Iowa Motor Vehicle Division (DMV/RMV) Customer Service

Calling the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division makes clear that the state would rather you go online to set up your appointments or get assistance, but it is willing to provide information to those who wish to seek it over the phone. When I called, I went through three automated messages suggesting where I could find information online before being presented with options to speak to a representative. It also suggested I could use the automated system to make an appointment with my county DMV and treasurer, for which I would need to get in-person assistance.

When I got to the options menu, I found it easy to navigate and quickly found the right section for my needs. Upon pressing the button for my questions, I was immediately connected to Eric, who asked how he could help me. I explained I was a new resident of Iowa and wanted to know when I needed to surrender my out-of-state driver's license and get an Iowa license. He said the state recommended that I get my new license within 30 days of moving.

I then asked what documentation I would need to obtain my new Iowa license. Eric said that I'd need documentation proving my citizenship, meaning a birth certificate or passport, along with my Social Security number and out-of-state license. I would also need to bring any two pieces of mail that had both my name and my Iowa address on it and confirmed that per Iowa regulations, any piece of mail counted as long as it had my name and address.

I followed by asking what the cost would be for a new Iowa license, and he said I'd be given an eight-year license and would pay $32 for it. I asked what the cost would be to register my vehicle in Iowa, but Eric said he was unable to provide that information, as that is done at the county level, and the cost for registration would be different depending on my county. As such, I'd need to contact my county for that.

Finally, I asked if I would need to set up an appointment online to get my license, and Eric said that depended on where I was located. He asked if I was located in a bigger city or a more rural county, and I said I was in Iowa City and Johnson County. He said I was free to contact Johnson County's DMV online or over the phone, or he could set up an appointment if I was ready. I said I'd need to check my calendar and thanked him for his help, and he thanked me for calling. 

I was very impressed with the ease of connection and Eric's comfortable and knowledgeable demeanor. He answered every question with ease and gave me all the information I needed to ensure my question was fully resolved. Overall, I would feel very comfortable calling the Iowa DMV for assistance as a customer, even if the state would rather I didn't.