Iowa Veterinary License Guide

Pay $110.00 to the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine.

• Licensing Fee: $60.00
• Application Fee: $50.00

Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript or diploma directly to the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine.

• Foreign Veterinary Graduates: Vets educated outside the US will need to complete the certificate program offered by the ECFVG OR PAVE.

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Exam Requirements:

NAVLE: New vets applying for a license in Iowa will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the Iowa Board.

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Continuing Education Requirements:

Submit evidence of having completed at least 60 hours of approved continuing educationwithin the last three years.

*New graduates or applicants within one year of graduation are exempt from CE requirements for initial licensing.

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another jursidiction may apply for License by Endorsement. You must submit verification for any licenses currently or previously held.

AAVSB Vault Service: You can have the AAVSB transfer your NAVLE test results, verification of licensure for any other veterinary licenses, and letters of good standing for a fee of $99.

The Iowa Board does not specify how long it takes to process license applications. Ensure your application is not missing any documents to avoid delays.

Please print the Iowa Veterinary License Application and mail with all supporting to:

Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine

Hoover Building

1305 E. Walnut St.

Des Moines, IA 50319

The Board will mail you a renewal form to your address on file. Please ensure your address is up to date.

Pay $60 to the Iowa Board.

CE Exemption Rules

• A recent graduate is exempt from meeting continuing education requirements at the time of original licensure and for the first year of practice.
• If licensed in the 1st year of the triennium, you need to complete 40 hours. If licensed in the 2nd year, you need 20 hours. If licensed in the 3rd year, you are exempt for that period.

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When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 6/30/25 every third year

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How long is a Iowa Veterinary License valid for?

Iowa veterinary licenses are valid for three years.

60 Hours of CE are required every three year renewal period.

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‍What forms of CE qualify in Iowa?

The list of approved CE providers for Iowa can be found here.

• One hour of credit may be approved for local meetings where a scientific paper is presented.
• A maximum of 30 hours may be achieved by via distance education courses (such as webinars).
• A maximum of 20 hours can be relating to practice management.

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Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

During your renewal process, you'll need to complete and submit a Record of Continuing Eduction Form, found here.

To change your last name or address on your license, contact the Iowa Board directly or update your information during the renewal process.

If you meet the requirements below, you can apply for a Temporary In-State Practice Permit in Iowa, which allows you to practice for 180 days. You cannot open a practice under this permit, but you can work relief shifts.

Include a check for $50.00 made out to the Iowa Board of Veterinary medicine with your application.

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Temporary Veterinary License Requirements

To be eligible for a Iowa Temporary In-State Practice Permit, you must hold an active license in good standing in another state, US territory, or Washington D.C. and have completed 60 hours of approved CE in the last 3 years.

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Temporary Veterinary License Application 

Submit these documents with your application:

• Copy of transcript or diploma from an AVMA-accredited university OR PAVE/ECFVG certificate submitted directly from the issuing organization.
• License verification of any existing veterinary licenses (use AAVSB’s VAULT Service to quickly transfer).
• Transfer of NAVLE scores directly from the AAVSB (this can also be included in your VAULT transfer).
• Evidence of 60 hours of approved CE accrued in the last 3 years.

Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (515) 281-8617

Email: Jeff.Kaisand@iowaagriculture.gov

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Mailing Address

Wallace State Office Building502 E. 9th StreetDes Moines, IA 50319