Iowa · OWI · Checked October 2026
OWI License Suspension in Iowa: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
OWI License Suspension in Iowa: What Are the Rules?
You have 10 days to challenge a license suspension after an OWI arrest in Iowa.
- Deadline to challenge
- 10 days
- How it is counted
- The date you receive (are served) the notice of revocation
- Failed test
- 180 days (no prior revocation); 1 year (prior revocation)
- Refused test
- 1 year (no prior revocation); 2 years (prior revocation)
- Hardship license
- Temporary restricted license (TRL)
How to Request a Hearing in Iowa
mark the contest box on the official notice and return it with a written statement of your reasons, in person at any Iowa DMV or by email, mail or fax to Iowa DOT Driver Services Appeals
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Iowa
180 days (no prior revocation); 1 year (prior revocation)Iowa Code § 321J.13(1)-(2); § 321J.12(1); § 321J.9(1)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Iowa
1 year (no prior revocation); 2 years (prior revocation)Iowa Code § 321J.13(1)-(2); § 321J.12(1); § 321J.9(1)
Getting a Temporary Restricted License (TRL) in Iowa
The DOT may issue a TRL to someone revoked under the OWI chapter that allows driving in any manner a class C license allows, once an approved ignition interlock is installed on every vehicle you drive. Not available to drivers under 18 revoked under zero tolerance, during the first 2 years of a death-related revocation, or for commercial vehicles or school buses. For offenses on or after January 1, 2025, a doctor-verified medical condition can waive the interlock requirement.
Official source: getting a temporary restricted license (trl) (Iowa)
More on OWI Law in Iowa
See the full overview of OWI laws in Iowa and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Iowa law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Iowa can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Iowa?
10 days. How it is counted: the date you receive (are served) the notice of revocation.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
180 days (no prior revocation); 1 year (prior revocation)
Can You Get a Hardship License in Iowa?
The DOT may issue a TRL to someone revoked under the OWI chapter that allows driving in any manner a class C license allows, once an approved ignition interlock is installed on every vehicle you drive. Not available to drivers under 18 revoked under zero tolerance, during the first 2 years of a death-related revocation, or for commercial vehicles or school buses. For offenses on or after January 1, 2025, a doctor-verified medical condition can waive the interlock requirement.