Signaling design for interlaced frequency divisional multiplex (IFDM) demodulation reference signals (DMRS) is discussed in which a dynamic indication is provided to a user equipment (UE) from a serving base station that allows the UE to configure transmission of DMRS according to either a single carrier frequency divisional multiplex (SC-FDM) or IFDM configurations, as indicated by the dynamic indication. The IFDM configuration may be applicable to either regular uplink subframes or within the uplink portion of special subframes. In some aspects, power boosting may be provided for the DMRS in order to equalize transmit power between decimated DMRS transmitted with the data tones. Additional aspects may also provide for different offsets to be used depending on the type of uplink control signal transmitted.