How to become a real estate agent in Iowa
Iowa real estate agents are licensed by the Iowa Real Estate Commission (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Professional Licensing Bureau). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Iowa, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Iowa?
- At least 18 years old when the application is submitted
- FBI national criminal history background check (results valid 210 days)
- Required pre-license education
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
- U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, verified through SAVE (DIAL notice of July 16, 2026)
Iowa real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Iowa Real Estate Commission (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Professional Licensing Bureau) |
|---|---|
| License name | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Education or training | 60 hours of real estate principles and practices (live or online), completed within the 12 months before the exam, plus three live 12-hour courses: Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices, Buying Practices and Listing Practices. All courses must be less than one year old when the Commission receives the application. |
| Exam | PSI administers the exam, and applicants must pass both the national and state portions. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. A salesperson is assigned to a licensed broker or firm and cannot do business independently. An original salesperson license cannot be issued as inactive. |
| License term | 3 years. Licenses expire December 31 of the third year, counting the year of issue as a full year. |
| Continuing education | 36 hours per 3-year renewal to stay active: 8 hours Law Update, 4 hours Ethics and 24 elective hours. |
| Reciprocity | Iowa offers licensure by reciprocity to people originally licensed in, and living in, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi or North Dakota; other out-of-state licensees apply under a separate rule (193E-5.3). |
How much does it cost?
| Exam (paid to PSI) | $95 |
|---|---|
| Salesperson license (original or renewal) | $125 |
| Late renewal, January 1 to 30 (includes $25 reinstatement fee) | $150 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Iowa
- Start the FBI criminal history background check
- Complete the 60-hour pre-license course and the three 12-hour courses
- Schedule and pass the national and state exam portions through PSI
- Get E&O insurance and arrange to be assigned to a broker or firm
- Apply through the My Iowa PLB portal by the last working day of the sixth month after passing the exam (and within 210 days of the background check)
Apply on the official Iowa site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Iowa?
- Search the name or license number on the official Iowa real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.