What to Bring for an Iowa Permit or License: Documents and REAL ID
What documents do I need for an Iowa permit or driver's license?
Bring one document that proves your identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate. Also bring proof of your Social Security number and two printed documents with your name and Iowa street address. If you are under 18 and unmarried, a parent or guardian consents on Form 430018. A REAL ID gold star costs no extra and needs no test.
Where the Iowa document rules come from
The document rules come from Iowa Administrative Code chapter 761-601, the rule that the Iowa DOT applies. The REAL ID facts come from the Iowa DOT REAL ID page and its REAL ID FAQ. The permit facts come from the DOT instruction permit page and its flyer for first-time applicants. The facts are as of 2026. Where a DOT page and the rule differ, this guide follows the rule. Confirm the rules with the Iowa DOT (iowadot.gov) before you drive.
What to bring to the Iowa DMV
| Proof | What to bring | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Identity, date of birth and lawful status | One document, for example a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a certified birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) | The DOT can ask for more documents |
| Social Security number | One document with your name and number, for example your Social Security card or a W-2 tax form | No card? See the FAQ below |
| Iowa residency and address | Two printed documents with your name and current Iowa home address | A street or highway address, not a P.O. box |
| Name change | The chain of legal documents from the name on your identity document to your current name | For example a court order or a certified marriage certificate |
| Parent consent (under 18, unmarried) | Form 430018 from a parent, guardian or custodian | A married applicant under 18 brings a certified marriage certificate instead |
Which identity documents does Iowa accept?
Bring at least one document from the identity list. A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card works. A certified birth certificate works, but a hospital-issued certificate does not. Other accepted documents include a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization and a Certificate of Citizenship.
If you have more than one document, bring all of them: it is better to give the DOT more information than less. A first-time applicant whose immigration document shows less than 30 days of remaining status does not get a card.
What counts as proof of your Iowa address?
You need two documents that show your name and your current Iowa home address. Each document must come from a person or organization other than you, so a note that you wrote yourself does not count. Common examples are a utility bill, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, and a lease or rental agreement. The address must be a street or highway address, not a post office box.
If your name changed, bring the chain of documents
What if you are under 18?
An unmarried applicant under 18 needs the consent of a parent, guardian or custodian on Form 430018 (Parent's, Guardian's or Custodian's Consent to Issue Driver's License or Permit) or an equivalent. A married applicant under 18 brings a certified marriage certificate instead of the form.
An Iowa instruction permit starts at age 14, as our free question page on the earliest permit age shows. For the permit, the DOT asks for proof of identity, residency and Social Security number. DOT pages differ on address documents for a minor with a consent form, so bring the two address documents and confirm your list in the DOT document checklist. Our guide to the Iowa instruction permit covers the test and the permit rules.
What is a REAL ID, and do you need one?
A REAL ID is an Iowa driver's license or ID card with a gold star in the upper-right corner. Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID, another acceptable identity document or the TSA ConfirmID check to board a commercial flight in the U.S. The same applies to some federal buildings and to nuclear facilities. You can still get a REAL ID after that date.
You do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote or buy alcohol, and the Iowa rule does not require you to get one. A permit or license issued to a minor carries the REAL ID mark.
What does an Iowa card without the gold star say?
| Upper-right corner | Card type | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Gold star | REAL ID | Accepted to board U.S. commercial flights and to enter some federal buildings |
| "NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES" | Not a REAL ID, issued since Feb. 21, 2024 | Valid for all lawful driving and as photo identification |
| Blank | Not a REAL ID, issued before Feb. 21, 2024 | Valid for driving; shows the new wording after you renew or replace it |
Does a REAL ID cost more or need a test?
No. A new, renewed or duplicate card with the gold star costs the same as a card without it. A replacement costs $10 (U.S. dollars, as of 2026), with or without the star. If you already have a license, you take no new written or driving test to add the star, unless staff have a driver fitness concern. If you have no license yet, the usual knowledge and driving tests apply, as our free question page on who needs the knowledge test shows.
Your first gold star needs an appointment and a visit in person. The card can take up to 30 days to arrive by mail.
How to use the Iowa DOT document checklist
- 1
Open the checklist
Go to the Iowa DOT document checklist. It covers a first Iowa license or ID, a move to Iowa and a first REAL ID gold star.
- 2
Give your age
The first question asks your age at the visit. If you are under 18, it also asks if you are married.
- 3
Answer the other questions
Answer the rest of the questions. The tool then makes a list of the documents for your case.
- 4
Collect the documents and book a visit
Collect each document on the list. Then make an appointment at any Iowa DMV location and bring the documents with you.
Key takeaways
- Bring one identity and lawful status document, proof of your Social Security number and two printed documents with your Iowa street address.
- Bring the chain of legal name change documents if your name differs from your identity document.
- Under 18 and unmarried: a parent, guardian or custodian consents on Form 430018.
- A REAL ID gold star costs no extra and needs no extra test, and you do not need one to drive.
- Next step: practice on our free, English-only Iowa Class C practice test.
Frequently asked questions
Is a short-form or wallet-size birth certificate OK?
Usually, yes. A short-form birth certificate is acceptable when it is certified, shows your full name and date of birth, and lists a file number or a file or issue date. If it does not show your sex, also bring a current license or ID card from Iowa or another state, or a marriage certificate that shows your sex.
Can I use my out-of-state license as proof of identity?
Not on its own for a REAL ID. A REAL ID card from another state is on the identity list, but a person who shows only that card cannot get a gold star card. Bring the full set of documents, even if your old card has a gold star. Bring the old license too, because you must give up all other licenses. Our guide to moving to Iowa covers the rest of the switch.
Does my parent have to come with me to get a permit?
No. If your parent, guardian or custodian fills in Form 430018 ahead of time, they do not have to come with you to the DMV. Bring the signed form to your visit. A parent who comes with you can give the written consent in person at the DMV instead.
Can I get a REAL ID by renewing online?
Not your first gold star: REAL ID is not available with online renewal. After you have the star, you can renew online every other renewal cycle, and the star stays on each renewed Iowa card. A foreign national with temporary lawful status must prove that status at each renewal.
What if I do not have my Social Security card?
Give your Social Security number in person at the DMV. If it verifies electronically with the Social Security Administration, you need no other proof. If you are eligible for a number but do not have one yet, apply for it first. The DOT cannot issue a REAL ID until you have a number.
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