Iowa Nurse License Overview
Getting your Iowa nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Iowa Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Iowa does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $169.00 | $169.00 |
| Renewal (3-year cycle) | $99 | $99 |
| Temporary Permit | $50 | $50 |
| Background Check | $~40–50 | $~40–50 |
Key Sections:
Iowa License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Iowa RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Iowa Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) | Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) |
| Compact Status | Yes | Yes |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Must be from a state-approved or ACEN/CCNE-accredited nursing program | Must be from a state-approved or ACEN/CCNE-accredited nursing program |
| Application Portal | Iowa IBON Online Portal | Iowa IBON Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Approximately 4–6 weeks after receipt of all required documents | Approximately 4–6 weeks after receipt of all required documents |
IA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply and submit through the IBON portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys from your original state of licensure
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Proof of graduation; transcripts (if required)
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions; supporting documentation required; reviewed case-by-case.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required
- Via IdentoGO; must submit proof during application
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- Issued within 5–7 business days of complete application
- Requirement: must have a pending permanent application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid up to 6 months; allows practice while application is processed
- Non-renewable
Iowa Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Iowa
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 36 contact hours | CE may be waived if licensed within 12 months of renewal deadline | 36 contact hours every 3 years. CE required; 2 hrs child/dependent adult abuse training mandatory. Mandatory Reporter training required if working with children/elderly. |
| LPN | 36 contact hours | CE may be waived if licensed within 12 months of renewal deadline | 36 contact hours every 3 years. CE required; 2 hrs child/dependent adult abuse training mandatory. Mandatory Reporter training required if working with children/elderly. |
| APRN | 36 contact hours + 3 hrs pharmacology | Requirements may vary based on certification timing | 36 contact hours + 3 hrs pharmacology. 2 hrs pain management or opioid prescribing; advanced pharmacology. Additional pharmacology requirements apply. |
Key Notes for Iowa
- CE requirements must be completed every 3-year renewal cycle
- 2 hours of child/dependent adult abuse training is mandatory every cycle
- First renewal may be exempt from CE if licensed within 12 months of deadline
- All nurses must retain CE records for 3 years in case of audit
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Iowa Nursing License
How much does a Iowa nursing license cost?
The application fee is approximately $169, with renewal costing about $99 every 3 years.
How long does it take to get a Iowa nursing license?
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Iowa?
Nurses must complete 36 contact hours every 3 years.