The Marshalltown Hy-Vee is home to a new driver’s license kiosk, installed to give people the opportunity to renew or replace a driver’s license or ID card without the hassle of long lines – the only kiosk of its kind in the community.

The store is just one of 24 locations across the state to secure one of these new kiosks; a process which began in May and is wrapping up this week. A replacement card can be issued if the previous card was lost, damaged or stolen, if a person needs to change his/her address or wants to remove the “under 18” or “under 21” marking once of age.

At a press conference, Gov. Branstad explained, “Technology is allowing Iowans secure and convenient access to services. If your driver’s license is up for renewal and you happen to stop for a gallon of milk or are checking out a book at the library, you may be able to take care of the driver’s license task in the same trip.”

The kiosk features a touch screen, gives step-by-step directions and will take the photo right there in front of a blue screen across from the machine. Payment is accepted on-site in the form of debit or credit card. Once completed, a temporary ID will print out with the permanent one arriving in the mail within 21 days.

“I’ve used it and other managers have too. It took less than five minutes,” said Hy-Vee Perishables Manager Alex Holm.

The kiosks have facial recognition software that will only allow the transaction to proceed if the person’s identity is verified.

Alishia Watson of Ankeny came into the store to try out the kiosk and decide for herself if the machine was user-friendly. She said when she has gone to DOT offices in the past to renew her license, the process took longer than was convenient for her schedule.

“It was a lot easier than going through the DOT. I would definitely recommend doing this instead of waiting in a line for hours,” she said.

Hy-Vee Assistant Manager Bob Lewis said he believes the store obtained a kiosk due to “high volume [of shoppers], I would think.”

Lewis said another feature about the kiosk he likes is how a person has the choice of redoing the photo if not pleased with the first shot.

Other kiosk locations include libraries in Ames, Altoona, Iowa City and Waterloo, in Hy-Vee stores in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport and Mason City, as well as at a Kum & Go in Sioux City.

To use one of these kiosks, a person needs to be at least 18 years old, but younger than 70, be an Iowa resident and U.S. citizen, not need to change name, date of birth, sex, class type, endorsements or restrictions and not have any restrictions such as G, J, T, Q, R listed on the back of the current license.

For more information, visit iowadot.gov.