Producer Licensing Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain an Iowa Property & Casualty producer license, you must meet these basic qualifications:

Age Requirement

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• No maximum age limit
• Must provide proof of age with government-issued ID

Residency

Iowa licenses both:

• Resident producers: Individuals whose primary residence is Iowa
• Non-resident producers: Licensed in their home state seeking Iowa authority

Good Character

• Must demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, and financial responsibility
• Criminal background check required (as of June 2, 2025)
• Division reviews criminal history for relevance to insurance duties

Education

Iowa has NO mandatory pre-licensing education requirement for Property & Casualty insurance.

Unique to Iowa: Most states require 20-40 hours of pre-licensing coursework. Iowa's lack of this requirement makes it one of the most accessible states for entering the insurance profession. However, thorough self-study is essential for exam success.

Pre-Licensing Education (Optional but Recommended)

While Iowa doesn't require pre-licensing education, most successful candidates invest in exam preparation:

Recommended Study Time

• 40-60 hours of study for national P&C concepts
• 15-20 hours for Iowa-specific laws and regulations
• 10-15 hours for practice exams and review

Study Resources

• FREE exam preparation guides (like this one)
• Online courses and practice exams
• National textbooks on P&C insurance
• Iowa Code Chapters 505, 506, 507, 507B

Licensing Examination

Exam Registration

Testing Provider: Pearson VUE

• Website: pearsonvue.com/ia/insurance
• Phone: (800) 274-2912
• Registration: Online or by phone

Exam Structure

Exam Fees (2026)

Iowa offers flexible exam options:

Option 1: Combined P&C Exam

• Cost: $69
• Coverage: Property AND Casualty in one sitting
• Time: 150 minutes total
• Recommended: Most efficient option

Option 2: Separate Exams

• Property Exam: $49
• Casualty Exam: $49
• Total if both: $98
• Note: Taking separately costs $29 more than combined

Money-Saving Tip: Schedule the combined P&C exam for $69 instead of taking Property and Casualty separately. You'll save $29 and only need to go to the testing center once.

Exam Scheduling

1. Create Account: Register at pearsonvue.com/ia/insurance
2. Select Exam: Choose "Property & Casualty Combined" ($69)
3. Choose Date/Time: Select testing center or online proctored exam
4. Pay Fee: $69 by credit/debit card
5. Receive Confirmation: Note your confirmation number

Test Day Requirements

What to Bring:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
• Exam confirmation number
• Arrive 30 minutes early

What's Prohibited:

• Study materials, books, or notes
• Cell phones or electronic devices
• Calculators (not needed for P&C exam)
• Food, drinks, or gum
• Bags or purses (testing center provides lockers)

Exam Results

• Immediate Results: Pass/fail notification at end of exam
• Score Report: Printed report provided at testing center
• Transfer to Division: Results automatically sent to Iowa Insurance Division within 3 business days
• Validity Period: Exam results valid for 90 days for license application

Retaking the Exam

If you don't pass on the first attempt:

• Waiting Period: 24 hours before retake
• No Limit: Unlimited retake attempts
• New Fee: $49-$69 for each attempt
• Study Between Attempts: Review weak areas identified on score report

NEW: Fingerprinting Requirement (Effective June 2, 2025)

Background Check Requirement

Beginning June 2, 2025, Iowa requires all resident insurance producer applicants to complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks.

Who Needs Fingerprinting:

• All new resident producer license applicants
• First-time Iowa insurance license applicants
• Applies to all lines of authority (including P&C)

Who's EXEMPT:

• Non-resident applicants from reciprocal states
• Current Iowa licensees renewing their license
• Applicants adding new lines to existing license

Fingerprinting Process

Provider: Fieldprint (IdentoGO)

• Fee: $34.35
• Processing Time: 3-5 business days
• Validity: Results remain on file with Iowa Insurance Division

Where to Get Fingerprinted

Fieldprint operates locations throughout Iowa:

• Des Moines (multiple locations)
• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Iowa City
• Sioux City
• Waterloo
• Council Bluffs
• And other cities

To Schedule:

1. Visit fieldprint.com
2. Select "Iowa Insurance Division"
3. Choose nearest location
4. Schedule appointment
5. Bring government ID and payment

Background Check Criteria

The Iowa Insurance Division reviews:

• Criminal History: State and federal records
• Relevance to Insurance: Financial crimes, fraud, dishonesty
• Time Since Offense: Recent convictions weighed more heavily
• Pattern of Behavior: Single incident vs. repeated offenses

Important: Not all criminal convictions result in license denial. The Division considers factors like nature of crime, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. If you have concerns about your background, consider consulting with the Division before applying.

License Application

Application Process

After passing the exam AND completing fingerprinting:

1. Wait for Exam Transfer: Allow 3 business days for exam results to reach NIPR system
2. Access NIPR: Visit nipr.com and create account
3. Complete Application: Fill out Iowa resident producer application
4. Disclose Background: Answer all questions truthfully about criminal history
5. Pay Fees: $50 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee = $55.60
6. Submit Application: Electronic submission through NIPR

Application Timeline

• Exam to Application: Must apply within 90 days of passing exam
• Processing Time: 5-7 business days for approval
• License Receipt: Electronic license issued through NIPR
• Physical License: Not issued; use electronic version

Total Cost Breakdown

Here's what you'll pay to get your Iowa P&C license:

This is significantly less than many states that charge $200-$400+ when including required pre-license courses.

Non-Resident Licensing

Reciprocity

Iowa participates in reciprocal licensing with other states through NIPR:

Eligibility for Non-Resident License:

• Hold active resident license in your home state
• Same line of authority (P&C) in home state
• Good standing in home state
• No prior Iowa license denials or revocations

Non-Resident Application Process:

1. Verify active home state license
2. Apply through NIPR for Iowa non-resident license
3. Pay $185 application fee
4. NO exam required (reciprocity)
5. NO fingerprinting required

For Non-Residents: You do NOT need to take the Iowa exam or complete fingerprinting if you're already licensed in your home state. Simply apply through NIPR with proof of your active home state license.

Non-Resident Continuing Education

Non-resident producers must:

• Meet their home state's CE requirements
• Do NOT need to complete Iowa's 36-hour CE requirement
• Maintain good standing in home state
• Renew Iowa license when home state license renews

License Maintenance

License Term

• Duration: 3 years (triennial)
• Expiration Date: Based on your birth month
• Renewal Window: 60 days before expiration

Required Actions During License Period

1. Keep Contact Information Current

   • Update address changes within 30 days
   • Maintain email on file with Division
   • Report legal name changes

2. Maintain E&O Insurance (Recommended)

   • Not legally required in Iowa
   • Strongly recommended for liability protection
   • Many agencies require it

3. Complete Continuing Education

   • 36 hours every 3 years
   • Including 3 hours of ethics
   • Must complete BEFORE renewal application

4. Report Significant Events

   • Criminal convictions
   • License disciplinary actions in other states
   • Bankruptcy or financial judgments
   • Must report within 30 days

Temporary Licensing

Temporary Producer License

Iowa may issue temporary licenses in limited circumstances:

Eligibility:

• Death or disability of producer
• Military service deployment
• Other extenuating circumstances

Duration:

• Up to 180 days
• May be extended in special cases
• Full licensing requirements must be met before expiration

Application:

• Submit written request to Iowa Insurance Division
• Explain circumstances requiring temporary license
• Provide supporting documentation
• Division has discretion to approve or deny

License Denial, Suspension, or Revocation

The Iowa Insurance Division may deny, suspend, or revoke a producer license for:

Grounds for Denial

1. Criminal Activity

   • Conviction of felony
   • Crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust
   • Financial crimes (fraud, embezzlement)

2. License Issues

   • Prior license denial or revocation in Iowa or another state
   • Suspension or disciplinary action in another state
   • Outstanding debt to Iowa Insurance Division

3. False Information

   • Material misrepresentation on application
   • Failure to disclose criminal history
   • Fraudulent documentation

4. Lack of Qualifications

   • Failure to pass examination
   • Insufficient financial responsibility
   • Mental or physical impairment affecting ability to function

Grounds for Suspension or Revocation

Once licensed, your license can be suspended or revoked for:

1. Unfair Trade Practices (Iowa Code 507B)

   • Misrepresentation or false advertising
   • Unfair claim settlement practices
   • Rebating or improper inducements
   • Discriminatory practices

2. Producer Misconduct

   • Fraud or dishonest practices
   • Misappropriation of premiums or funds
   • Failure to maintain proper records
   • Forgery or fraudulent documents

3. Regulatory Violations

   • Failure to comply with Iowa insurance laws
   • Violation of Division orders or regulations
   • Operating without proper authority
   • Failure to respond to Division inquiries

4. Continuing Education Violations

   • Failure to complete required CE hours
   • Fraudulent CE certificates
   • Repeated CE non-compliance

Due Process Rights

Before license denial, suspension, or revocation:

1. Notice: Written notice of charges and proposed action
2. Hearing Opportunity: Right to administrative hearing
3. Representation: May be represented by attorney
4. Evidence: Right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses
5. Appeal: Right to appeal Division decision to Iowa courts