Key Takeaways
- Iowa real estate licenses are valid for 3 years
- Continuing education requirement is 36 hours per 3-year cycle (can complete 12 hours annually)
- Mandatory CE topics include 8 hours of core/ethics courses and Iowa legal updates
- Post-license education: new salespersons must complete 12 hours within first renewal period
- Late renewal requires additional fees; licenses expired over 1 year may require re-examination
License Maintenance and Renewal
Iowa real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Fees
| Item | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 3 years |
| Expiration date | Birth date every 3rd year |
| Renewal fee | $200 (salesperson), $250 (broker) |
| Late renewal penalty | Additional fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
Salesperson/Broker CE (36 hours per 3-year cycle)
| Course Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core/Ethics courses | 8 hours (mandatory) |
| Elective courses | 28 hours |
| Total | 36 hours |
Tip: Iowa allows licensees to complete 12 hours annually rather than all 36 at once. This helps spread the CE burden.
Mandatory Topics
Iowa requires specific topics be included in CE:
- Iowa Real Estate License Law updates
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Agency relationships and disclosure
- Consumer protection topics
- Fair housing updates
Post-License Education
New salespersons must complete 12 hours of post-license education within their first renewal period:
| Requirement | Hours | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post-license education | 12 hours | Before first renewal (3 years) |
Important: Post-license hours are IN ADDITION to the 36 hours of regular CE required for renewal.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before license expiration
- Log into Iowa PLB online portal
- Submit renewal application
- Verify E&O insurance is current
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Note: Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days before expiration.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal (within 12 months of expiration)
If your license expires but you renew within 12 months:
| Time After Expiration | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 0-30 days | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| 31-365 days | Pay renewal + increased late fee, complete CE |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
Expired More Than 12 Months
If your license has been expired for more than 12 months:
- Must retake the licensing exam
- Must complete current education requirements
- Apply as a new applicant
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | IREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A salesperson's license becomes inactive when:
- Not affiliated with a broker
- Voluntarily placed on inactive status
- Failing to maintain E&O insurance
To reactivate, the salesperson must:
- Affiliate with a broker
- Complete any outstanding education requirements
- Verify current E&O insurance
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify IREC within 10 days of:
- Change of business address
- Change of mailing address
- Change of legal name
- Change of sponsoring broker (salespersons)
Changes are made through the Iowa PLB online portal.
Errors & Omissions Insurance Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage period | Must be continuous |
| Proof | Required at each renewal |
| Lapse | License becomes inactive |
| Reinstatement | Must show current coverage |
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew an Iowa real estate license?
How long is an Iowa real estate license valid?
What is required if an Iowa real estate license has been expired for more than 12 months?