How to renew your real estate license in Iowa
Iowa real estate licenses must be renewed every three years through the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau (PLB). To maintain an active Iowa real estate license, Salespersons and Brokers must complete continuing education requirements, submit a renewal application through the My Iowa PLB portal, and pay the required renewal fee before the license expiration deadline.
Iowa real estate license renewal steps
Iowa real estate licenses expire on December 31 of the third year of the renewal cycle. The year a license is issued counts as the first year of the renewal cycle. For example, a license issued in 2024 expires December 31, 2026. The online renewal period opens approximately 45 days before expiration.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required continuing education.
Iowa continuing education requirements: 36 hours
Currently, the required coursework includes:
- 8-hour Law Update course
- 4-hour Ethics course
- 24 hours of Commission-approved elective coursework
Iowa allows a maximum of 24 hours through distance education and requires at least 12 hours through live instruction or livestream format.
Important continuing education reminders:
- Continuing education must be completed within the current three-year renewal cycle
- Courses may only be counted once during the same renewal period unless course numbers and instructors differ
- Continuing education hours do not carry over into future renewal cycles
- CE must be completed before submitting your renewal application
- Licensees should keep all course completion certificates for their records
Alternative renewal option through examination
Between July 1 and December 31 of the renewal year, Iowa licensees may choose to pass the state and national portions of the licensing exam instead of completing continuing education requirements. Licensees must first submit a Request for Exam Authorization Letter through their My Iowa PLB account.
Pro Tip: Iowa recommends completing continuing education several months before December 31 to avoid last-minute delays and renewal issues.
Step 2
Access the My Iowa PLB renewal portal
Iowa real estate license renewals must be completed electronically through the My Iowa PLB portal.
Before beginning renewal, gather:
- License number
- Social Security number
- Continuing education completion records
- Current contact information
- Payment method
To renew online:
- Log into your My Iowa PLB account
- Access the renewal section when applications become available
- Review and update your personal information
- Verify your continuing education completion
- Complete all required certifying questions
Licensees should carefully review all information before submitting their application.
Step 3
Submit your renewal application and pay your renewal fee
Current Iowa renewal fees include:
- Salesperson renewal fee: $125
- Broker renewal fee: $170
Late renewal fees include:
- $25 late fee between December 31 and January 30
- $50 late fee after January 30
After submitting renewal:
- Save your renewal confirmation
- Verify your updated license status through My Iowa PLB
- Confirm your new expiration date
Most renewal applications are processed electronically within several business days.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Renewal cycle: Every 3 years (issuance year counts as year one)
- License expiration date: December 31 of the third year
- Renewal window opens: Approximately 45 days before expiration
- Maximum distance education hours: 24
- Minimum live instruction hours: 12
- Continuing education requirement: 36 hours
- CE carryover allowed: No
- Online renewal available: Yes
- Salesperson renewal fee: $125
- Broker renewal fee: $170
- Late fee (December 31–January 30): $25
- Late fee (after January 30): $50
What happens if your Iowa real estate license expires?
Iowa licensees who fail to renew before December 31 may enter lapsed status and may not legally practice real estate until renewal or reinstatement requirements are satisfied.
Licenses expired less than one year
Licensees generally may complete outstanding continuing education, submit a renewal application, and pay applicable late fees.
Licenses expired longer than one year
Licensees may need to complete reinstatement requirements, submit additional applications and fees, and meet any additional Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau requirements.
Inactive licenses
Inactive Iowa licensees must still renew every three years. They are not permitted to practice real estate while inactive, but may reactivate later by completing applicable continuing education and paying required fees.
Licensees should contact the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau directly regarding specific reinstatement or reactivation situations.
Continue growing beyond renewal requirements
A Colibri Real Estate CE Membership gives you access to continuing education, career development resources, and professional growth opportunities designed to support you beyond your next renewal.
Depending on your membership level, benefits may include:
- Unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses in Iowa
- Learning Snacks with short trainings, templates, checklists, and business resources
- Discounts on certifications like Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Buyer Agent Expert, and Real Estate AI Specialist (Included FREE in a Pro or Premier package)
- AI MasterTracks training focused on using AI for lead generation, client communication, marketing workflows, and repeat business strategies
Whether you’re focused on staying compliant, building expertise, or growing your business, a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership helps you continue building momentum throughout your real estate career.
Are you licensed in multiple states? Multi-state membership options are available!
Colibri Real Estate also offers CE packages and individual courses for Iowa real estate professionals.
FAQs
No. Iowa does not allow continuing education hours to carry over into future renewal cycles.
Late fees begin after December 31, and expired licenses may eventually require reinstatement before returning to active status.
Yes. Inactive Iowa licenses may still be renewed every three years.
However, inactive licensees may not legally practice real estate.
Iowa allows a maximum of 24 hours through distance education during each renewal cycle.
At least 12 hours must be completed through live instruction or livestream courses.
Yes. During the renewal year (July 1 through December 31), Iowa licensees may pass the state and national licensing examinations instead of completing continuing education requirements.
Licensees must first submit a Request for Exam Authorization Letter through their My Iowa PLB account.
Licensees may verify license status, expiration dates, and renewal information through the My Iowa PLB online portal.
Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure they are meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.