REAL ID for Iowa Residents
What is an Iowa REAL ID?
Beginning on October 1, 2021, U.S. residents will need to provide a federally accepted ID (such as a passport or REAL ID) to:
- Board a commercial airplane (even for domestic travel).
- Enter a federal facility.
- Enter a nuclear power plant.
You do NOT need a REAL ID to continue driving in Iowa. If you prefer to keep and renew your standard Iowa driver’s license or state ID card that option is still available to you.
To tell if your Iowa driver’s license or state ID is a REAL ID, check for a gold star in the upper right corner. This indicates you have a REAL ID.
To get an Iowa REAL ID you’ll need to visit your local Department of Transportation (DOT) office and provide some documents. Consider making an appointment to avoid a long line.
Iowa REAL ID Requirements
The identification requirements are stricter for acquiring a REAL ID than a standard driver’s license or state ID card.
Visit your local DOT office and provide*:
- Proof of Identification. This could be your:
- Valid U.S. passport.
- Original U.S. birth certificate or a certified copy.
- Certificate of citizenship.
- Proof of social security. This may be a:
- Social security card.
- W-2 or 1099 tax documents.
- Pay stub with name and social security number (SSN) listed on it.
- 2 documents to prove your Iowa residency (P.O. Boxes not allowed). All items must include both your name and your street address. This may be a(n):
- Iowa voter registration card.
- Statement from a financial institution.
- Utility or electricity bill.
- Payment for the ID card or license fee.
*Visit the Iowa DOT website for a complete list of acceptable documents.
Iowa REAL ID Fees
There are no additional fees associated with getting an Iowa REAL ID versus a standard driver’s license or state ID card.
- Driver’s license: $4 per year (expiration dates vary based on age).
- Motorcycle endorsement: Additional $2 per year.
- Motorcycle only license: $6 per year.
- Commercial driver’s license: $8 per year.
- Iowa state ID card: $8 (valid for 8 years).