Iowa Real ID Requirements

ID is a federal law passed after 9/11 that sets minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-REAL ID cards for official purposes like boarding airplanes and entering nuclear power plants. Not everyone will need a REAL ID, but it’s a good idea for people who travel to have one. They will need to have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification if they want to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 3, 2023. To get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in Iowa, you will need to provide documents.

If you plan to fly on commercial flights or enter federal buildings in the future, you may want to consider getting a REAL ID sooner rather than later. The Iowa Department of Transportation is urging Iowans to do that. It says starting next year, federal law will require air travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state identification card to go through airport security.

Iowans who want a Real ID will have to bring in documents that prove their identity, date of birth, lawful presence in the United States and Social Security number. Those documents can be submitted when they renew their existing license or ID or get a duplicate. If they are already up for renewal before October 1, 2020, the REAL ID marking will be added at no extra cost. Otherwise, it will cost $10 – the same as the cost of a replacement card.

How to Get a Real ID in Iowa?

To get an Iowa REAL ID, residents will need to do a few things:

• Residents will need to visit a driver’s license or ID issuance site with documentation that proves their identity and date of birth, lawful status in the United States, Social Security number, and two proofs of Iowa residency. The DOT recommends that customers use its document checklist to help them prepare before visiting an Iowa DL/ID site. The cost of a REAL ID is $10.

For military personnel and veterans, additional documents are required to show military status. This includes DD Form 214, PCS orders, and military ID cards. In addition, applicants must bring a document that proves any legal name change—marriage, divorce, court order, etc. Those who wish to get their card before the deadline will need to surrender their current Iowa DL or ID and come in for a replacement.