IOWA - Polk County Attorney - Driver's License Reinstatement Program
The Driver's License Reinstatement Program (LRP) began in June 2004 as a result of collaborative efforts between several agencies, including Polk County, Department of Transportation, and the Clerk of Court. It is a program that allows people who have been suspended for non-payment of fines to get their driver’s license back.
The program is set up to maximize the potential for an individual to succeed at paying off their fines. Payment plans are worked out between the offender and LRP staff. The offender must make their payments on time and maintain insurance on their vehicle at all times while on the program.
THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE NOT ONLY FOR A VEHICLE REGISTRATION RELEASE.
Driver's License Reinstatement Program Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Driver's License Reinstatement Program (LRP):
• If you do not have any unpaid traffic cases in Polk County Iowa you will NOT be eligible for our LRP. You must contact the county where the traffic case(s) occurred.
• If you owe a civil penalty to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) that civil penalty must be PAID IN FULL before you would be eligible for this program. To determine if you owe a civil penalty please contact the DOT at 1-800-532-1121.
• If all you are seeking is a Temporary Restricted License (TRL) commonly known as a “work permit” you need to contact the DOT at 1-800-532-1121.
• You will not qualify for the LRP unless at least one traffic case is 60 days or more from the sentencing (disposition) date. This does not include dismissed traffic case(s). Applying early will result in a denial into the program and delay the processing of your next application.
• You will not qualify for LRP if your license is suspended due to delinquent Child Support.
• Any DOT Civil and/or Small Claims judgments, as a result of an auto accident, must be satisfied before being accepted into LRP.
• You will not qualify if you owe victim restitution on any criminal case.
• If any “Out of State” fines are holding up your driver’s license, they cannot be added to the License Reinstatement Program plan.
• Any delinquent fine(s) previously converted to community service must be converted back to a fine (by a Judge) before qualifying for LRP.
• YOU MUST HAVE VALID CAR INSURANCE TO DRIVE YOUR CAR IN THE STATE OF IOWA! Under Iowa Law, a person shall not drive a motor vehicle on the highways of this state unless financial liability coverage (motor vehicle insurance), is in effect for the motor vehicle and unless the driver has in the motor vehicle proof of financial liability coverage card issued for the motor vehicle, or if the vehicle is registered in another state, other evidence that financial liability coverage is in effect for the motor vehicle.
• If approved for the LRP you must contact the program coordinator to set up the payment plan. Plans will be conducted over the phone and through email.
• A valid email address is required.
• Because of the number of applications we receive the processing time is approximately 30 days. Once a decision has been made you will be sent a letter by U.S. mail.
• Applications are valid for 30 days.
• Additional requirements may be required. For more information, please contact:
Polk County Attorney’s Office
License Reinstatement Program
222 5th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 286-2203
• If you meet all of these qualifications, you may qualify for the License Reinstatement Program. Please select the Next button and complete the Financial Affidavit.
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