Standard Renewal

Online License Center Click here to renew your nursing license via the Internet.

Simple Troubleshooting Guide to the On-line License Center

Mailing:

Please check your wallet card or the Online Verification System to determine your license expiration date.

For example:

• Licenses that expire September 15 are due August 15, and can be renewed any time after July 15.
• Licenses that expire October 15 are due September 15, and can be renewed any time after August 15.
• Licenses that expire November 15 are due October 15, and can be renewed any time after September 15.

Licensees are encouraged to renew over the Internet using MasterCard, VISA or Discover. NOTE: ARNPs cannot renew online at this time. Online renewals are processed immediately by the computer program. Click on Online License Center above to renew online.

If you are unable to renew over the Internet, you may contact the board office in writing to request that a paper form be mailed to you, e-mail Iowa Board of Nursing or call 515-281-4826. Please include name, current address, license number or social security number with your request. The mailing address is: Iowa Board of Nursing, 400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4685.

Deadlines:

Iowa law requires that the renewal be returned 30 days prior to expiration. The board has elected to not impose a monetary penalty for missing this deadline, but the later the renewal is received the more likely it becomes that the new license will not be in hand by the time the old one expires. Also, if a paper renewal cannot be processed as received, and must be returned to the licensee for any reason, and if it is then resubmitted after the 15th of the birth month, it is considered a late renewal; there will be an additional $50 late fee.

Processing Time:

The board requires three to five working days to process a paper renewal. Renewals are returned to the licensee for a variety of reasons, the most common one being the failure to respond to the criminal history question on the renewal form.

Online renewals are processed over the internet immediately, without the need for human intervention.

Wallet Cards:

Wallet cards are printed every Tuesday and Friday whether the renewal has been submitted electronically or on paper. Wallet cards are mailed within 24 hours after being printed.

Verification of Licensure or Renewal of Licensure:

To verify an RN or LPN license:

• Access the telephone verification system at 515/281-3255 and follow the prompts. The caller must provide a license number or SSN. Press 1 for information regarding license status or renewal status, then either Press 1 again to check the status of a renewal or reactivation application, OR Press 2 to verify the status of an Iowa license or,
• Click on Online License Verification on our Home Page. The employer may verify the status of an Iowa license, determine if the license is under sanction and print the information on the screen. The employer may verify ARNP registration as well as RN or LPN licensure.