My mother is 83. She has let her driver’s license lapse. She needs an ID to sell her home and transfer title. What is needed for an Iowa ID?

A) Even though your mother lives in Iowa, getting an ID requires proving residency, identity and lawful presence (if she’s not a US citizen). Here’s a breakdown of the documents she’ll likely need:

• Identity: This could be a certified birth certificate or a valid US passport.
• Social Security Number (SSN): While not mandatory, having a Social Security number helps expedite the process.
• Proof of Iowa Residency: This will involve showing two documents with her current Iowa address. Examples include utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements.

There’s a document checklist on the Iowa DOT website that can help you determine exactly what your mother needs to bring to the driver’s license issuance site: Iowa DOT Required Document Checklist

Remember, these are general requirements and it’s always best to check with the Iowa DOT directly to confirm if there are any exceptions for elderly applicants or other specific situations. You can find their contact information on their website.