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Proof of Identity for an Iowa Driver's License or ID

If you are applying for any license, non-driver ID, duplicate, renewal or permit, you must show proof of your age and identity.

Requirements for proving identity were changed December 26, 1996.  An Iowa-issued photo driver's license or non-driver ID is satisfactory proof of age and identity.   Persons who are age 18 or older and are applying for new or duplicate DLs or IDs must provide one item from the primary list and one item from the secondary list shown below.

If you are under 18 years old and not married, you must furnish a primary form of ID, a secondary form of ID, a parent's consent form, and proof of a Social Security number.   The Social Security card may be used for secondary ID and proof of a Social Security number.  The consent form proves permission from your parent or guardian to drive.

If you are under 18 years old and married, you can prove your age and identity by showing a primary form of ID, a marriage license or certificate, and a Social Security card.  Driver license personnel will determine if documents provided from this list are acceptable.  Photocopies and faxes of documents will not be accepted.

Primary & Secondary Identity Document List

Primary List:
  1. Photo driver's license or a certified copy of a license that is valid or has not been expired more than one year.
  2. Photo ID card or certified copy of the card issued from the same state agency that issues driver's licenses and has not been expired more than one year, some states excepted.
  3. Original or certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate that has a raised seal and is government-issued.  A hospital birth certificate is not acceptable.
  4. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) document.
  5. Court order containing the applicant's full name, date of birth and court seal.  This does not include an abstract.
  6. Military ID card, not including a dependent ID card.
  7. Valid U.S. or Canadian passport or foreign passport with the appropriate INS document.
  8. ID card issued by the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs. U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs or tribal ID cards are not acceptable.
 Secondary List:
  1. Any primary document.
  2. Bureau of Indian Affairs card.
  3. Photo driver's license or photo ID card expired one year or more.
  4. Court order that does not contain the applicant's date of birth but does have full name.
  5. Foreign birth certificate translated by an approved translator.
  6. Military discharge or separation papers (DD214).
  7. Military dependent ID card.
  8. Employer ID card.
  9. Health insurance card.
  10. IRS or state tax document completed by the governmental agency.  A W-2, 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and related forms completed by the taxpayer are not acceptable.
  11. Marriage license or certificate.
  12. Medical records from doctor or hospital, original or authenticated.
  13. Gun permit.
  14. Pilot's license.
  15. Certified school record or transcript.
  16. Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration.  A metal version of the card is not acceptable.
  17. Canadian Social Insurance card.
  18. Photo student ID card.
  19. Vehicle certificate of title.  Vehicle registration is not acceptable.
  20. Voter registration card.
  21. Welfare card.
  22. Prison release document.
  23. Certified or notarized affidavit identifying a minor child that is personally provided by the child's parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian must provide acceptable proof of his/her identity.


See Also:
New Residents & Certification of Iowa Residency
Foreign Nationals
Verification of Social Security Number

ŠIowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Updated:  May 09, 2007