Key Takeaways
- Iowa insurance licenses are valid for 3 years (triennial renewal)
- Renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Address changes must be reported to the Iowa Insurance Division within 30 days
- Licenses not renewed within 90 days of expiration require re-examination
- Iowa uses NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) for license applications and renewals
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Iowa insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Triennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 3 years (triennial) |
| Renewal Period | 90 days before expiration |
| Grace Period | 90 days after expiration |
| Late Renewal | Additional fees apply |
| Expired 90+ Days | Must retake exam |
Important: Iowa uses a 3-year license term, which is longer than many states that use 2-year terms.
Continuing Education Requirements
Iowa requires 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every 3 years:
CE Breakdown
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 36 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 33 |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 3-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Iowa accepts courses approved in most other states
Exam Tip: Iowa requires 36 hours of CE every 3 years with 3 hours of ethics. This averages to 12 hours per year.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal through NIPR
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Reporting Requirements
Iowa producers must notify the Insurance Division of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of email address
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through NIPR online portal
- Or submit in writing to Iowa Insurance Division
- Failure to report is a violation
Disciplinary Actions
The Iowa Insurance Division can take disciplinary action for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
Common Violations
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to disclose material information
- Mishandling of premiums
- Unauthorized transactions
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
How often must Iowa insurance licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education does Iowa require for license renewal?
Within how many days must an Iowa insurance producer report an address change?
What happens if an Iowa insurance license is not renewed within 90 days of expiration?