Iowa Real Estate Continuing Education Salesperson Courses

How to Renew Your Iowa Real Estate License

Iowa real estate Salespersons and Brokers must renew their licenses every three years. Licenses expire on December 31 of the renewal year assigned by the Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC).

To maintain an active license, you must complete your continuing education (CE), retain proof of completion, and submit your renewal before your license expiration date.

Step 1: Complete the Required Continuing Education

Iowa requires 36 hours of CE every 3 years.

Your CE must include:

• 8 hours of Law Update
• 4 hours of Ethics
• 24 hours of approved elective courses

CE Rules to Know

• Courses must be approved by the Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC). Elective credit may include approved out-of-state courses (if not state-specific) and courses sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
• Each course may only be taken once for credit unless the course number and instructor are different.
• A maximum of 24 hours may be completed through distance learning. At least 12 hours must be completed through live instruction.
• You may carry over up to 18 unused elective hours from the previous renewal cycle; however, Law Update and Ethics courses must be completed during the current cycle.

Step 2: Verify Your Course Completions

Course providers in Iowa do not report course completions to the state. Licensees are responsible for maintaining and submitting proof of completion during renewal.

Before renewing, confirm you have all required certificates of completion available.

Keep copies of your CE certificates for at least 6 years after renewal in case of an audit.

Step 3: Complete Your License Renewal

Iowa real estate licenses are renewed online through the My Iowa PLB system.

To renew your license:

1. Log in to your My Iowa PLB account using your email address
2. Select your license under "My Licenses" and begin the renewal application
3. Verify and update your contact information
4. Choose your renewal status (active or inactive)
5. Enter and certify your completed CE information
6. Complete all required checklist questions and upload documents if requested
7. Review your application summary
8. Pay the renewal fee and submit your application

After submitting your application, it will be processed, and your license status will be updated. A status of "Pending Internal Review" means your application has been successfully submitted and is being reviewed by the IREC.

Additional Tips

• Renewal Timing: You may renew your license up to 45 days before your expiration date.
• CE Timing: All continuing education must be completed by December 31 and before submitting your renewal application. There is no grace period to complete CE after your license expires.
• Late or Expired License: You may renew within 30 days after expiration with an additional $25 fee. After that, reinstatement is required, and you cannot practice while your license is expired.
• License Status: You can check your license status and expiration date anytime through My Iowa PLB or the Iowa License Search.
• Alternative CE Option: You may satisfy CE requirements by passing the appropriate licensing exam during your renewal period with prior approval.