay stub that has your name or social security number (SSN) present
  • Proof of IA residency, which must be 2 documents, which can include:
    • Iowa voter registration card
    • Statement from a financial institution (bank statement)
    • Utility or electricity bill
  • Payment for all applicable Iowa ID card and license fees

Iowa REAL ID Fees

There are no additional fees that are associated with obtaining an Iowa REAL ID versus a standard Iowa driver’s license or state ID card.

  • Driver’s license: $4 per year (the expiration date varies based on age)
  • Motorcycle endorsement: Additional $2 per year
  • Motorcycle-only license: $6 per year
  • Commercial driver’s license: $8 per year
  • Iowa state ID card: $8 (valid for 8 years)

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Iowa

All commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants are required to abide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations as well as the licensing laws that are set by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

Per new federal entry-level driver training requirements, effective February 7, 2022, the Iowa DOT now mandates new CDL applicants to complete an entry-level driver training course through an authorized provider. You must complete this training BEFORE applying for your first commercial driver’s license, upgrading your existing CDL class, or applying for a HAZMAT, school bus, or passenger endorsement.

Who Can Get a CDL in Iowa?

To apply for an IA CDL, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Full name
    • Date of birth
    • Social security number
    • Social security number
    • Iowa residency (your Iowa driver’s license with your home address will suffice)
  • Provide proper documentation to prove your citizenship, lawful permanent residency, OR status as a temporary foreign national.
  • Pass the IA vision test

You must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle on an interstate basis.

Iowa Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before receiving your official CDL, you must receive your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). To receive your Iowa CLP, you need to first schedule an appointment at your local IA DOT office. Before heading to your CLP appointment, you need to make sure you have:

  • Proof of identity, residency, and SSN
  • A medical self-certification and certificate
  • Payment for the $12 CLP fee

You will also be required to:

  • Complete an application for your CDL
  • Agree to a driving record check
  • Pass the written tests that apply to your particular CDL’s classification and endorsement(s)

After you’ve passed the required written exams, you will receive your Iowa commercial learner’s permit. Congratulations!

Iowa CLP Restrictions

You are required to attain your Iowa commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before you can complete your behind-the-wheel CDL exam. During this time, your Iowa CLP allows you to legally practice driving a commercial vehicle, as long as:

  • The vehicle is specific to the type of CLP you have
  • You’re always accompanied by the commercial driver who attains a valid CDL for the specific type of vehicle you’re driving.

How to Get an Iowa CDL

After you’ve attained your CLP for at least 14 days, and you’re ready to take your behind-the-wheel skills exam, you can schedule an appointment at your local IA DOT. You must provide and operate the specific vehicle that applies to the particular commercial driver’s license you wish to obtain. A lot of the time, if you enroll in a CDL education program, you will have access to the vehicle you need on testing day.

When you go to your appointment, make sure you bring:

  • Your Iowa commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
  • Medical certification
  • Your non-commercial IA driver’s license
  • Payment for the required fees

The Department of Transportation’s behind-the-wheel skills test will consist of the following:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection, which points out and explains the function of different vehicle parts
  • A skills test that includes backing maneuvers and navigating a cones course
  • A driving test that includes driving on public roads with the examiner

If you don’t pass the initial pre-trip vehicle inspection, don’t panic. You won’t be able to continue testing on that day, but you can schedule another appointment to come back and retest at a later time. After you’ve passed the DOT’s behind-the-wheel skills exam, you will officially be a CDL holder. Congratulations!

Depending on the commercial driver’s license’s classification, endorsement(s), and restriction(s), you may be required to perform additional behind-the-wheel tasks to get the appropriate CDL.

How Much Does a CDL Cost in Iowa?

There are different fees associated with the Iowa Department of Transportation’s CDL application process.

Be advised that commercial driver’s license fees are charged for every 1 year your license is issued as valid. Iowa licenses are currently issued for 8 years. For example, if your license fee is $8, and issued with an expiration date of 6 years, your total fee upon licensing will be $48. Below you will find the fees associated with a CDL in Iowa:

  • Commercial learner’s permit (after testing): $12
  • Commercial driver’s license per year fee:
    • Class A: $8
    • Class B: $8
    • Class C: $8
  • Endorsements:
    • Passenger: $10
    • School bus: $10
    • Double/Triple trailer: $5
    • Tankers: $5
    • Hazardous materials: $5
  • Restriction removal:
    • Air brakes: $10
    • Full air brakes: $10
    • Manual transmission: $10
    • Tractor-trailer: $10

Self-Certification and Medical Requirements

Before you receive your commercial learner’s permit, you must provide the IA DOT with self-certification and medical certification, if applicable.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

When you self-certify, you’re informing the state of how you intend to operate your commercial vehicle. All CDL applicants in Iowa are required to self-certify. You must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

  • Non-excepted interstate
  • Excepted interstate
  • Non-excepted intrastate
  • Excepted intrastate

Medical Certification

If you’ve self-certified as non-excepted interstate, you are state required to submit medical certification to the Department of Transportation at the time of your CDL skills testing. All other self-certification categories are not required to submit a medical certification to the DOT. Non-excepted intrastate drivers must carry medical certification while operating a commercial vehicle.

To obtain medical certification, you must go through an FMCSA-approved provider. The examiner will determine if your health is up to the federal standards for driving a commercial vehicle and complete the appropriate Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). You can complete this form and submit the completed form to the Department of Transportation.

Applying for an Iowa Motorcycle License

If you wish to operate a motorcycle on the roads and highways of Iowa, you must obtain a motorcycle license.

Getting a Motorcycle License as a new Resident of Iowa

If you’re a new resident of Iowa who currently has a motorcycle license or endorsement, you are eligible to transfer your credentials. You can transfer your motorcycle credentials by visiting your local motor vehicle division (MVD) office and:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Social security number
    • Identity
    • Iowa residence
  • Surrender your out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement
  • Pass the following exams:
    • Vision test
    • Written knowledge test
    • Motorcycle road skills test (if your out-of-state license is expired)
  • Pay the appropriate motorcycle license or endorsement fee

Eligibility for Iowa Motorcycle Licenses

To be eligible to obtain an Iowa motorcycle license or endorsement, you are required to:

  • Meet the minimum age requirements:
    • Motorcycle permit: 14 years old
    • Motorcycle license: 16 years old
    • Motorcycle endorsement: 16 years old
  • Earn an Iowa motorcycle permit
  • Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) education course as part of the IA Motorcycle Rider Education (MRE) program (this course is required for applicants who are younger than 18 years old. Regardless of age, completion of a motorcycle education course will waive the motorcycle road skills test).
  • Pass the on-road skills exam IF you didn’t take an MSF motorcycle education course
  • Pay all applicable IA motorcycle license or endorsement fees

Iowa Motorcycle Permits

The first step to obtaining your Iowa motorcycle license or endorsement is to earn your motorcycle instruction permit. To earn your IA motorcycle instruction permit, you need to visit your local IA MVD office and:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Date of birth
    • Legal presence in the US
    • Legal name
    • Social security number
    • Iowa residency
  • Take the IA vision test
  • Pass the written exams for:
    • Standard (Class C) driver’s license IF it is your first license of any kind
    • Motorcycle license
  • Pay the applicable motorcycle permit fee (fees will vary based on the type of license you’re applying for)

You will now receive your Iowa motorcycle instruction permit. Congratulations! Your permit will be valid for up to 4 years. Be advised that this permit can’t be renewed.

Attaining a motorcycle permit makes you eligible to enroll in an MSF course and practice riding your bike under certain restrictions.

Permit Restrictions

Once you have your IA motorcycle instruction permit, you need to be aware of certain restrictions in mind when you practice riding with an Iowa motorcycle instruction permit.

While riding with a motorcycle permit, you must always be accompanied by either a parent, guardian, or member of your immediate family who holds a motorcycle license or endorsement and is at least 21 years old, or an adult with a valid motorcycle license or endorsement who is at least 25 years old. Permit holders who are between 14 and 17 years old must have their parent or guardian’s written consent.

The person who is supervising you must be able to see and hear you at all times. You must also be supervised when you are on or in a motor vehicle.

Getting Your Iowa Motorcycle License

Once you’re ready to apply for your Iowa motorcycle license or endorsement, you need to visit your local MVD office and provide either a Certificate of MSF course completion, which is required if you’re younger than 18 years old, or you can provide written proof that you passed the Iowa MVD’s motorcycle road skills test.

You can contact your local IA MVD office for more information regarding scheduling a motorcycle skills test. You will also need to provide proof of your:

  • Birthday
  • United States citizenship
  • Full, legal name
  • Social security number
  • Iowa residency
  • Payment for your motorcycle license or endorsement fee

You are now an official motorcycle license holder. Congratulations! The expiration on your IA motorcycle credentials is as follows:

  • Motorcycle endorsement: expires at the same time as your standard Iowa, Class C driver’s license
  • Motorcycle-only license: assigned a random expiration date

Iowa Motorcycle Education

Completing an IA motorcycle education course can be beneficial and is mandatory for some when applying for Iowa motorcycle credentials. If you can provide a Certificate of MSF course completion, the IA MVD will waive the on-road motorcycle skills test.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has established a course curriculum with the IA MRE program for all levels of experience. The courses that are designed for beginners will teach individuals:

  • How to turn and shift
  • Communicating and sharing the road with other drivers
  • Finding the safest path for travel
  • Dealing with emergencies

To learn more about Iowa’s Motorcycle Rider Education Program, or if you are interested in registering for a course, you can view the MVD’s motorcycle education guide and other information found here.

Iowa Motorcycle License Fees

The fees that are associated with obtaining a motorcycle license or endorsement in the state of Iowa are as follows:

  • Instruction permit: varies based on license type:
    • Motorcycle endorsement permit: $2 (per each year that your existing IA license is valid)
    • Motorcycle-only license permit: $14 flat fee
  • Motorcycle endorsement: $2 (per each year that your standard license is valid)
  • Motorcycle-only (Class M) license: $6 (each year the license is valid)

You did it! You now know how to obtain a driver’s license, motorcycle license, and commercial driver’s license in the state of Iowa. Congratulations!

Iowa DOT Locations

There are different Department of Transportation locations throughout the state of Iowa. Below, we have listed a few IA DOT locations. Check out the list and see if you can find a DOT branch near you!

Iowa Department of Transportation – Ames Branch
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-1101
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Iowa Department of Transportation – Manchester Branch
1009 W Main St
Manchester, IA 52057
(563) 927-2397
Call for business hours

Iowa Department of Transportation – Council Bluffs Branch
300 W Broadway Ste 401
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 323-6125
Call for business hours

Iowa Driver’s License Station – Ankeny Branch
6310 Southeast Convenience Boulevard
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 244-8725
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Leave a Reply