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Iowa contractor license renewal rules

Full rule details
Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

Track my Iowa licensesHow reminders work
License types
12
Licensing boards
4
Trades
6
Printable renewal checklistCheck a renewal deadline

Renewal guides by trade

Continuing education by trade

Electrical4 license types

Electrical Contractor

EC · State license · Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-725-6147
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
All licenses expire Dec 31 every 3 years (2026-2028 cycle; next expiration Dec 31, 2028; renewal opens Oct 1 of the expiration year). Renewal must be completed (postmarked) by Dec 31.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period; may renew late with penalty until Mar 31 (3 months after expiration, Iowa Code 103.19).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $375
Late fee
10% of fee per month or portion of month after Dec 31 for up to 3 months: about $412.50 (Jan), about $450 (Feb), about $487.50 (Mar).
Reinstatement
Expired more than 3 months: must apply for a new license and pass the state-sponsored exam (Iowa Code 103.19; renewal form notice).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
General and completed-operations liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 for all licensed work (Iowa Admin. Code 661-502.7); carrier must notify board 30 days before cancellation/reduction; work must cease if coverage lapses. Workers' comp certificate (via DIAL contractor registration) if employees. No state surety bond found in Chapter 103 or rule 502.7.
Notes

Business must have/employ a licensed Class A/B master (Certificate of Responsible Master Electrician) and hold DIAL Contractor Registration ($50/yr). Fee $375 on-time for the 2026-2028 cycle (fee prorated if first licensed mid-cycle). Board phone 515-725-6147.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Master Electrician (Class A / Class B)

Master A/B · State license · Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-725-6147
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
18 hours
Show CE rules18 contact hours per 3-year license term (6 hours per year or partial year held); minimum 6 hours on the current NEC, rest NEC or approved electrical-related study; Iowa Board-approved courses/instructors only; 1 contact hour = 50 minutes; all hours completed by Dec 31 of expiration year; licensee attests at renewal and hours are verifiable in the iowaelectrical.gov portal (My Licenses).
Deadline rule
All licenses expire Dec 31 every 3 years (2026-2028 cycle; next expiration Dec 31, 2028; renewal opens Oct 1 of the expiration year). Renewal must be completed (postmarked) by Dec 31.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period; may renew late with penalty until Mar 31 (3 months after expiration, Iowa Code 103.19).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $375
Late fee
10% of fee per month or portion of month after Dec 31 for up to 3 months: about $412.50 (Jan), about $450 (Feb), about $487.50 (Mar).
Reinstatement
Expired more than 3 months: must apply for a new license and pass the state-sponsored exam (Iowa Code 103.19; renewal form notice).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Fee $375 on-time. Inactive Master $75. Journeyman A/B $75 (CE also 18 hrs). Master of record qualifies the Electrical Contractor entity. Board phone 515-725-6147.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Residential Electrical Contractor (1-4 family dwellings)

REC · State license · Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-725-6147
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
All licenses expire Dec 31 every 3 years (2026-2028 cycle; next expiration Dec 31, 2028; renewal opens Oct 1 of the expiration year). Renewal must be completed (postmarked) by Dec 31.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period; may renew late with penalty until Mar 31 (3 months after expiration, Iowa Code 103.19).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $375
Late fee
10% of fee per month or portion of month after Dec 31 for up to 3 months: about $412.50 (Jan), about $450 (Feb), about $487.50 (Mar).
Reinstatement
Expired more than 3 months: must apply for a new license and pass the state-sponsored exam (Iowa Code 103.19; renewal form notice).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
General and completed-operations liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 for all licensed work (Iowa Admin. Code 661-502.7); carrier must notify board 30 days before cancellation/reduction; work must cease if coverage lapses. Workers' comp certificate (via DIAL contractor registration) if employees. No state surety bond found in Chapter 103 or rule 502.7.
Notes

Limited to one- to four-family dwellings. Same fee/late schedule as Electrical Contractor. Board phone 515-725-6147.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Residential Master Electrician

RM · State license · Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-725-6147
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
18 hours
Show CE rules18 contact hours per 3-year license term (6 hours per year or partial year held); minimum 6 hours on the current NEC, rest NEC or approved electrical-related study; Iowa Board-approved courses/instructors only; 1 contact hour = 50 minutes; all hours completed by Dec 31 of expiration year; licensee attests at renewal and hours are verifiable in the iowaelectrical.gov portal (My Licenses).
Deadline rule
All licenses expire Dec 31 every 3 years (2026-2028 cycle; next expiration Dec 31, 2028; renewal opens Oct 1 of the expiration year). Renewal must be completed (postmarked) by Dec 31.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period; may renew late with penalty until Mar 31 (3 months after expiration, Iowa Code 103.19).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $375
Late fee
10% of fee per month or portion of month after Dec 31 for up to 3 months: about $412.50 (Jan), about $450 (Feb), about $487.50 (Mar).
Reinstatement
Expired more than 3 months: must apply for a new license and pass the state-sponsored exam (Iowa Code 103.19; renewal form notice).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Fee $375 on-time; same late schedule. Residential Electrician (journeyman-level) $75.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

General contractor1 license type

Contractor Registration (general contractors; no state GC license)

State registration · Iowa DIAL / Iowa Workforce Development - Contractor Registration

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-242-5871
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Registration expires one year from issuance; DIAL mails/emails a renewal form about one month before expiration; renew online to keep the same registration number.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
Check the official site for the fee.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation certificate (DIAL as certificate holder) if the contractor has employees; Iowa unemployment insurance account number required even with no employees. No state general liability requirement for registrants. Out-of-state contractors (principal place of business outside Iowa) must file a $25,000 surety bond on DIAL's form (or Iowa DOT prequalification letter).
Notes

Iowa has no statewide general contractor license; registration required for construction work earning $2,000+/yr; subcontractors register separately and each federal ID registers separately. Plumbing/mechanical/electrical work performed requires the separate licenses listed above. Cities may require local licenses. Phone 515-242-5871. DIAL pages do not state late fees (null).

Confidence: MediumMostly confirmed from official pages, some details are older or partly confirmedLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (2)

HVAC2 license types

Master HVAC/Refrigeration / Hydronics / Mechanical License (individual; master of record)

Master · State license · Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (866) 280-1521
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
8 hours
Show CE rules8 hours per 3-year term for a single license (2 mechanical code, 4 discipline, 2 safety); 14 hours if holding 2+ uncombined mechanical licenses (2 code, 8 discipline, 4 safety); 16 hours if plumbing plus mechanical (2 plumbing code, 2 mechanical code, 8 discipline, 4 safety). At least half must be in-person. Course and instructor must be board-approved. Licensee self-reports hour totals at renewal; certificates not submitted but audit possible. Exemptions 1001-1008 (military, out-of-state licensee meeting home-state CE, first renewal with <1 yr remaining, etc.).
Deadline rule
Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years (current period July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029; next period July 1, 2029 - June 30, 2032). License remains valid through Aug 31; DIAL advises renewing in July.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
30-day grace period for any reason, including CEU completion (DIAL plumbing licensure page).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $240
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Per license: about $60 late fee if submitted after Aug 1 (31-60 days lapsed; may still work); about $100 if submitted after Sep 1 (61-365 days lapsed; not eligible to work). Late fees are excluded from the 30% multi-license discount.
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Expired more than 1 year: pay the full license fee (no multi-license discount) instead of a late fee, and submit current CEUs or pass the exam (exemption code 1008 / Basis for Licensure 'Examination'); not eligible to work while lapsed. Contractor licenses expired more than 1 year require a new application.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Fee $240 for Master; Journeyperson $180; 'Inactive Master / Active Journeyperson' $230; Specialty (e.g., Service Technician HVAC) $50. Fees shown are on-time renewal; 30% multi-license discount applies when renewing 2+ licenses same day. HVAC/R and Hydronics licenses of same level can be combined into one Mechanical license (May 1 - June 30 of last year of period, after meeting the 14-hr CE).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (6)

PMSB Contractor License (Mechanical - HVAC/R, Hydronics, Sheet Metal) + DIAL Contractor Registration

CL · State license · Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (866) 280-1521
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years (current period July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029; next period July 1, 2029 - June 30, 2032). License remains valid through Aug 31; DIAL advises renewing in July.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
30-day grace period for any reason, including CEU completion (DIAL plumbing licensure page).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $400
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Per license: about $60 late fee if submitted after Aug 1 (31-60 days lapsed; may still work); about $100 if submitted after Sep 1 (61-365 days lapsed; not eligible to work). Late fees are excluded from the 30% multi-license discount.
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Expired more than 1 year: pay the full license fee (no multi-license discount) instead of a late fee, and submit current CEUs or pass the exam (exemption code 1008 / Basis for Licensure 'Examination'); not eligible to work while lapsed. Contractor licenses expired more than 1 year require a new application.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Required: $5,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Insurance
Public liability insurance minimum $500,000 (Iowa-licensed insurer; 10 days' notice of cancellation to board; certificate holder: Bureau of Environmental Health & Contractor, DIAL, 6200 Park Ave Ste 100, Des Moines IA 50321). Workers' comp certificate if any employees. $5,000 minimum license/permit surety bond naming customers as beneficiaries. $25,000 DIAL out-of-state contractor bond if principal place of business is outside Iowa. UI account number required even with no employees.
Notes

Renewal fee $400 = $250 contractor license + $150 contractor registration (registration waivable with notarized exemption form for qualifying self-employed). 30% discount on license fees (not registration/late/paper fees) when renewing 2+ PMSB licenses the same day. $25 paper application fee. Same single contractor license covers plumbing and mechanical trades. Licenses are digital. Processing 4-6 weeks. Electrical work needs separate DIAL/IEEB license. Phone: PMSB (866) 280-1521; (515) 281-6071 per DIAL contractor page.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (7)

Pest control2 license types

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (individual; category 7 structural/institutional)

7A-7F · State license · Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Pesticide Bureau

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-281-5601
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
6 hours
Show CE rulesRecertify by attending 2 hours of approved continuing instruction per year in each certified category (6 over 3 years; one 2-hr course may count for multiple categories) OR pass an exam in the third year. Missed hours for a category/year cannot be made up - exam required. Employer keeps verification of training.
Deadline rule
Certifications expire Dec 31 of the third year of the 3-year cycle; valid only while associated with a licensed company.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $75
Late fee
Check the official site for the fee.
Reinstatement
Falling short of CE requires passing the exam for the category before recertification.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

The $75 three-year certification fee is set by Iowa Code 206.5. A certification is valid only while the applicator is listed under a currently licensed Iowa pesticide company. Under 21 IAC 45.22 (effective January 1, 2026) continuing instruction credits from a previous year cannot be carried over. Phone 515-281-5601.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (7)

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Company License (location license)

State license · Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Pesticide Bureau

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-281-5601
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
All commercial applicator licenses expire December 31 each year (21 IAC 45.22). Renewal forms are sent to licensees in late October or early November.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $25
Late fee
Renewals submitted after the December 31 expiration date are subject to a penalty of 25 percent of the fee due.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Evidence of financial responsibility (Iowa Code 206.13): certificate of liability insurance with at least $100,000 property damage and $100,000 public liability separately, OR $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 annual aggregate; a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit also accepted (bond is an alternative, not additional). IDALS notified 10 days before reduction/cancellation. Nonresidents file power of attorney designating Secretary of State.
Notes

Each location or outlet is licensed separately, with a responsible person named for each site. The annual license fee is set at not more than $25 per license by Iowa Code 206.6. Iowa has no separate structural pest board; pest control firms are licensed by the Pesticide Bureau and their applicators certified in category 7 (7A general and household, 7B termite, 7C fumigation, 7D community insect, 7E wood preservatives, 7F antifouling paints). requires_bond is true only as an alternative to liability insurance. Phone for commercial licensing 515-281-5601.

Confidence: MediumMostly confirmed from official pages, some details are older or partly confirmedLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (6)

Plumbing2 license types

Master Plumber License (individual; master of record)

Master · State license · Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (866) 280-1521
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
8 hours
Show CE rules8 hours per 3-year term (2 plumbing code, 4 plumbing discipline, 2 safety); 16 hours if also holding a mechanical license (2 plumbing code, 2 mechanical code, 8 discipline, 4 safety). At least half in-person; board-approved course and instructor; hours self-reported, audit possible. Medical gas piping installers: no CE (certification + brazer cert required).
Deadline rule
Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years (current period July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029; next period July 1, 2029 - June 30, 2032). License remains valid through Aug 31; DIAL advises renewing in July.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
30-day grace period for any reason, including CEU completion (DIAL plumbing licensure page).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $240
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Per license: about $60 late fee if submitted after Aug 1 (31-60 days lapsed; may still work); about $100 if submitted after Sep 1 (61-365 days lapsed; not eligible to work). Late fees are excluded from the 30% multi-license discount.
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Expired more than 1 year: pay the full license fee (no multi-license discount) instead of a late fee, and submit current CEUs or pass the exam (exemption code 1008 / Basis for Licensure 'Examination'); not eligible to work while lapsed. Contractor licenses expired more than 1 year require a new application.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Journeyperson renewal $180. Medical gas installer $75. Phone (866) 280-1521.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (6)

PMSB Contractor License (Plumbing) + DIAL Contractor Registration

CL · State license · Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), Iowa DIAL

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: (866) 280-1521
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years (current period July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029; next period July 1, 2029 - June 30, 2032). License remains valid through Aug 31; DIAL advises renewing in July.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
30-day grace period for any reason, including CEU completion (DIAL plumbing licensure page).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $400
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Per license: about $60 late fee if submitted after Aug 1 (31-60 days lapsed; may still work); about $100 if submitted after Sep 1 (61-365 days lapsed; not eligible to work). Late fees are excluded from the 30% multi-license discount.
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Expired more than 1 year: pay the full license fee (no multi-license discount) instead of a late fee, and submit current CEUs or pass the exam (exemption code 1008 / Basis for Licensure 'Examination'); not eligible to work while lapsed. Contractor licenses expired more than 1 year require a new application.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Required: $5,000. Verify the amount with the board.
Insurance
Public liability insurance minimum $500,000; $5,000 license and permit surety bond; workers' comp certificate if employees; $25,000 out-of-state contractor bond if based outside Iowa; UI account number required (see HVAC entry for details).
Notes

Same single PMSB contractor license as the mechanical entry (one $250 + $150 registration renewal covers all disciplines listed). 30% discount applies only to license fees when renewing multiple licenses same day. Local jurisdictions may also require registration/permits.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (7)

Roofing1 license type

Contractor Registration (roofing contractors; no state roofing license)

State registration · Iowa DIAL / Iowa Workforce Development - Contractor Registration

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 515-242-5871
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Registration expires one year from issuance; DIAL mails/emails a renewal form about one month before expiration; renew online to keep the same registration number.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
Check the official site for the fee.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation certificate (DIAL as certificate holder) if the contractor has employees; Iowa unemployment insurance account number required even with no employees. No state general liability requirement for registrants. Out-of-state contractors (principal place of business outside Iowa) must file a $25,000 surety bond on DIAL's form (or Iowa DOT prequalification letter).
Notes

Iowa has no statewide roofing license; roofers must hold DIAL contractor registration if earning $2,000+/yr from construction. Annual $50 fee non-refundable; notarized fee exemption available for qualifying self-employed contractors who pay others no more than $2,000/yr. DIAL page does not state late-fee/grace rules (null). Cities may impose local licensing/permits. Phone 515-242-5871.

Confidence: MediumMostly confirmed from official pages, some details are older or partly confirmedLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (2)

Licensing boards

Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Pesticide Bureau

Iowa DIAL / Iowa Workforce Development - Contractor Registration

Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB), Iowa DIAL

Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), Iowa DIAL

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

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