50-State Real Estate Broker Licensing Compliance Guide
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Iowa Real Estate License

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Licensing requirements for Iowa brokerage firms.

A business entity offering real estate brokerage services to the public typically must register with the real estate commission before conducting business activity. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

Company Licenses

Iowa Real Estate Company Licenses

Iowa Branch Office License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Real Estate Commission
Law:

Iowa Code § 543B.2

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporations
  • General Partnerships 
  • Associations 
  • Professional Corporations 
  • Professoinal Limited Liability Companies
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:

A broker can be the responsible broker of more than one office. 

Requirement Notes:

A branch office can only be licensed to a firm or a broker sole-proprietor. You will need the license number of the firm or broker sole-proprietor.


You will need the license number of the broker-in-charge of this branch office. A broker can be the broker-in-charge of more than one office. There is no license issued to the broker-in-charge of the branch.


The address of a branch office can not be changed. 


If a branch office is closed (relocated) the branch license for that location must be cancelled.  Then an application for the new location must be submitted and approved by Commission staff prior to providing real estate services at the new location.

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Required Attachments:

Branch office applications will provide the name and license number of the responsible broker for that location. 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

A firm branch office license will have the same expiration date as the firm's main license.  A broker sole-proprietor branch office license will have the same expiration date as the broker sole-proprietor's main license.  Branch office licenses must be renewed to remain active.

Iowa Real Estate Firm License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Real Estate Commission
Law:

Iowa Code § 543B.2

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporations
  • General Partnerships 
  • Associations 
  • Professional Corporations 
  • Limited Liability Companies 
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:

At least one of the officers, members or partners must be an Iowa licensed broker assigned to this firm as required by Iowa Code § 543B.2.

Notes:

A nonresident to whom a license is issued upon compliance with all the other requirements of law, is not required to maintain a definite place of business within this state. Provided that the nonresident, if a broker, shall maintain an active place of business within the state of the nonresident’s domicile, and that the privilege of submitting a certification of licensure certified to by the qualified and authorized official or officials of the state of original licensure, in lieu of the recommendations and statements otherwise required, only applies to licensed real estate brokers and real estate salespersons of those states under the laws of which similar recognition and courtesies are extended to licensed real estate brokers and real estate salespersons of this state.

Initial Registration

Instructions:

Firm Application Instructions

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$170

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$170

Due:

Triennially by date of issuance. 

Individual Licenses

Iowa Individual Real Estate Licenses

Iowa Real Estate Broker License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Real Estate Commission

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$170

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$170

Due:

Triennially by December 31.

Iowa Real Estate Salesperson License

Agency:Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Real Estate Commission

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$125

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$125

Due:

Triennially by December 31.

Learn about real estate licensing in other states:

Associate Broker - Associate brokers are qualified to work independently as a broker, but choose to work under the authority of a designated broker.

On-Site Manager - A broker or salesperson who oversees the operations of a branch office under the authority of the designated broker.

Qualifying Broker/Designated Broker - An experienced and licensed real estate broker responsible for management and operation of a real estate firm.

Real Estate - Land, buildings, and their permanent improvements and fixtures. Also called "real property" in contrast to personal property.

Real Estate Agent - This term refers generally to any licensed real estate professional.

Reciprocity - Reciprocity makes it easier for out-of-state real estate firms to gain approval to operate in a foreign state by streamlining some licensing requirements.

Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO)
Offers a license verification database accross 43 jurisdictions.

NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Agencies
Aid education, research, and advocacy efforts in the real estate industry.

National Association of Realtors
Real estate trade organization that provides information and resources for development of the real estate industry.

Urban Land Institute
Research and education association concerned with responsible land use and creating sustainable communities.