ARC 0515D

ARC 0515D

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT[761]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to classes of driver’s licenses
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Transportation hereby proposes to amend Chapter 602, “Classes of Driver’s Licenses,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 321.189.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 321.180 and 321.189 and 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2088.

Purpose and Summary

    The purpose of the proposed amendment is to conform with 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2088, which eliminates the chauffeur’s instruction permit as a permit type issued by the Department and to update the rules to reflect how commercial learner’s permits and restricted commercial driver’s licenses will display under the Department’s new information technology (IT) system. The chauffeur’s instruction permit was removed from statute because it is obsolete; individuals can instead use a Class C permit or license to gain the driving experience required for a chauffeur’s license. Additionally, commercial learner’s permits and restricted commercial driver’s licenses will display an identifier for the license type on the front of the credential rather than only a restriction number that is explained on the back of the license.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on May 27, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   June 23, 2026

    The Department received no comments.

Fiscal Impact

    This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 761—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 22, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

    Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Amend rule 761—602.3(321) as follows:

761—602.3(321) Driver’s licenses.

    602.3(1) No change.

    602.3(2) Special licenses and permits. The department issues the following special licenses and permits. More than one type of special license or permit may be issued to an applicant. On the driver’s license, an identifier or a restriction number designates the type of special license or permit issued as follows:

1—Motorcycle instruction permit—includes motorcycle instruction permits issued under Iowa Code sections 321.180(1) and 321.180B(1)

2—Noncommercial instruction permit (vehicle less than 16,001 gross vehicle weight rating)—includes instruction permits, other than motorcycle instruction permits, issued under Iowa Code sections 321.180(1), 321.180A and 321.180B(1)

3—Commercial learner’s permit

4—Chauffeur’s instruction permit

5—Motorized bicycle (moped) license

6—Minor’s restricted work license

7—Special minor’s restricted license

8—Special instruction permit

Commercial learner’s permit

Restricted commercial driver’s license

    602.3(3) No change.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.178, 321.180 through as amended by 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2088, section 2, 321.180A, 321.180B, 321.189, and 321.194.