New Residents for an Iowa Driver's License or ID Card

New Residents & Certification of Iowa Residency
Iowa Driver's License or ID

New Residents

If you just moved to Iowa, you are considered an Iowa resident for the purposes of driver licensing and vehicle registration when you have done at least one of the following:

registered to vote.

enrolled your children in public school.

accepted a permanent job.

resided in Iowa for 30 continuous days.

If you have a valid out-of-state license, follow these steps to obtain your Iowa license:

Satisfy Iowa's identification, residency and Social Security disclosure rules with licensing personnel. Review "Proof of Identity," "Verification of Social Security Number" and "Foreign National" for additional information.

Take required tests. Knowledge and driving tests may be waived if you surrender a valid out-of-state license (excluding instruction permits) and you have no mental or physical disability that may affect your driving.

Turn in your out-of-state license to the DOT.

If you do not have your out-of-state driver's license, you must bring a certified birth certificate and your social security card. You may be required to provide a state-issued clearance letter.

Certification of Iowa Residency

You are considered an Iowa resident for the purposes of driver licensing and vehicle registration when you have done at least one of the following:

Filed for a homestead tax exemption on property in Iowa.

As a veteran, you have filed for a military tax exemption on property in Iowa.

Registered to vote in Iowa.

Enrolled children to be educated in a public elementary or secondary school in Iowa.

Qualified for and are receiving public assistance from Iowa.

You have accepted employment or engage in any trade, profession, or occupation within this state.

You have resided or have continuously remained in this state for a period exceeding thirty days except for infrequent or brief absences.

Acceptable items to certify your Iowa residency include:

Iowa voter registration card.

An Iowa vehicle registration certificate.

Utility bill showing 30 days of residency.

A statement from an Iowa financial institution showing 30 days of residency.

Rental or lease agreement showing 30 days of residency.

Pay check or pay stub from an Iowa employer.

Children's school enrollment papers.

Documentation showing a filing for homestead or military tax exemption on property in Iowa.

Other items will be reviewed by licensing personnel.

Resident does not include a person who is attending a college or university in this state if the person has a domicile in another state and has a valid driver's license issued by the state of domicile. Resident also does not include members of the armed forces that are stationed in Iowa, providing that their vehicles are properly registered in their state of residency.