ANKENY, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation announced that for the protection and safety of their customers, all services available at Iowa DOT driver and identification service centers will be available by appointment beginning Tuesday, March 17. They ask that customers make appointments to reduce the number of people waiting in service centers in an effort to limit community spread of COVID-19. Appointments can be made online or by calling 515-244-8725.
All customers entering a DOT service center will be asked a series of questions to evaluate their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and exposure to others being served. If it is determined that there may be a heightened risk for the customer to be served, they will be asked to delay services to a later date.
To follow social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC, staff will be monitoring the number of people waiting for services inside the facility. Customers may be asked to wait in their vehicles or come back at another time if service areas become crowded.
If possible, customers are encouraged to postpone coming into a driver’s license and identification service center. As a reminder, Iowa driver’s license and IDs remain valid for driving purposes for 60 days after their expiration date. In addition, services such as renewals, address changes, and certified copies of your driving record are available online, depending on individual eligibility.
Appointments are currently available for Iowa DOT operated facilities only. Customers wishing to receive services at a county-operated facility should contact that facility for any considerations related to COVID-19. You can find contact information regarding individual facilities here.
All non-commercial drive tests will be discontinued and rescheduled to a future date.
In addition to efforts to increase social distancing, the Iowa DOT has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of our facilities, particularly in high touch areas.
Update: The Iowa DOT provided additional information following Gov. Reynolds’ emergency proclamation.
Driver’s license holders
If you have a driver’s license that has an expiration date of Jan. 16, 2020 or later you do not have to renew your license at this time. It will remain valid for driving purposes until the declared disaster has ended.
Vehicle titles, registration and license plates
If your vehicle registration expired Jan. 17, 2020 or later will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended.
If you are purchasing or transferring a vehicle you will not be required to obtain a title and registration within 30 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.
If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer you will not be required to obtain license plates within 45 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.