Obtaining Your Iowa Nursing License

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Iowa is an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) state

Iowa Board of Nursing

400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309
TEL: 515-281-3255
FAX:  515-281-4825

License by Endorsement

Processing Fees  
Application $169

Temp License Processing

Approximately within 5 business days upon receipt of all required docs (may take 2-4 weeks to receive all docs). Valid for 30 days (must not have any prior convictions OR disciplinary actions).

Documents Needed Temp Perm
Completed application Yes Yes
Transcript – received directly from nursing school No Yes
Verification of original state license Yes Yes
Signed waiver form Yes Yes
2 completed fingerprint cards – must be from the board Yes Yes

Apply online

*Temporary permits are issued while other required docs are in process of receiving a permanent license. Additional necessary steps to receive a permanent license MUST also be initiated.

License Renewal

Processing Fees   Renewal License Processing
Timely $99 3-5 business days – paper renewal
Late $149  Within 24 hours for online renewal
Reinstatement $225  Approximately 5 business days upon receipt of all docs

Additional Info

Reinstatement requirement of 1.2 CEUs or 12 contact hours earned in previous 12 months, and must complete a criminal background check.

Online Renewal
Verify an Iowa license

NOTE:  Mailing address to send application/docs may be different than the physical address