How to reinstate your expired Iowa teaching license
To reinstate an expired Iowa teaching license, you contact the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce (DE&W), pay a reinstatement fee, and submit proof that you meet current requirements — which usually means passing a background check and, depending on how long it has been expired, possibly completing professional development hours. The process typically takes two to four weeks. You cannot teach in Iowa public schools on an expired license, even if you were previously certified, so this step must happen before you return to the classroom.
The specific path depends on how long your license has been expired. If it expired within the last three years, reinstatement is usually straightforward. If it has been expired longer than that, you may need to complete additional requirements or explore for a new license instead. The DE&W website has a reinstatement portal where you can check your license status and see what documents you need before you contact them.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce directly to learn what reinstatement requirements explore to your specific license and expiration date.
- You will need to pass a background check and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
- Licenses expired more than three years may require you to complete professional development hours or retake certain exams before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement process usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit all required documents.
Check your current license status with the DE&W
Before you start the reinstatement process, verify that your license is actually expired and see what the DE&W has on file for you. Go to the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce website and use their educator license lookup tool. Enter your name and any other identifying information they request. The system will show you whether your license is expired, when it expired, and sometimes what type of license you held.
If the lookup tool shows your license as expired, write down the expiration date — you will need it when you contact the DE&W. If the system shows your license as active or does not find a record at all, call the DE&W directly at the phone number listed on their website before proceeding, because reinstatement is only necessary if your license actually expired.
Gather required documents before contacting the DE&W
The DE&W will ask for specific documents depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. At minimum, expect to provide a completed reinstatement process form (which the DE&W will send you), proof of identity, and authorization for a background check. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any previous addresses from the past five to seven years ready, because the background check process will need them.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you may also need to show proof of professional development hours completed within a certain timeframe, or proof that you have completed any required recertification exams. Some license types require fingerprinting through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The DE&W can tell you exactly which documents explore to your situation when you call or email them — do not guess, because submitting incomplete paperwork will delay your reinstatement.
Contact the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce
Call the DE&W or email them through their website to request a reinstatement process and to confirm what documents you need. Have your license number (if you know it), your full name, and your expiration date ready when you contact them. The staff member you speak with can often tell you on the phone whether reinstatement is possible for your situation or whether you will need to explore for a new license instead.
Ask specifically about the reinstatement fee amount, because it varies by license type and sometimes by how long your license has been expired. Also ask whether you can submit documents by mail, email, or through an online portal — the DE&W may have multiple options depending on what you are submitting. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date, in case you need to follow up.
Complete the background check process
All reinstatement applications require a background check. The DE&W will either conduct this themselves or direct you to a third-party vendor. If you are directed to a vendor, you will receive instructions on how to submit your fingerprints and personal information. This step usually happens online or at a designated location in Iowa, and it typically costs between $20 and $50, though this fee may be separate from the reinstatement fee.
The background check looks for criminal convictions, certain misdemeanors, and other disqualifying factors. If you have any concerns about your background, mention them to the DE&W before you submit your process — they can sometimes advise you on whether a particular issue will prevent reinstatement. Do not wait to hear back; start this step as soon as the DE&W tells you it is required, because it is often the longest part of the process.
Submit your process and pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have gathered all required documents and completed the background check, submit your reinstatement process to the DE&W along with the fee. The fee amount depends on your license type — elementary, secondary, special education, and administrative licenses may have different costs. Ask the DE&W what payment methods they accept (check, credit card, electronic transfer) and whether you can pay online or must mail a check with your process.
Keep a copy of everything you submit and note the date you sent it. If you are mailing documents, use a method that provides tracking, like certified mail or a carrier that gives you a receipt. The DE&W will send you a confirmation once they receive your process, usually within one to two weeks. If you do not hear from them after two weeks, call to confirm they received everything.
Wait for approval and receive your reinstated license
After the DE&W receives your complete process, the background check results, and payment, they will review your file. This review typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if everything is in order or slower if they need to request additional information from you. During this time, you cannot teach on your expired license.
Once approved, the DE&W will issue your reinstated license. You may receive it by mail, or you may be able to read it from their online portal — ask which method they use. Your new license will show the reinstatement date and a new expiration date, usually three to five years from the reinstatement date depending on Iowa's current renewal cycle. Before you start teaching, verify that your school district has received and processed your reinstated license in their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
Licenses expired longer than five years may not be may be able to access for reinstatement and may require you to explore for a new license instead. Contact the DE&W with your expiration date — they can tell you whether reinstatement is possible or what new process process you need to follow. This information depends on Iowa's current rules and your specific license type.
Do I need to retake the teacher certification exam to reinstate my license?
Not always. If your license expired recently and you meet current requirements, you may not need to retake any exam. However, if your license has been expired for several years or if Iowa has changed its certification requirements, you may need to pass a new exam or complete additional coursework. The DE&W will tell you what is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
Can I teach while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot teach in Iowa public schools on an expired license under any circumstances, even if your reinstatement process is pending. You must wait until your reinstated license is issued and in your school district's system. Plan your timeline accordingly if you are returning to teaching.
What happens if the background check finds something disqualifying?
If the background check reveals a disqualifying factor, the DE&W will notify you and explain why reinstatement cannot be approved. You have the right to request details about what was found and to dispute inaccurate information. Contact the DE&W to understand your options, which may include appealing the decision or explore for a waiver depending on the issue.
How much does reinstatement cost?
Reinstatement fees vary by license type and range from roughly $50 to $150, though the exact amount depends on your specific license and Iowa's current fee schedule. The background check fee, if charged separately, is typically $20 to $50. Contact the DE&W for the exact cost before you submit your process so you know what to budget.