The Motor Vehicle Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation is responsible for issuing driver's licenses, enforcing traffic laws, and monitoring accident reports. Although the department is based in Des Moines, there are offices in each of Iowa's 99 counties.

Top Doing Business with the Iowa MVD

If you're applying for a new driver's license, renewing your license, replacing a lost license, or changing your address, you'll need to visit an Iowa driver's license station. The following tips can ensure a more pleasant experience:

• Before your visit, confirm the hours of your local driver's license station. While most offices are open Monday-Friday, driver's license stations in rural areas may have more limited operating hours.

• Bring your paperwork! Generally, you'll be asked to provide proof of your identity and verification of your Social Security number. There are several forms of documentation that can be accepted, but you must be able to produce the original paperwork. Faxes or photocopies will be declined.

• If you're pressed for time, take advantage of online resources.
  Many of the necessary Iowa DMV forms are available online. If the form you need is available to download and mail in, it may not be necessary to make the trip to a driver's license station.

Top Safety Tips for Iowa Drivers

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation's 2000 Iowa Crash Facts, 445 Iowa residents lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes and another 36,031 were injured in that year. Every eight minutes, an Iowa driver is involved in an accident. Here are some ways you can stay safe while on the road:

• Remember to keep your eyes moving! Check your mirrors every six to eight seconds. Pay attention to what is happening in front of you, as well as what's going on behind your vehicle and on the sides of the road.

• Minimize distractions. Avoid eating, talking on the phone, adjusting your stereo, or performing other nonessential tasks while your car is in motion.

• Take your time. If you always feel the urge to speed, make it a habit to leave 10 minutes early. Rushing to your destination is very dangerous.

• Wear your seatbelt. In Iowa alone, seat belts prevent more than 100 deaths each year. In addition, Iowa law requires drivers and front-seat vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt unless they have been granted a medical exemption.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!