How to Get Your License Back After an OWI in Iowa

The Iowa Code Chapter 321J, Section 2 describes operating while intoxicated (OWI) as being in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a BAC ≥ 0.08% or any amount of a controlled substance present. This serious offense under Iowa law may result in significant criminal penalties and the loss of driving privileges.

Being arrested for an Iowa OWI violation may result in an automatic 180-day license revocation by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), which may be increased to 1 year (for a first-time offender) in case of a criminal conviction.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

Iowa OWI laws mandate a one-year license revocation period for first-test refusals and set a two-year period for second-time refusals. Until the offender completes the full revocation period, a temporary restricted license (TRL) is not an option.

Under-21 OWI drivers who refuse chemical testing during their first and second offenses are subject to license revocation periods of one and two years, respectively. Such drivers are ineligible for a TRL under the state's zero-tolerance rules.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

An OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) in Iowa typically involves DMV and court processes. While these processes are related, they are distinct from one another. The DMV (Iowa DOT) is responsible for issuing administrative license suspensions or revocations that impact the offender's driving privileges, not jail time or fines.

In contrast, OWI court proceedings in Iowa often result in penalties such as fines, jail time, community service, and mandatory participation in OWI education or treatment programs, such as the 12-hour Drinking Drivers Course.

It is worth noting that a defendant may fulfill the conditions of their court-imposed penalties and still be barred from driving if they do not comply with the DMV requirements. Compliance with both systems is crucial for license reinstatement.

Step 3: Complete an OWI Education or Treatment Program

Submitting a certificate of completion is essential for any program type, as failure to do so may impede license reinstatement and result in additional penalties.

12-Hour Drinking Driver Education (Prime for Life)

A 12-hour instructional course is often mandatory for all individuals convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses. The Iowa DOT and courts may require this program under different circumstances: the DOT as a precondition for license reinstatement (Iowa Code § 321J.17), and the courts as part of the sentencing requirements for OWI convictions.

The standard fee for the program is $180.00. 00. Upon completing the program, providers issue certificates of completion and notify the Iowa DOT and the relevant court of the offender's participation.

Jail Diversion Weekend Programs (1st and 2 nd OWI)

These programs combine educational sessions with supervised overnight stays in a correctional facility. A first-offense jail diversion program typically involves 20 hours of education and 48 hours of jail diversion, while second-offense programs require 96 hours in addition to educational hours. The cost of these programs ranges from $535 to $850.

Outpatient Substance Use Counseling

If a substance abuse evaluation determines that offenders must enter outpatient treatment programs, such programs may range from brief interventions (Level 0.5) to more extensive outpatient care (Level 1.0), often lasting between six and twelve weeks. Licensed treatment providers facilitate these sessions, typically costing around $125 per session.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

SR-22 insurance is not the conventional type of insurance; it is a form that an OWI offender's insurance company files with the Iowa DOT to prove they have the state's minimum required auto liability coverage.

In Iowa, the Iowa DOT typically requires drivers whose licenses have been revoked due to operating while intoxicated charges or certain serious violations to file an SR-22 before they reinstate their driving privileges. Normally, this applies whether they failed a chemical test, refused to take one, or were convicted of OWI in court.

Interested parties wishing to obtain an SR-22 typically contact their auto insurance company to request an SR-22 filing for Iowa. If their current insurer does not offer SR-22, they typically switch to one that does. The insurer is responsible for submitting the SR-22 form directly to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) on the OWI offender's behalf.

In Iowa, drivers typically maintain SR-22 coverage for two years from the date of license reinstatement. Early cancellation may result in automatic license revocation.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

The principal payment for individuals seeking to reinstate their driver's license is a $200 civil penalty. In addition, applicants typically also pay a $20 reinstatement fee and a standard driver's license issuance fee ($4 per year for a non-commercial license) in most instances. A duplicate or replacement license may also attract an additional $10 fee.

The Iowa DOT's MyMVD online portal offers users a convenient option for the payment of fees. However, using the online platform attracts a $3 processing fee. Individuals may also make payments in person at any Iowa DOT service center that accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Credit card payments made in person may incur a minor processing fee of about $1.50.

For suspensions resulting from non-payment of fines, individuals typically pay the outstanding amount to the clerk of court in the relevant county and then submit proof of payment to the DOT to proceed with reinstatement.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Individuals wishing to submit their Iowa license reinstatement applications may do so via the following channels:

Online: Users may view their reinstatement checklist and pay civil penalties on the MyMVD Portal. To get started, they typically log in using their Iowa driver's license or ID number, name, date of birth, and the last five digits of their Social Security number.

In-Person: Applicants may schedule an appointment to visit an Iowa DOT Service Center with their completed requirements and receipts (civil penalty, SR-22, etc.).

By Mail: Applicants may submit their court or clerk receipts and their signed reinstatement application to the Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306 – 9204.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Iowa?

In Iowa, some of the reasons for license reinstatement denials include:

• Failure to pay the $200 civil penalty for OWI crimes
• Unpaid reinstatement costs, license fees, or court fines
• Inability to produce proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) through their insurance,
• Cancelling SR-22 coverage before the necessary two-year maintenance period
• Noncompliance with the 12-hour Drinking Driver Education course or court-ordered substance abuse treatment.

Individuals denied a license reinstatement application by the Iowa DOT should do the following:

• Verify the correctness of the personal information listed on the official notice.
• Indicate willingness to contest the withdrawal by ticking the box on the official notice.
• Enclose a written request clearly stating the reason for the appeal.
• The request packet should also include any additional information, documents, or requests for a subpoena that the applicant would like the reviewing officer to consider.
• Submit the completed official notice, a written statement, and other supporting documents in person at any Iowa DMV or by emailing, mailing, or faxing the documents to Driver Services Appeals.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

In Iowa, a Temporary Restricted License (TRL), otherwise known as a hardship license, allows someone with a suspended or revoked license to operate a vehicle for specific purposes. Such uses may include work and healthcare travel, driving to school, training, and substance abuse treatment programs, as well as court-ordered community service or probation appointments.
Interested parties may be eligible for a TRL in Iowa if they are:

• Up to 18 years old
• Provide evidence of extreme hardship or an absence of viable transportation alternatives.
• Have no fines or revocations for habitual offenses, drag racing, or OWI-related deaths that bar TRL issuance under state law
• Submit proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR-22
• Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for OWI-related revocation.

Individuals wishing to apply for a TRL following an OWI-related revocation typically comply with the guidelines below:

• Fill out Form 430400: Request for Temporary Restricted License – OWI Revocation
• Submit proof of SR-22 insurance, IID installation, and civil penalty payment.
• DOT reviews and approves the application
• Following the approval, visit a DOT office to undertake and pass any required exam and pay a $20 reinstatement fee plus a license issuance fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After an OWI?

The timeline for license reinstatement in Iowa ranges from 6 to 7 months for a first DWI, 14 to 18 months for a second offense, and 18 to 30 months or more for a third offense. However, these timelines depend on the prompt and successful fulfillment of all Iowa DOT-imposed penalties and conditions.