Iowa Nursing Licensing Guide
As a travel nurse, understanding license requirements is crucial for your journey. Let’s break down everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining your Iowa nursing license.
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Iowa Nurse License Overview
Fees
The endorsement application fee is $169.00 for both RNs and LPNs, with no additional charge for a temporary license.
Processing Timeframes
While the Iowa Board of Nursing doesn’t officially specify processing times, here’s what we typically see:
- Permanent License: About 2-8 weeks after submitting all required materials
- Temporary License: Similar timeframe of 2-8 weeks once all documentation is received
License Renewal – What You Need to Know
Important Dates & Deadlines
Your Iowa nursing license follows a three-year renewal cycle, with some key points to remember:
- Your license expires on the 15th of your birth month
- You can renew up to 60 days before expiration (For example, if your license expires January 15th, you can renew as early as November 15th)
- The renewal period starts on the 16th of your birth month
- First-time renewals are unique: you’ll have a two-year period plus additional months until your birth month
- After that, you’ll follow the standard three-year renewal cycle
💡 Pro Tip: While Iowa law suggests completing your renewal 30 days before expiration, there’s no monetary penalty if you miss this recommended deadline.
Essential Requirements
- Renewal Fee: $99.00
- Continuing Education: 36 contact hours required (Click here for more information)
- Grace Period and Late Renewals
If you miss your renewal deadline (the 15th of your birth month), here’s what you need to know:
- You have a 30-day grace period to renew
- Late renewals include an additional $50.00 fee
- After the grace period ends, your license will lapse
- You cannot practice nursing with a lapsed license until it’s reinstated
⚠️ Important Note: To ensure you maintain continuous practice ability and avoid additional fees, we recommend marking your renewal deadline on your calendar and starting the process early.
Key Information for Your Iowa Nursing Journey
Ready to start your Iowa nursing adventure? Here are some essential details you’ll want to keep in mind as you navigate the licensing process:
📝 Application Timeline
- Your application stays active for 12 months – think of it as your licensing journey window. If you need more time to complete all requirements, you’ll need to submit a fresh application and fee.
⚠️ Temporary Permit Guidelines
- Please note that temporary permits have specific eligibility requirements. If you have any criminal convictions or current disciplinary actions on your nursing license in another state, you’ll need to pursue the standard licensing path instead.
⏱️ Documentation Processing
- Great news! The Iowa Board typically receives all required documentation from third parties within 2-8 weeks. We recommend using this time to prepare for your upcoming assignment and get excited about your new opportunity!
📱 Track Your Progress
Stay informed about your application status anytime, anywhere through the online portal. It’s a simple way to keep tabs on your licensing progress.
Your Guide to Getting an Iowa Nursing License by Endorsement
Welcome to your next nursing adventure in Iowa! Let’s walk through the licensing process together, making sure you have everything you need for a smooth transition.
Permanent License – Step by Step Guide
Ready to make Iowa your new nursing home? Here’s your roadmap to getting your permanent license:
- Start Your Journey Online
- Begin by submitting your application through the online portal
- This process works the same way for both RNs and LPNs
- Once you complete this step, watch your mailbox – they’ll send you a packet with all the additional materials and instructions you’ll need
- Background Check Time
- You’ll need to submit:
- Two fingerprint cards
- A criminal history background waiver form
- Any applicable criminal history documentation
- Don’t worry – we’ll guide you through this process!
- You’ll need to submit:
- License Verification Made Easy
- If your original state participates in Nursys, you can request verification there
- If not, just reach out to your original state’s Board of Nursing directly
- Good news – you only need verification from your original state of licensure!
- Special Circumstances
- Active military or federal government employees: Have your ID ready
- Foreign-educated nurses: You’ll need to request:
- An NCLEX Score Transfer
- Your CGFNS report
Need a Temporary License?
Sometimes you need to hit the ground running. Here’s how to get your temporary license:
- Quick Start Process
- Simply check the provisional license box on your endorsement application
- Pay your fee
- Good news – once they have everything except your transcript, the BON can issue your temporary license
- Just make sure you’ve requested your transcript first!
- Eligibility Requirements
- Complete those fingerprint cards and waiver form
- Have your original nursing license verified
- Maintain a clean record (no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions)
⏰ Important Note: Temporary permits are valid for 30 days, giving you time to complete any remaining permanent license requirements.
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