Iowa Medical License

Iowa Board of Medicine

Contact information

400 SW 8th St., Suite C
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-281-5171
Fax: 515-242-5908
Email: licensure@iowa.gov

Things you need to know

• Application process: 2-3 months
• Board Meetings: The Iowa Medical Board meets every 6 to 8 weeks. Initial review takes approximately 4 weeks. Once all items are received, the files goes to 2nd review for 2-3 weeks, at which time the license can be issued if it’s a clean file (no malpractice/irregularities, etc.)
• Application Fee: $505
• Background Check Fee: N/A (included in application fee)
• License Renewal: $450 (online); $550 (paper)
• Expiration: Applications expire after 90 days from the date it is received by the Board. After 90 days, $150 reactivation fee & updated credentials are required
• Interview: Not required. The Iowa Medical Board may require the applicant to attend a personal interview when, for instance, 1) the applicant has committed any acts constituting grounds for denial of license 2) the Board is in receipt of information requiring additional information or explanation from the applicant and 3) the applicant’s application is incomplete or requires further explanation

Iowa medical license requirements

• SPEX/COMVEX Requirement: Required if not practicing for several years or by board order to assess current competence
• USMLE Attempt Limit: Six attempts for Steps I and II; three attempts for Step III. After three failed attempts at Step III, three years of progressive GME is required
• USMLE Time Limit: Must complete all three steps within 10 years. (if not, ABMS or AOA board certification required)
• PGT (US/Canada Medical Graduate): 1 year: AOA, ACGME, RCPSC, CFPC accredited GME
• PGT (International Medical Graduate): 2 years

Help applying to Iowa medical licensure

State description

The corn state of the United States stretches from the banks of the Missouri River in the west to the Mississippi River in the east. Its terrain seems to be an endless expanse of lush cornfields, wide rolling hills, rural churches and old barns. Geographically, the state lies between the two main rivers of America — the Missouri and the Mississippi, and smaller rivers and streams in huge numbers permeate its territory. The area of Iowa is 145 thousand square kilometers, 88 % of which is occupied by dense forests and golden fields. Iowa is a favorite location for filming Hollywood movies, which are set in a rural America that has almost disappeared today.

The capital and largest city is Des Moines. It is actually the political, economic, and cultural center of the state. Other major cities in the state are Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, and Waterloo.