Renew the license to active status.
To maintain an active license, which allows the continued practice of the profession in Iowa, submit a timely renewal, including payment of the renewal fee.
Continuing education is required for active renewal. Refer to board rules for specific continuing education requirements for the purposes of renewal.
Renew the license to inactive status.
Renewing a license to inactive status allows a licensee to maintain a current license as opposed to allowing the license to lapse. An application and renewal fee are still required for inactive renewal.
Note: Licensees who hold inactive licenses are prohibited from practicing in Iowa until the license has been reactivated.
Allow the license to lapse.
If a licensee is not practicing in Iowa and does not intend to return to practice in Iowa in the near future, the licensee may allow the license to lapse. Lapsed status signifies a license was not renewed and does not negatively impact its standing.
Lapsed licenses may be reactivated at a later date by submitting the appropriate application and fee(s).
Retired Status
Some licensing boards provide the option for retired status. For a licensee to claim retired status, the licensee must not reasonably expect to return to the practice of the profession due to bona fide retirement or disability. The following licensed professions provide the option for retired status.
- Accountants — CPAs and LPAs
- Landscape Architects
- Real Estate Appraisers
A licensee with retired status may use the professional title or abbreviations if the retired status is referenced. (e.g. C.P.A., retired; L.P.A., retired; P.L.A., retired)
