ARC 0519D

ARC 0519D

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT[761]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to license issuance
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Transportation hereby proposes to amend Chapter 605, “License Issuance,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 307.12(1)“j,” 321.182, 321.189, 321.195 and 321.196.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 321.182, 321.189, 321.195 and 321.196 and 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2088.

Purpose and Summary

    The purpose of the proposed amendments is to align the rules with 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2088, section 16, which authorizes the Department to provide electronic driver’s license replacement services through the Department’s new information technology (IT) system. The amendments also update the rules to reflect how the new system will process other driver’s license issuance transactions, including electronic renewals, and make corresponding technical and citation changes throughout the chapter.

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 made one change from the Regulatory Analysis. The Department proposes to revise the definition of “medical report” to include a supplemental medical report that can be used by medical professionals after a driver completes occupational therapy or driver rehabilitation. This supplemental report is specifically tailored for situations in which such therapy or rehabilitation was required and therefore allows for a more accurate description of any resulting qualifications or licensing recommendations.

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—605.2(307,321), definitions of “Medical report,” “Qualified medical professional” and “Temporarily present in this state,” as follows:

    “Medical report” means a report from a qualified medical professional attesting to a person’s physical or mental capability to operate a motor vehicle safely. The report should be submitted on Form 430031 or Form 420010 if it is a supplemental medical report submitted after completion of occupational therapy or driver rehabilitation. In lieu of Form 430031 or 420010, a report signed by a qualified medical professional on the qualified medical professional’s letterhead may be accepted if it contains all the information specified on Form 430031 or 420010, as applicable.

    “Qualified medical professional” means a person licensed as a physician under Iowa Code chapter 148, a person licensed as an advanced registered nurse practitioner under Iowa Code chapter 152 and licensed with the board of nursing or a person licensed as a physician assistant associate under Iowa Code chapter 148C as amended by 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2190, section 3, when practicing within the scope of the person’s professional licensure.

    “Temporarily present in this state” means a person who has temporary lawful status as defined in 6 CFR Section 37.3 effective January 1, 2024 2025.

    ITEM 2.  Amend subrule 605.3(3) as follows:

    605.3(3) When the department receives evidence that an Iowa licensed driver has been adjudged incompetent or is not physically or mentally qualified to operate a motor vehicle safely, the department will deny or suspend the license for incapability, as explained in rule 761—615.14(321), or deny further licensing, as explained in rule 761—615.4(321) 761—615.7(321).

    ITEM 3.  Amend rule 761—605.4(142C,321) as follows:

761—605.4(142C,321) Contents of license. In addition to the information specified in Iowa Code section 321.189(2), the following information will be shown on a driver’s license.

    605.4(1) Name. The licensee’s full legal name will be listed as established according to 761—subrules 601.5(1) and 601.5(5) 761—subrules 601.4(1) and 601.4(5) and will conform to the requirements of 761—subrule 601.1(2) 761—subrule 601.2(1).

    605.4(2) Current residential address. The licensee’s current residential address will be listed as established according to the requirements of 761—subrule 601.1(6) and 761—subrule 601.5(3) 761—subrules 601.2(5) and 601.4(3).

    605.4(3) Physical description. The physical description of the licensee on the face of the driver’s license will include the following as established according to the requirements of 761—subrule 601.1(5) 761—subrule 601.2(4):

    a. and b. No change.

    605.4(4) Date of birth. The licensee’s date of birth will be listed as established according to 761—subrules 601.5(1) and 601.5(6) 761—subrules 601.4(1) and 601.4(6).

    605.4(5) Sex. The licensee’s sex will be identical to the sex listed on the identity document submitted under rule 761—601.5(321) 761—subrule 601.4(1).

    605.4(6) REAL ID markings.

    a.  A driver’s license that is issued as a REAL ID driver’s license as defined in rule 761—601.7(321) 761—601.6(321) will include a security marking as required by 6 CFR Section 37.17(n) effective January 1, 2024 2025.

    b.  A driver’s license that is not issued as a REAL ID driver’s license as defined in rule 761—601.7(321) 761—601.6(321) is to include the following statement on the face of the card: “not for REAL ID act purposes” as required by 6 CFR Section 37.71 effective January 1, 2024 2025, and any subsequent guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

    c. No change.

    605.4(7) No change.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 4.1A as enacted by 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 418; Iowa Code sections 4.1A, 142C.3 and 321.189; the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note) as amended by the REAL ID Modernization Act, H.R. 133, Division U, Title X; and 6 CFR Part 37.

    ITEM 4.  Amend rule 761—605.5(321) as follows:

761—605.5(321) License class. The driver’s license class will be coded identified on the face of the driver’s license using these codes as follows:

Class A—commercial driver’s license

Class B—commercial driver’s license

Class C—commercial driver’s license

Class C—noncommercial driver’s license

Class D—noncommercial driver’s license, chauffeur

Class M—noncommercial driver’s license, motorcycle only

Commercial learner’s permit

Restricted commercial driver’s license

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.189.

    ITEM 5.  Amend rule 761—605.7(321) as follows:

761—605.7(321) Restrictions. Restrictions will be coded on the face of the driver’s license and explained in text on the front or back of the driver’s license or in the department’s records system, depending on the nature of the restriction. For purposes of this rule, “CMV” means commercial motor vehicle.

    605.7(1) For all licenses. The following restrictions may apply to any driver’s license:

B—Corrective lenses required

C—Mechanical aid (as detailed in the restriction on the back of the card)

D—Prosthetic aid (as detailed in the restriction on the back of the card)

F—Left and right outside rearview mirrors

G—No driving when headlights required

H—Temporary restricted license or permit (work permit)

I—Ignition interlock required

J—Restrictions on the back of card

S—SR required (proof of financial responsibility for the future)

T—Medical report required at renewal

U—Not valid for two-wheel vehicle

W—Restricted commercial driver’s license (CDL)

Y—Intermediate license

    605.7(2) to 605.7(4) No change.

    605.7(5) Special licenses. A numbered restriction will designate a special driver’s license using these codes:

1—Motorcycle instruction permit

2—Noncommercial instruction permit (vehicle less than 16,001 gross vehicle weight rating)

3—Commercial learner’s permit

5—Motorized bicycle license

6—Minor’s restricted work license

7—Special minor’s restricted license

    605.7(6) No change.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 321A and sections 321.177, 321.178, 321.180 through 321.180B, 321.186, 321.188, 321.189, 321.193, 321.194, 321.215, 321J.4 and 321J.20.

    ITEM 6.  Amend rule 761—605.8(321) as follows:

761—605.8(321) Credential term for a foreign national temporarily present in this state. A driver’s license or nonoperator’s identification card issued to a person who is a foreign national who is temporarily present in this state shall be issued only for the length of time the person is authorized to be present in the United States as verified by the department, not to exceed two years, pursuant to 6 CFR Section 37.21 effective January 1, 2024 2025. However, if the person’s lawful status has no expiration date, the driver’s license will be issued for a period of no longer than one year.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.196; the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note) as amended by the REAL ID Modernization Act, H.R. 133, Division U, Title X; and 6 CFR Part 37.

    ITEM 7.  Amend subrules 605.9(1) to 605.9(2) as follows:

    605.9(1) If the payment is by check, the check shall be for the exact cannot exceed the total amount of the fee and that is due but the check can be for an amount less than the total amount if combined with another payment method. All checks must be payable to: Treasurer, State of Iowa. An exception may be made when a traveler’s check is presented.

    605.9(2) One payment method, or split payment methods, may be used to pay fees for several persons, such as members of a family or employees of a business firm. One payment method, or split payment methods, may pay all fees involved, such as the license fee and the reinstatement fee.

    ITEM 8.  Amend rule 761—605.10(307,321) as follows:

761—605.10(307,321) Duplicate license.

    605.10(1) Lost, stolen or destroyed license. Prior to replacing a valid license that is lost, stolen or destroyed, the department will verify the licensee’s full legal name, date of birth and social security number and collect the replacement fee. A licensee subject to 761—paragraph 601.5(2) 761—paragraph 601.4(2)“b” shall provide the applicant’s U.S. Customs and Immigration Services number, which must be verified by the department. The department may investigate or require additional information as may be reasonably necessary to determine that the licensee’s identity matches the identity of record and will not issue the replacement license if the licensee’s identity is questionable, cannot be determined or otherwise does not match the identity of record.

    605.10(2) Voluntary replacement. The department will issue a duplicate of a valid license to an eligible licensee if the license is surrendered to the department and the replacement fee is paid. Voluntary replacement includes but is not limited to:

    a. to g. No change.

    h.  Replacement of a valid license before its expiration date to obtain a license that may be accepted for federal identification purposes under 6 CFR Part 37 effective January 1, 2024 2025 (a REAL ID driver’s license).

    i. No change.

    605.10(3) Replacement upon attaining the age of 21 Electronic replacement. A licensee, upon attaining the age of 21, who is otherwise eligible for a driver’s license is eligible to electronically apply for a replacement driver’s license under this rule for the unexpired months of the license, regardless of whether the most recent issuance occurred electronically. An applicant who meets the eligibility criteria may apply for electronic replacement of driver’s license.

    a.   Except for the requirements in subparagraphs 605.15(6)“a”(1) and “a”(2), the licensee must meet the eligibility requirements listed in paragraph 605.15(6)“a” or 605.15(7)“a” to replace the license electronically in addition to the following criteria:

    (1)   The licensee must be at least 21 years old.

    (2)   The licensee must currently hold a driver’s license marked “under 21” as provided in Iowa Code section 321.189.

    b.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the department may accept an electronic replacement application if the licensee seeks replacement of a special instruction permit or a license with a single “J” restriction accompanied by a “9” restriction.

    a.   Eligibility criteria include the following:

    (1)   The applicant is at least 14 years of age but not yet 70 years of age.

    (2)   The applicant’s driver’s license has not been expired for more than one year.

    (3)   The applicant’s driver’s license is eligible for reinstatement from a suspension that does not require an “H” or “I” restriction and all reinstatement criteria have been satisfied.

    (4)   The department’s records show the applicant is a U.S. citizen and Iowa resident.

    (5)   The applicant’s driver’s license is not marked “valid without photo.”

    (6)   The applicant is not subject to a pending request for reexamination.

    (7)   The applicant is not required to submit a medical report or vision report as a condition of licensure.

    (8)   The applicant is not seeking to change any of the following information as it appears on the applicant’s driver’s license:

    1.   Name.

    2.   Date of birth.

    3.   Class of license.

    (9)   The applicant is not subject to any of the following restrictions or endorsements:

E—No manual transmission equipped CMV

G—No driving when headlights required

H—Hazardous material

Q—No interstate or freeway driving

X—Hazardous material and tank

    b.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this subrule to the contrary, the department may accept an electronic replacement application if the license contains any of the following:

    (1)   A “J” restriction unless the restriction requires supervision of the driver by occupational therapy staff or is a specialized, nonstandard restriction.

    (2)   A “K” restriction that the applicant is electing to add or remove.

    (3)   An “H,” “I,” “S,” “W” or “9” restriction if the restriction is no longer applicable or required.

    (4)   Expired privileges, endorsements or certifications, which will be removed at issuance.

    c.   The department may deny electronic replacement and require the applicant to appear in person for a replacement at a driver’s license service center, including if it appears to the department that the applicant may have a physical or mental condition that may impair the applicant’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, even if the applicant otherwise meets the criteria in paragraph 605.10(3)“a.”

    d.   An applicant who has not previously been issued a driver’s license that is compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005, 49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note, implemented in 6 CFR Part 37 effective January 1, 2025 (a REAL ID driver’s license), cannot request a REAL ID driver’s license by electronic replacement.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 307.12(1)“j,” 321.13, 321.189, 321.195 as amended by 2026 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2088, section 26, and 321.208; the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note) as amended by the REAL ID Modernization Act, H.R. 133, Division U, Title X; and 6 CFR Part 37.

ITEM 9.  Amend subrule 605.14(2) as follows:

605.14(2) The fee to add a privilege to a driver’s license is computed per year of new license validity as follows:

    ITEM 10.  Amend rule 761—605.15(307,321) as follows:

761—605.15(307,321) License renewal.

    605.15(1) No change.

    605.15(2) A valid noncommercial license may be renewed within 180 days before the expiration date. The department for good cause may renew a noncommercial license earlier, except the department will not renew a REAL ID driver’s license issued under rule 761—601.7(321) 761—601.6(321) earlier than 180 days before the expiration date if such a renewal would result in noncompliance under 6 CFR Section 37.5(a) effective January 1, 2024 2025.

    605.15(3) If the licensee’s current residential address, name or date of birth has changed since the previous license was issued, the licensee shall:

    a.  Notify the department to establish the current residential address.

    b.  Comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(5) 761—subrule 601.4(5) to establish a name change.

    c.  Comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(6) 761—subrule 601.4(6) to establish a change of date of birth.

    605.15(4) A licensee who has not previously been issued a license that may be accepted for federal identification purposes under 6 CFR Part 37 effective January 1, 2024 2025 (a REAL ID driver’s license), and wishes to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license upon renewal must comply with the requirements of rule 761—601.5(321) 761—601.4(321) to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license upon renewal.

    605.15(5) A licensee who is a foreign national who is temporarily present in this state must provide documentation of lawful status as required by 761—subrule 601.5(4) 761—subrule 601.4(4) at each renewal.

    605.15(6) An applicant who meets the eligibility criteria may apply for electronic renewal of a noncommercial driver’s license.

    a.  Eligibility criteria include the following:

    (1) to (9) No change.

    (10)  The applicant is not subject to any of the following restrictions:

G—No driving when headlights required

J—Restrictions on the back of card

T—Medical report required at renewal

8—Special instruction permit

Q—No interstate or freeway driving

    b.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this subrule to the contrary, the department may accept an electronic renewal application if the license contains a single “J” restriction accompanied by a “7” or “Y” restriction. any of the following:

    (1)   A “J” restriction accompanied by a “7” or “Y” restriction or a “J” restriction accompanying an “H” or “X” endorsement that is being removed.

    (2)   An “H,” “I,” “S,” “W” or “9” restriction if the restriction is no longer applicable or required.

    (3)   A motorcycle endorsement that the licensee is electing to remove.

    (4)   Expired privileges, endorsements or certifications, which will be removed at issuance.

    c.  The department may deny electronic renewal and require the applicant to apply in person for renewal at a driver’s license service center, including if it appears to the department that the applicant may have a physical or mental condition that may impair the applicant’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, even if the applicant otherwise meets the criteria in paragraph 605.15(6)“a.”

    d.  An applicant who has not previously been issued a driver’s license that is compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005, 49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note, implemented in 6 CFR Part 37 effective January 1, 2024 2025 (a REAL ID driver’s license), cannot request a REAL ID driver’s license by electronic renewal.

    605.15(7) Subject to the requirements in paragraphs 605.15(6)“c” and “d,” an applicant who meets the following eligibility criteria may apply for electronic renewal of a commercial driver’s license:

    a.  The applicant is otherwise eligible to renew a commercial driver’s license and meets the same eligibility requirements for renewing a noncommercial driver’s license listed in paragraph 605.15(6)“a” to renew the license electronically, except that numbered paragraph 605.15(6)“a”(9)“3” does not apply if the applicant is adding or removing the “K” restriction from the license at the time of renewal. and numbered paragraph 605.15(6)“a”(9)“2” does not apply if the applicant is removing either endorsement under paragraph 605.15(7)“b.”

    b.  The applicant is not subject to any either of the following restrictions or endorsements unless electing to remove either endorsement:

H—Hazardous material

X—Hazardous material and tank

    c.  The applicant does not also hold a valid commercial learner’s permit under Iowa Code section 321.180(2) as documented by restriction “3” on the commercial driver’s license.

    d. No change.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 307.12(1)“j,” 321.186, 321.188 and 321.196; the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note) as amended by the REAL ID Modernization Act, H.R. 133, Division U, Title X; and 6 CFR Part 37.