Criminal History Background Checks

Background checks are required pursuant to Iowa Code 543D.22 and Iowa Administrative Code 193F chapter 4.1(3), chapter 5.7(5) and chapter 6.7, which is applicable to new associate appraisers, associate appraisers upgrading to certified status, and certified residential appraisers upgrading to certified general status. 

The Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board now utilizes Fieldprint as the primary means of completing the fingerprinting requirement for applications. Fieldprint allows the applicant to schedule an appointment in any state in the U.S., to have their fingerprints collected digitally and sent electronically directly to the Board. Instructions for scheduling your appointment can be found in this document.

For those applicants that are unable to use Fieldprint, a paper background check packet can be requested by emailing us at Board email Please include your mailing address in this request, and allow at least 5-7 business days for arrival of your fingerprint packet.

To request a fingerprint packet from the Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board, please create a user id using the Online Application Submission.

Background checks are valid for 180 days from the date the FBI conducted the check.

List of Potentially-Disqualifying Criminal Convictions

In accordance with Iowa Code section 272C.15(2), the department provides the following list of specific convictions that may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license, permit, or registration. In addition, any offense specified in the laws of another jurisdiction or prosecuted in a municipal, federal, military, or foreign court that is comparable to a conviction listed herein may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license or registration.

Please be advised that just because you have been convicted of one of the offenses listed does not mean you are automatically prevented from obtaining a license or registration. The following offenses are only disqualifying if:

  1. The actions taken in furtherance of the offense are customarily performed within the scope of practice of the profession; or
  2. The circumstances under which the offense was committed are circumstances customary to the profession. 

Additionally, even if your conviction is disqualifying, you are entitled to submit proof of rehabilitation to the licensing authority to demonstrate your current fitness to safely practice in the profession.

If you are interested in applying for a license, permit, or registration and have been convicted of an offense on this list, you may petition the licensing authority for an eligibility determination, or submit all relevant information as part of your application for licensure or registration, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481. If you have questions about what criminal history information to include with your license or registration application or how to submit a petition for eligibility determination, please contact staff for assistance.