Driving

Matters pertaining to acquiring an Iowa Driver’s License are administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The nearest place to get your license is in Leon Iowa. Driver’s exams and licenses are administered Monday through Friday at the Decatur County Treasurer’s office in the Decatur County Courthouse in Leon from 8:00 am-3:30 pm (last written and driving tests begins at 3:00 pm). Regular driving days are on Tuesdays.

Decatur County Treasurer’s Office Leon, Iowa 641.446.4321.

If you have a valid international driver’s license you may drive in Iowa if your license from your home country is valid. Your international license must be carried with your home country license at all times. It is recommended by the Iowa Department of Transportation that if you wish to drive in Iowa you should obtain an Iowa drivers license after you have resided in the state for 30 consecutive days. Contact a AAA office to answer questions.

To qualify for an Iowa driver’s license you must meet one of the resident requirements: 1) registered to vote, 2) your children are in public schools, 3) you hold a permanent job, or 4) you have resided in the state for 30 or more continuous days.

To acquire an Iowa driver’s license if you already have a driver’s license from another state, you will need to take the written driver’s exam and vision test.

If you do not hold a current driver’s license you will need to take the written exam, vision test, and driving test on the street. If you do not know how to drive you may seek a learner’s permit, by passing the written exam. Study booklets for the driving exam are available at the local police office located on S. Linden across from Subway. There is no fee for the exam. The cost of an Iowa Learner’s Permit is $6; License is $20 for five years.

The length of time your license will be issued for is dependent upon your I-20 expiration date.

You will need to take your Social Security Card, passport with visa, I-20, I-94, and Graceland ID.

Students with an I-20 will only be granted a driver's license valid within dates for program of study.

Men who are 18 or older and who apply for a driver's license will usually be asked if they have registered for the Selective Service. The Selective Service registration is not required for non-immigrant students. So your answer would be "no" as well as letting them know you do not qualify as an F-1 student. If you have a different status, discuss this with the Treasurer's Office.

It is required that all vehicles be licensed with tags. This can be done through the County Treasurer’s Office located on the second floor of the Decatur County Courthouse in Leon. It is required each year for you to register your vehicle. If you purchase a vehicle, you will have to pay an initial tax, which varies depending on the value of the vehicle. There is also a variable fee for the license plates each year. You will also receive a registration card, which needs to be kept in the vehicle with proof of insurance. To see if you need to register your car, truck, or motorcycle, call the County Treasurer at 641.446.4321.

It is mandatory that all vehicles have insurance. The purpose of insurance is to provide you with some financial security if you are in an accident. Various insurance companies offer policies, the cost of which varies from company to company. You may shop around for the best rate as the rates are based on the type of car to be insured, your age, your past driving record, and the amounts of specific coverage that you select. Proof of insurance needs to be kept in the car. If you are driving someone else’s car it is a good idea to make sure they have their proof of insurance and registration in the vehicle.

If you wish to park on campus you will need to acquire a parking permit to avoid ticket fines. Please contact the Residence Life Office in the MSC with questions (#5494).

Graceland University assumes no risk or responsibility with your decision to learn to drive or to purchase a motor vehicle.