How to get a single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license in Iowa

Iowa registered nurse licenses

Iowa issues 2 registered nurse credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for every Iowa registered nurse license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

What it covers

Formulating nursing diagnoses and treatment of human responses to health problems (case finding, referral, health teaching and counseling, care provision), executing regimens prescribed by a physician, ARNP or PA, and supervising and teaching other personnel.⁸

Requirements

High school diploma or GED

Required⁸

Education or training

Graduate of a board-approved nursing program; the program sends an official transcript (degree and date conferred) directly to the board, electronic copies via National Student Clearinghouse only.²
Who may teach it: Course of study approved by the board under Iowa Code 152.5.⁸
Alternative: Foreign graduates: TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) report only, plus English proficiency test unless exempt.¹
Alternative: Military applicants may request credit for verified military education, training or service.¹

Exam

NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)²
Given by: Pearson VUE (for NCSBN)⁹
Passing score: The passing standard set by the testing authority when the test was taken.²
When you can take it: No Authorization to Test until the board application (fee, fingerprints, transcript sent by the school) and NCLEX registration are both complete.²
Retakes: Failed candidates reapply: within 12 months of the prior application only the application, fee and NCLEX registration are needed; after 12 months all requirements (including fingerprints and transcript) are repeated.²
Exam waived: Foreign-educated applicants submit a TruMerit (CGFNS) CES report, VisaScreen or Certification Program certificate instead of a transcript, plus an English proficiency test unless educated in English in a listed country.¹

Background check

Background check required²
Fingerprints required⁹
Convictions do not automatically bar licensure; disclose each offense (including deferred judgments, expunged/sealed records and OWI) and submit proof of rehabilitation. DIAL lists potentially disqualifying convictions under Iowa Code 272C.15(2).¹⁰
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply¹⁰

Also required

Applications must be completed within 12 months or start over.²

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

Fee waivers and reductions:

• Fee waiver for first-time Iowa applicants with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (application and background-check fees only; not the NCLEX fee).⁵

How to apply

1. Apply online through the Board of Nursing portal and pay $143 (the $93 application fee plus the $50 background check). If you have no SSN, email the board for a paper application.⁹ amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us⁹
2. Register for the NCLEX-RN and pay $200. Your name and contact details must match the license application.⁹
3. If you need testing accommodations, ask before graduation and wait for the approval letter before scheduling.⁹
4. Get fingerprinted through Fieldprint. Applicants outside the US can request a paper card packet.⁹
5. Have your nursing program send the official transcript directly to DIAL Nursing.⁹
6. Pearson VUE emails your Authorization to Test. Schedule and take the exam within the ATT window.⁹
7. Check your status in the portal under "Licensing Services".⁹

Apply online

amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us⁹

Temporary or provisional license

Endorsement applicants who have filed everything except the school transcript may request a temporary license valid up to 30 days; it converts to a permanent license when the transcript arrives.²

Renewal

How often

Every 3 years³

When it expires

First license runs 24-36 months to the 15th of your birth month; then three-year cycles. Renew from 60 days before expiry; the statute asks for renewal 30 days before expiry but the board imposes no penalty for missing that.²

Renewal fee

$99²

Continuing education

36 hours each renewal period⁴

Required topics

Mandatory reporter training: child abuse and/or dependent adult abuse identification and reporting (HHS course, every 3 years) if you regularly treat children or dependent adults in Iowa; each course counts as 2 CE hours.¹¹
No other mandated topics; CE must be appropriate nursing-related subject matter; CPR/BLS, orientation/in-service and unsupported self-care do not count.¹²

Approved courses

Since June 4, 2025 the board no longer approves CE providers or content; nurses choose CE meeting appropriate subject matter and keep documentation for four years.¹²

Exemptions

Exempt on proof provided on request: honourable active military duty during the license period; an active license in another mandatory-CE state while living outside Iowa at renewal; nursing work outside the US for the government, foreign service or missionary work; or a physical/mental disability or illness, with an application for a CE extension or medical exemption.⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $50⁵ (renewal between the 16th of the birth month and the 15th of the following month; $149 total)

If it expires

30-day grace period after expiry (renew with $50 late fee; practice not prohibited by board rules). Not renewed by the 15th of the following month: license becomes inactive (no fees/CE while inactive).³
Reactivation: $225 (incl. background check), fingerprints, 36 CE hours from the prior 36 months; if no active license anywhere for 5 years, a refresher course (80 h theory + 80 h supervised clinical) within 12 months.¹³

Renew online

amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us³

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military applicants may request credit for verified military education, training or service. Honourable active duty during the license period exempts a nurse from CE (on proof), and active military duty at renewal suspends the mandatory-reporter training requirement.¹

Who needs a single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license

Work that does not need this license:

• No Iowa license needed for nurses on an active multistate license from a party state, for care given only in interstate transit, or for emergency services in a governor-declared emergency area. Any nurse caring for a patient located in Iowa (including by phone or electronically) otherwise needs Iowa licensure.²

Requirements for a single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Residency or citizenship

Single-state license goes to applicants without an SSN (with proof of lawful presence) and to nurses whose primary residence is a non-compact state.²

Social Security number

No SSN: submit lawful-presence documents (visa/green card) and request a paper application; a single-state license is issued.¹

Renewal and continuing education

Multistate Registered Nurse (RN) license

Requirements

Residency or citizenship

Multistate license only for nurses whose primary state of residence is Iowa (driver's license, voting, taxes) and who meet the 11 NLC uniform requirements, including a valid US Social Security number.⁷

Social Security number

Valid US SSN required for a multistate license.²

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a registered nurse in Iowa, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Iowa is on the Iowa license lookup page.

Look up a license

amanda-portal.idph.state.ia.us¹⁴

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• Iowa Code ch. 152 (Nursing; 152.1 definitions, 152.6 licenses, 152.7 qualifications, 152.8 reciprocity, 152.9 temporary license)
• Iowa Code ch. 152E (Nurse Licensure Compact)
• Iowa Code 147.3 (qualifications – health professions)
• 481 IAC 617.2
• 481 IAC ch. 617 (Licensure to practice – RN/LPN)
• 481 IAC ch. 619 (Continuing education)

Common questions

Registered nurse (RN) licenses in other states

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