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Library patrons renew driver's licenses via kiosk

Now, Iowa residents will be able to renew their driver's licenses at the library via self-service kiosks.

September 21, 2015

Now, Iowa residents will be able to renew both books and driver's licenses at select libraries. The Iowa Department of Transportation has installed driver's license kiosks at 11 libraries across the state, according to a report by American Libraries Magazine.

The kiosks were first showcased at the 2013 Iowa State fair where they process 1,000 transactions. Afterwards, the agency approached several libraries and businesses to install kiosks.

The kiosk uses a camera to take a user's photo and match it with an image on file. There must be a blue background directly behind the user for the kiosk to take a valid photo. Then, the kiosk uses facial-recognition software to match the photo with one on file. From there, the user can pay for the new license with a credit or debit card.

"People often come in and ask for the driving manual to study for the driver's test or use the internet to renew their license online," said Mary Logsdon, adult services manager, Ames Public Library. "We're always looking to work with partners, and a state agency like the Iowa Department of Transportation is a natural partner for us."

Other states have also deployed driver's licenses kiosks such as Maryland, Mississippi and Tennessee. The Memphis Public Library in particular has a driver's license kiosk installed in its lobby.