Iowa DMV Locations

Licensing Centers

Whether you seek a driver’s license for the first time, want to add a motorcycle endorsement or other driving endorsement, or need a CDL, IDOT provides licensing centers for that very purpose. The licensing centers are located in or near every Iowa county. You must schedule an appointment online to obtain licensing services at an IDOT licensing center.

Vehicle Centers

IDOT’s Motor Vehicles Division handles all vehicle-related matters, except issuing registrations, license plates or titles. Those only are available through respective county treasurer’s offices in each Iowa county.

Road Testing Locations

IDOT does not require road tests for driver’s who are renewing their licenses. The only road tests are done through third-party driver education programs for private motorists, aspiring motorcyclists and those seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL). An IDOT-approved driver education program can take care of all road-testing requirements to enable Iowa drivers to obtain a license for the first time, add endorsements or become a fully licensed commercial driver with a CDL.

Inspection Locations

Iowa does not require emissions testing of any vehicles to obtain or renew registrations. Iowa does require safety inspections for and vehicles with salvage titles. If you have a salvage title and want to register the vehicle or motorcycle, you must schedule an appointment and bring it to the respective inspection location that is near your home. The salvage inspection ensures the vehicle or motorcycle works properly, has the correct safety equipment and is safe to operate on public roads.

Iowa also requires annual inspections of commercial vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds. IDOT does not inspect the vehicles but authorizes certified third party inspections. Commercial operators who meet the qualifications to perform annual inspections or have employees who meet the qualifications can perform the annual safety inspections and submit the reports to IDOT. The annual inspections are necessary to ensure the commercial vehicles are safe to run on public roads and must be completed prior to renewing commercial vehicle registrations each year.

Regional Service Centers

IDOT operates a variety of regional service centers that help you to take care of all licensing, titling and registration matters. Some centers are dedicated for a special purpose, like the IDOT Driver’s License Service Centers and kiosk locations. Appointments are required and can be made online to obtain driver’s license services. The online appointment tool helps you to choose the IDOT service you seek and the location that is nearest to you with open appointment times.