(Des Moines, Iowa) Today, during his weekly press conference, Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad announced that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is bringing driver’s license services to customers in places where they are already doing business.
Twenty four locations including libraries, Hy-Vee stores, and a Kum & Go around the state now house Motor Vehicle self-service kiosks which allow Iowans to renew or replace their driver’s license and identification cards. The kiosks are identical to those currently found in the Ankeny driver’s license station. A complete list of kiosk locations, as well as traditional driver’s license issuance sites can be found at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/dlsites.htm.
“Technology is allowing Iowans secure and convenient access to services,” said Branstad. “If your driver’s license is up for renewal and you happen to stop for a gallon of milk or are checking out a book at the library, you may be able to take care of the driver’s license task in the same trip.”
“The efficient nature of these kiosks allows services to be offered outside of traditional hours,” added Branstad. “The kiosks and other online or remote services offer customers convenience, choice, and control – the convenience of spending less time and travel to obtain services, choice over how and where they receive services, and control over completion of the service itself.”
The kiosks are an extension of online services the Iowa DOT has been offering since 2013 to renew driver’s licenses and ID cards, change a mailing address, or other driver-related services.
“Electronic renewal, whether online or through kiosks, offers eligible Iowans a convenient way to renew their card without interrupting their day and driving to an issuance site,” Paul Trombino III, director of the Iowa DOT, said. “Since we have instituted online renewals, congestion has lessened at driver’s license issuance locations, also saving time for those who need in-person service.”
The kiosks offer a unique opportunity for the State of Iowa to partner with private businesses to bring the citizens of Iowa government services. Darryl Eschete, director of the West Des Moines Public Library, said, “The license renewal kiosk program allows Iowa’s public libraries to partner with other agencies like the DOT to not only save taxpayer money by being efficient, but also to save the public’s time by being more convenient. This partnership is a classic win-win scenario.”
“We’re honored to join the State of Iowa and other business partners in this technology movement that will bring added convenience to residents,” said Pat Hensley, vice president of government affairs/business innovations at Hy-Vee, Inc. “We are always looking for ways in which Hy-Vee stores can be a one-stop shop for customers.”
There are stipulations on who can renew a driver’s license or ID card online due to public safety and identity security concerns. With some exceptions, you can renew at a kiosk if:
- You have a valid Iowa driver’s license or ID (not a commercial driver’s license).
- You are at least 18, but younger than 70 years old.
- Your license or ID card has not been expired for more than a year.
- It is less than 180 days to the renewal date on your current driver’s license or ID card.
- You are a U.S. citizen and an Iowa resident
- You do not have any medical or vision conditions that would impact your ability to drive.