Iowa

Iowa has a universal license recognition law. As a Colorado-licensed professional, your license is generally recognized in Iowa, subject to meeting basic eligibility requirements. This is the strongest form of license portability available. Universal recognition law with strong compact participation across the board.

Iowa is a member of 7 compacts: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, EMS Compact (REPLICA), Counseling Compact, Occupational Therapy Compact. You share 6 of these with Colorado: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, EMS Compact (REPLICA), Counseling Compact.

Both Colorado and Iowa are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate nursing license from Colorado, you can practice in Iowa without obtaining a separate license.

Teaching license portability from Colorado to Iowa: NASDTEC member; reciprocal certification with most states. Most states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but specific requirements vary by state and endorsement area.

Iowa supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from Colorado can apply for licensure by comity, which is a streamlined process using your NCEES Record. This typically requires verifying your education, exam passage, and experience meet Iowa's requirements.

Universal recognition covers military spouses; temporary license available. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), updated December 2024, all states are now required to recognize valid professional licenses from other states for military personnel and their spouses.

Expanded compact memberships 2024.

For the most current licensing requirements and compact participation details, visit the official Iowa licensing page at https://plb.iowa.gov/. Requirements and compact memberships may change as new legislation is enacted.