Skip to main content

See all 50 states on one map and compare side-by-side. Start 7-day free trial — no card required

Back to map
Delawarelicense portability inIowa
Universal Recognition — your license is accepted by law

Iowa

Shared Compacts
6
Universal Recognition
Yes
Nursing (NLC)
Both members
Portability
Easy

License Portability Summary

Iowa has a universal license recognition law. As a Delaware-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.

Interstate Compact Memberships

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 Delaware: Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, EMS Compact (REPLICA), Counseling Compact.

Nursing — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

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

Teaching License Reciprocity

Teaching license portability from Delaware 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.

Professional Engineer (PE) Comity

Iowa supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from Delaware 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.

Military Spouse License Portability

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.

Recent Legislative Changes

Expanded compact memberships 2024.

Official State Licensing Board

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.

Iowa Licensing Board: https://plb.iowa.gov/
Law last updated: 2024Row last reviewed: May 7, 2026

Interstate compact memberships and universal-recognition laws are updated regularly — always confirm with the destination state's licensing board before relocating or practicing. Coverage varies by profession (nursing, psychology, PT, counseling, engineering, teaching, real estate). Data reflects laws in effect as of early 2026.