Key Takeaways
- Iowa insurance licenses are valid for 3 years (triennial renewal)
- Renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Address changes must be reported to the Iowa Insurance Division within 30 days
- Licenses not renewed within 90 days of expiration require re-examination
- Iowa uses NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) for license applications and renewals
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Iowa insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Triennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 3 years (triennial) |
| Renewal Period | 90 days before expiration |
| Grace Period | 90 days after expiration |
| Late Renewal | Additional fees apply |
| Expired 90+ Days | Must retake exam |
Important: Iowa uses a 3-year license term, which is longer than many states that use 2-year terms.
Continuing Education Requirements
Iowa requires 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every 3 years:
CE Breakdown
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 36 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 33 |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 3-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Iowa accepts courses approved in most other states
Exam Tip: Iowa requires 36 hours of CE every 3 years with 3 hours of ethics. This averages to 12 hours per year.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal through NIPR
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Reporting Requirements
Iowa producers must notify the Insurance Division of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of email address
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through NIPR online portal
- Or submit in writing to Iowa Insurance Division
- Failure to report is a violation
Disciplinary Actions
The Iowa Insurance Division can take disciplinary action for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
Common Violations
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to disclose material information
- Mishandling of premiums
- Unauthorized transactions
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
Test Your Knowledge
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Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does Iowa require for license renewal?
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