Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a REALTOR®
Whether you’re already a Realtor® or you’re thinking about getting your real estate license, take a look at some of our frequently asked questions regarding Iowa REALTOR® classes, online real estate license courses and license renewal in Iowa.
| How Do I Get Copies of My Certificates? |
| You can print your certificates from any classes offered by the IAR or its Educational Partners by logging on to My Account to access (Click on Events and then My Classes) and print your certificates. For non-IAR sponsored Iowa Realtor® courses, you must contact each school that sponsored the course. For example if you took three courses from the Iowa Association of REALTORS® - we would have those records. If you took a course from a private business or broker - you need to contact the private business or broker.
It is your responsibility to keep track of the Iowa Realtor® courses you have taken and from which school where the course was offered.
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| How Do I Renew My Real Estate License? |
License renewal is available online. Visit the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau (PLB) to renew your license. Note that online license renewal is available only during renewal periods (typically November through January). However, you can visit Iowa PLB at any time to verify the status of any real estate licensee or company.
To renew your license, you must log into My Iowa PLB. If you have not yet logged into the new system, click on new user. Set up your account and link your license. Paper renewals are no longer accepted. During the renewal period, you will click on “Applications/Renewals.” Complete the checklist, upload your course completion certificates, and click “Submit for Review.”
Additional renewal information can be found on the Iowa Real Estate Commissions FAQ page. |
| When Do I Renew My Real Estate License? |
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The renewal cycle typically opens in Mid-November of each year.
You may not renew before the cycle opens. If you miss the renewal cycle, you can reinstate your license by visitingIowa Professional Licensing Bureau’s website and submitting the appropriate reinstatement application form.
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| Can I Carry Over Hours From One Licensing Period to the Next? |
No. You must complete the required Iowa Realtor® classes within the three years of your renewal cycle and before your renewal. There is no 30-day grace period to complete education. If your continuing education is not completed by your licenses’ expiration date, you must renew your real estate license to the inactive status.
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| How Much of My 36 Hours Can Be Home Study or Online Hours? |
| If you’re interested in renewing online, a maximum of 24 hours may be taken through home study/online real estate courses. |
| What Do I Do With the Certificates I Receive From Taking a Real Estate Course? |
| You do not have to turn in your certificates when you renew your license, but you do have to have them on file in case you are audited by the Iowa Real Estate Commission. Certificates for Iowa Realtor® classes taken through the IAR School of Real Estate are kept online for you in the My Account section of our website. |
| Will the Iowa Association of REALTORS® Keep Track of All My Education Hours for Me? |
| No, the Iowa Association of REALTORS keeps track of Iowa Realtor® classes offered by the Association and its educational partners only. There is no central bank of information where your class records are kept. |
| If I Don’t Have My Hours In For Renewal, Can I Take the Real Estate Exam Again Instead? |
| Yes, contact the Real Estate Commission at RealEstateCommission@iowa.gov for specific instructions on how to take the exam for renewal. |
| Do You Have Recommended Hotels Nearby IAR's Office With Discounted Rates? |
| Click here to check out some local hotels with negotiated rates. |
Learn What It Takes to Become a Real Estate Agent
The journey to becoming a real estate agent is fulfilling and rewarding, and the Iowa Association of REALTORS® is here to help you along the way. Get a step by step look at what it takes to become a Realtor®, including how to get your real estate license, which classroom and online courses you’ll need to take and more!
Education Email: education@iowarealtors.com