Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Iowa Department of Transportation signed a reciprocity agreement on August 7, 2017 that enables their respective eligible citizens residing on the other side to obtain a local driver's license without taking another driving skills test.
Iowa is the 23rd U.S. state to enter such an agreement with Taiwan. This agreement will benefit corporate expatriates, visiting scholars, and exchange students from both sides by providing a jump start for their settlement on the foreign soil, manifesting the strong friendship between the State of Iowa and Taiwan, sister states since 1989.
Calvin Ho, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, signed the agreement in a ceremony in the governor’s formal office at the Iowa State Capitol. Governor Kim Reynolds applauded the can-do spirit and hard work put together by Iowa Department of Transportation and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. She expects the agreement to bring closer ties between people from both side and encourage more exchange and investment that will be mutually beneficial to Iowa and Taiwan.
With immediate effect, Iowa Department of Transportation may allow a person aged 18 or over, lawfully present in the United States who meets Iowa residency requirements, and who possesses a valid Class B, C, D, or E Taiwanese driver’s license to exchange that license for an Iowa noncommercial (Class C) Operator’s License. However, the applicant will be required to pay all requisite fees and pass: (1) a vision screening, and (2) a knowledge test, but will not be required to submit to a driving skills test.
Reciprocally, Taiwan may allow a person aged 18 or over, residing in Taiwan who possesses a valid Iowa Class C or D driver’s license to exchange that license for an Class B driver’s license after paying all requisite fees and passing: (1) a physical (aptitude) test, and (2) a knowledge test, without having to take a driving skills test.
Calvin Ho, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago (2nd from left), signed the agreement witnessed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (1st right).
Governor Reynolds, representatives from State Secretary’s Office and Department of Transportation took a group photo with staff from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to conclude the signing ceremony.
Gift exchange between Iowa Department of Transportation and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. 