How to Handle Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration in Burlington, Iowa

Where to Find the Burlington DMV Office

Burlington does not have its own dedicated Department of Motor Vehicles office. Instead, Des Moines County residents — which includes Burlington — use the Des Moines County Treasurer's Office, located at 513 Main Street in Burlington, Iowa 52601. This office handles driver's license renewals, vehicle registration, and title transfers for the county.

The phone number is (319) 753-8260. You can reach them during regular business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they may change seasonally or for holidays.

If you need services the Treasurer's Office does not provide — such as taking a written driving test or a road test for a new license — you will need to travel to a larger Iowa DMV office. The nearest full-service DMV is in Ottumwa, about 30 miles north, or you can go to Des Moines, roughly 140 miles away.

Key Takeaways

The Des Moines County Treasurer's Office in downtown Burlington handles renewals and registration, not a separate DMV building.
You can renew your driver's license or register a vehicle at the Treasurer's Office without traveling to Des Moines or Ottumwa.
Written driving tests and road tests for new licenses require a trip to Ottumwa or Des Moines, as the Treasurer's Office does not administer them.
Iowa allows online renewal for some driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, which may save you a trip to Burlington entirely.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and vehicle documents (title, proof of insurance) to avoid delays at the counter.

What You Can Do at the Des Moines County Treasurer's Office

The Treasurer's Office handles the most common transactions. You can renew your driver's license if it is still valid or expired less than a year ago. You can also register a vehicle, renew vehicle registration, transfer a title, and request a duplicate registration or title. If you need to update your address on your license or registration, you can do that here as well.

The office does not administer written tests for new driver's licenses or road tests. If you are a first-time driver or your license has been suspended or revoked, you will need to schedule a test appointment at a full-service DMV office. Call the Ottumwa DMV at (641) 683-2700 or the Des Moines DMV at (515) 237-3000 to find out when tests are available.

Documents You Need to Bring

For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If your address has changed, bring the new proof of residency.

For vehicle registration or title transfer, bring the vehicle's current title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Iowa, you will also need the bill of sale or previous registration from another state. The Treasurer's Office staff can tell you if you need additional documents when you call or visit.

If you are renewing registration online (see below), you will need your current registration number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Renewing Your License or Registration Online

Iowa allows online renewal for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations in certain situations, which means you may not need to visit Burlington at all. You can renew your driver's license online if your current license is valid and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions. You can renew your vehicle registration online if you have not changed your address and your vehicle passed its last inspection.

To renew online, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation website at iowadot.gov. Look for the "Driver License" or "Vehicle Registration" section and follow the steps to renew. Online renewal typically costs the same as in-person renewal and takes a few business days to process. Your new license or registration will be mailed to your address on file.

If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, call the Treasurer's Office at (319) 753-8260 and they can tell you based on your license or registration number.

Fees and What to Expect at the Counter

Driver's license renewal fees in Iowa vary based on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Vehicle registration fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age. The Treasurer's Office can quote you an exact fee when you call or visit.

Bring cash or a debit card — the office accepts both. Processing time at the counter is usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. If you arrive early in the morning or mid-week, you are likely to wait less. On Fridays and near the end of the month, the office tends to be busier.

Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the staff for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.

Scams and Safety Information

Do not pay for DMV services through any website or phone number you find by searching online. Scammers create fake DMV websites that look official but steal your money and personal information. The only official Iowa DMV website is iowadot.gov, which is run by the state government.

If someone calls you claiming to be from the DMV and asking for payment or personal information, hang up. The real DMV does not call people to demand payment. If you owe a fine or have a suspension, the DMV will send you a letter in the mail, not call you.

When you visit the Treasurer's Office in person, you are safe — the staff are county employees and the office is in a public building. Never wire money or use gift cards to pay for DMV services, and never give your Social Security number or driver's license number to anyone who contacts you unsolicited.

If You Need to Travel to Ottumwa or Des Moines

If you need a written test or road test, the Ottumwa DMV is the closest option at about 30 miles away. It is located at 109 East Main Street in Ottumwa. Call (641) 683-2700 to schedule a test appointment. Tests are usually available within one to two weeks, though wait times vary by season.

The Des Moines DMV, at 100 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines, is a larger office with more frequent test appointments. Call (515) 237-3000. If you are willing to drive 140 miles, you may find an appointment sooner, especially if Ottumwa is booked up.

Both offices are open Monday through Friday. Bring the same documents you would bring to Burlington — your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents the DMV staff told you to bring when you scheduled your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license or registration by mail?

Iowa does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses or vehicle registrations. You must renew in person at the Treasurer's Office or online through iowadot.gov. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.

What if my license or registration is expired?

You can still renew an expired license at the Treasurer's Office if it has been expired less than one year. If it has been expired longer, you may need to take a written test. Call (319) 753-8260 to find out what you need to bring. For vehicle registration, you can renew at any time, even if it is expired.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Treasurer's Office?

The Treasurer's Office does not require appointments for most transactions. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, calling ahead at (319) 753-8260 to confirm hours or ask questions can save you a trip.

What if I lost my vehicle title?

You can request a duplicate title at the Treasurer's Office. Bring your current registration and proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or insurance document. The staff will help you fill out the form and process the request. A duplicate title usually takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Can I change my address without renewing my license?

Yes. You can update your address at the Treasurer's Office without renewing your license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is usually a small fee, but it is less than a full renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.