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Iowa Pharmacist License

Iowa Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Proof of graduation from an ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy, sent directly from the school to NABP.
  • Passport-Quality Photograph — One photograph taken within the last six months must be included with the application.
  • Fingerprint Cards and Waiver — Completed fingerprint cards and signed waiver form provided by the Board in the application packet.
  • FPGEC Certification — Required only for graduates of foreign pharmacy schools to verify educational equivalency. FPGEC Information

How to Apply

  1. Register with NABP ▾
    Create an e-Profile with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and register for the NAPLEX and MPJE-Iowa Edition exams.
    Register at NABP
  2. Submit Iowa Application ▾
    Complete the Iowa Board of Pharmacy application for Licensure by Examination either online via the portal or by submitting a paper application.
  3. Pay Application Fees ▾
    Pay the required fees, which typically total $297 ($180 license fee, $72 processing fee, and $45 background check fee).
  4. Complete Fingerprint Packet ▾
    After your application is received, the Board will mail a physical fingerprint packet to your address. Complete the prints and return the packet to the Board for the criminal history background check.
  5. Pass Required Exams ▾
    Successfully pass both the NAPLEX and the MPJE-Iowa Edition. Note: Effective April 1, 2026, Iowa transitions to the Uniform MPJE.
    Exam Information
  6. License Issuance ▾
    Once the background check is cleared and exam results are received, the Board will issue your pharmacist license.
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. NABP License Transfer Application ▾
    Submit the electronic Preliminary Application for Transfer of Pharmaceutic Licensure through NABP.
    NABP License Transfer
  2. Iowa Endorsement Application ▾
    Submit the Iowa Board of Pharmacy application for Licensure by License Transfer and pay the $315 fee ($270 license + $45 background check).
  3. Criminal Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprint packet mailed by the Board upon receipt of your application.
  4. Pass MPJE-Iowa Edition ▾
    Register for and pass the Iowa-specific jurisprudence exam within one year of the NABP application date.
    Register for MPJE
  5. Temporary License (Optional) ▾
    Endorsement applicants may apply for a 3-month temporary license to practice while completing the MPJE requirement.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Iowa Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
Criminal history background checks can take 60 to 90 days to process. Delays occur if fingerprint cards are illegible or incomplete.
NABP Registration Timing ▾
Failure to register for exams with NABP separately from the Iowa Board application will prevent the Board from granting exam eligibility.
Incomplete Application Packets ▾
Missing photographs, incorrect fees, or unsigned waiver forms will result in the application being returned or held.

Questions

What are the Continuing Education (CE) requirements for renewal? ▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of CE every two years. Requirements include 15 hours in drug therapy, 2 hours in pharmacy law, and 2 hours in medication/patient safety.
When does my Iowa pharmacist license expire? ▾
Licenses expire on June 30 of either even or odd years, depending on the license number's renewal cycle.
Is there a temporary license available for new graduates? ▾
No, temporary licenses are only available for applicants seeking licensure by endorsement (license transfer).
How do I verify my license for an employer? ▾
License verification can be performed online through the Iowa Board of Pharmacy's verification portal using your license number or name.
What is the fee for a pharmacist license renewal? ▾
The biennial renewal fee is $180. Late renewals incur a $180 penalty fee.

Board Info

Iowa Board of Pharmacy
Phone(515) 281-5944
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25