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According to the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, Iowans over 50 years old have a 21% increase in being involved in a car crash within 30 days of receiving a traffic citation, particularly during bad weather or nighttime hours. With the number of older drivers expected to increase in Iowa (as with the rest of the country), it's important to be aware of the special licensing requirements instituted by the Iowa Department of Transportation to keep drivers safe.
Iowa Department of Transportation Driver's License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers
Between the ages of 18 and 72, Iowa driver's licenses are valid for eight years. After age 72, however, you'll need to renew your driver's license more frequently, with the expiration dates "tapering off" the older you are. Below is a chart illustrating how the renewal period corresponds with increased age.
If your age is:
Then you'll need to renew every:
73 years
7 years
74 years
6 years
75 years
5 years
76 years
4 years
77 years
3 years
78 years or older
2 years
You must pass a vision screening (at no cost to you) each time you renew your license. Alternatively, you can have an outside vision specialist perform an examination and enter the results on a Vision Report. The vision exam must be conducted within 30 days of the renewal request, or the Department of Transportation won't consider the results valid.
Written or road tests aren't mandatory when renewing your license, but if the Department thinks that your license doesn't accurately reflect the current state of your health and could make driving unsafe, the agency may ask you to submit a vision report or a medical report form before it will process the renewal. Unlike the vision report, the medical report form isn't available online—you'll have to call the service center in your county to request the form.
Common Restrictions on Iowa Driver's Licenses for Seniors
As with most states, the Iowa Department of Transportation can issue licenses with certain restrictions that limit the scope of the driver's privileges. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contacts, while driving. Other requirements relevant to older drivers may include:
use of mechanical or prosthetic devices while driving
no driving a vehicle with a manual transmission ("stick shift")
vehicle must be equipped with one or more additional mirrors
no driving during times of the day when headlights are required
speed restrictions such as no freeway driving or no speeds above 35 mph, and
reexaminations required at set times, potentially involving a medical report.
Iowans who are found to be driving in violation of the restrictions on their license may have their driving privileges suspended or revoked. For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Iowa, see the state's webpage on suspension and revocations.
Requesting an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Transportation accepts requests to conduct an unsafe driver investigation from anybody who has personal knowledge of the driver's skills. If you've witnessed a friend or family member engaging in hazardous activity on the road, you can submit a request for reexamination. Keep in mind that these requests are not kept confidential, so the driver at issue can ask for the name and address of the person who submitted the request.
You can also have a health care professional or law enforcement officer (LEO) submit a request for reexamination. LEOs can use the same form (431000) as relatives or concerned observers use, while health care professionals can submit any relevant information pertaining to potential safe driving issues. If you have additional questions, the Department of Transportation maintains a helpful, comprehensive webpage dedicated to aging driver safety.
Parking Permits for Disabled Iowa Residents
Iowans with disabilities can apply for a parking permit that allows them to park in designated locations set aside for disabled drivers. This permit can come in the form of a windshield placard that you hang from the rearview mirror, a sticker that you place on your license plate, or a license plate itself. Placards and plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies that they:
can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
can't walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assisting device
are severely restricted by lung disease as demonstrated by spirometry (breathing tests) showing an FEV1 value of less than one liter or arterial-oxygen tension at rest less than 60 mm/hg
use portable oxygen
have a severe cardiac condition resulting in functional limitations categorized as class III or class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association, or
are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
In order to get a parking permit, you'll need to complete an Application for Persons With Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents and have a licensed medical professional attest to your disabling condition. "Licensed medical professionals" include physicians, chiropractors, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Veterans with service-connected impairments can submit records of a VA disability determination instead of a statement from a licensed medical professional.
How to Get Your Disabled Parking Windshield Placard
There are several methods you can use to apply for a disability windshield placard. You can submit your request electronically using the online application portal. When prompted on the portal, upload your medical statement or VA disability determination, then electronically sign and click submit.
You can also print out the completed application and mail it, along with your medical statement or VA disability determination, to the following address:
Iowa DOT Vehicle Services P.O. Box 9278 Des Moines, IA 50306-9278
If you'd like, you can also turn in your completed application—along with a medical statement— at any Iowa Driver's License Service Center or local county treasurer's office. You don't need to make an appointment for the driver's license service center (although you may have to wait in line), but you may need an appointment if you go to the treasurer's office. However, you'll be able to get the placard immediately from either source, rather than waiting for your application to be processed by mail or online.
How to Get Your Persons With Disabilities License Plate
The process for obtaining a disability permit license plate is very similar to that for getting a placard. For standard license plates, you'll complete the application form and bring it along with your medical statement or VA determination to your county treasurer's office. For personalized plates, you'll need to complete the Special Plate Application form and mail it—along with fees— to:
Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services Iowa Department of Transportation P.O. Box 9278 Des Moines, IA 50306-9278
You should expect to receive your personalized disability plates within 3-6 weeks. They will be sent to your county treasurer's office, and staff will notify you when your plates are available.
How to Get Your Persons With Disabilities Parking Sticker
If you don't want to get a new license plate, you can get a sticker to place on your current license plate that also lets you use disabled parking spaces. To get your sticker, you can use the online application portal as you would if you were requesting a placard, or you can make an appointment at the Vehicle Services branch of the Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services in Ankeny. Stickers should be placed on your existing license plate in the lower-right corner of the rear plate.
Additional Help for Older Drivers
Senior drivers generally are at an increased risk of involvement with traffic-related injuries. Age-related loss of vision and slower reaction times can contribute to a higher chance of an automobile collision. If you're a senior driver dealing with the aftermath of a collision or driving infraction, you may want to contact an attorney to help you fight your traffic ticket, handle your car accident claim, or get your license reinstated
Knowing when to ask for help is a major factor in keeping senior drivers safe and independent, so it's key to recognize your limitations and the limitations of loved ones who are getting behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has important information on its website of special interest to older drivers. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Transportation has published a booklet on driving with diminished skills that may be useful to older drivers, particularly those dealing with cognitive decline.
