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Iowa · Permit test

Iowa driver's license requirements: documents to bring

Bring one document that proves your identity and lawful status, one that shows your Social Security number, and proof that you live in Iowa: two printed documents for a REAL ID. These Iowa driver's license requirements apply to permits, licenses and ID cards alike, and teens under 18 also need a parent's consent.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Proof of identity and lawful status

Bring one document that shows your date of birth, identity and lawful status. The DOT's examples include:

  • A valid U.S. passport.
  • A certified U.S. birth certificate, not the hospital kind with baby footprints.
  • For non-citizens, a document from USCIS, such as an unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) or an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).

If you're in the U.S. temporarily, your card can only last as long as your USCIS status, up to two years, and you need at least 30 days of status left.

Your Social Security number and Iowa address

The DOT's online checklist asks a few questions, such as your age and whether you're new to Iowa, and builds your own document list. It's the quickest way to check what counts before your appointment.

  • Social Security number: one document with your current name and your SSN, if you have one.
  • Iowa address: two printed documents with your current name and Iowa home address. It must be where you live, not a P.O. box.
Iowa DOT: Build your document checklist ↗

What are the Iowa driver's license requirements for teens?

  • A parent or guardian's written consent, given in person or on the Parent's/Guardian's Written Consent Form (430018).
  • If you're under 18 and married, a certified copy of your marriage certificate with the stamp or raised seal. A photocopy or a church certificate isn't accepted.
  • For the school license, the Affidavit (430021) signed by a parent and your school, and the Parental Consent form (430022).
  • For the school and intermediate licenses, an Iowa-approved driver education course.
The Iowa instruction permit →The Iowa school permit →

REAL ID or a standard card?

A REAL ID has a gold star in the top right corner. Since May 7, 2025, you need one, or another accepted document, to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings. It doesn't cost extra, but it isn't available through online renewal, so you get it at a DMV visit. It can take up to 30 days to arrive by mail.

A standard card without the star still works for driving, voting, buying alcohol or tobacco and getting federal benefits.

The tests and the vision screening

Paperwork is only part of it. For a permit you pass the knowledge test and a vision screening. If the screening shows you can't reach 20/40 with at least one eye, Iowa's rules have the DOT send you to an eye specialist for a vision report before it issues a license. Adults who have never held a license also take a drive test.

The Iowa DOT driving test →
Sources: Iowa DOT · Iowa Administrative Code 761, Chapter 604 and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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