Iowa Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Last updated
Iowa Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Iowa registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON), under the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL). Iowa is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Iowa uses a 3-year renewal cycle — longer than most states.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Iowa Board of Nursing (DIAL) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 3 years |
| Expiration Date | 15th day of your birth month |
| CE Hours Required | 36 contact hours per 3-year cycle |
| Renewal Fee | $99 |
| Late Fee | $50 additional |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes (eNLC member since 2018) |
| Online Renewal | Yes — IBON Online Services |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN and LPN — 36 Hours Every 3 Years
- 36 contact hours of continuing education per 3-year renewal period
- No specific mandatory topic requirements for general CE (with one exception below)
- CE must be from approved providers or programs recognized by the Iowa Board of Nursing
- ANCC-accredited courses accepted
Special Requirement
- 2 hours of dependent/child abuse education required every 5 years (this is a state-provided course, not available through third-party CE providers)
Initial Renewal
The first renewal period is 2 years plus the number of months to your birth month. After that, you're on the standard 3-year cycle.
Iowa-Specific Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle. Iowa is one of the few states with a 3-year (not 2-year) nursing license renewal. This gives you more time but also means more CE hours to track over a longer period.
- Birth-month expiration. Your license expires on the 15th of your birth month.
- Renewal window opens 60 days before expiration.
- Iowa law requires renewal 30 days before expiration, but the Board has elected not to impose a monetary penalty for missing this deadline. However, renewals received after the 15th of the birth month are considered late.
- 30-day grace period. You may still renew (with $50 late fee) during the 30 days after expiration. Board rules do not prohibit practice during this grace period, but employers may.
- Late renewals may be audited.
- Compact state. If Iowa is your primary state of residence, you may hold a multistate license.
- Retain CE documentation for at least 4 years.
- No license cards printed. Check your status online through the verification system.
How to Renew
- Complete 36 contact hours of approved CE during the 3-year renewal period
- Complete dependent/child abuse training if due in current 5-year cycle
- Go to IBON Online Services and select "Renew an Existing License"
- Follow all steps, update information as needed
- Pay the $99 renewal fee (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover)
- Retain CE records for at least 4 years
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN/LPN Renewal | $99 |
| Late Fee | $50 additional |
| Reinstatement | Contact IBON |
Contact Information
Iowa Board of Nursing (DIAL)
- Website: dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health-professions/nursing-professional-midwifery
- Renewal Info: dial.iowa.gov — renewals
- Email: ibon.renewal@iowa.gov
- Phone: (515) 281-3255
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Iowa Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
Track your nursing license with CredMinder — never miss a renewal deadline. Download on iOS | Download on Android
Track your nursing credentials with CredMinder
Store, track, and get reminders for every expiring license and certification — all in one secure place. Available on web, iOS, and Android.