What You Need to Know About Reinstating an Expired Iowa Teaching License
An expired Iowa teaching license cannot be used in the classroom, but you can reinstate it through the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce (DE&W) rather than starting from scratch with a new license. The path depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you meet current renewal requirements.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can file for reinstatement by submitting a completed process, proof of identity, and documentation that you meet current continuing education requirements. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to complete additional steps, which may include retaking parts of the initial licensing process or submitting evidence of professional activity in teaching during the expired period.
The DE&W processes reinstatement requests through its Bureau of Educator Quality. You cannot reinstate online; all applications must be submitted by mail or in person at the DE&W office in Des Moines.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement is faster and less expensive than obtaining a new license, but you must submit a formal process to the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce.
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago usually require proof of current continuing education hours; licenses expired longer require additional documentation or evidence of teaching activity.
- You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of Iowa residency or employment to reinstate.
- Processing takes four to eight weeks after the DE&W receives your complete process.
- The reinstatement fee is lower than the cost of a new license, but you will also pay for any required background checks or fingerprinting.
Timeline: How Long Your License Has Been Expired
The reinstatement process splits into two tracks based on expiration date. If your license expired between one and five years ago, you follow the standard reinstatement path. If it expired more than five years ago, the DE&W treats it as a lapsed license and requires additional verification.
Check your license expiration date on your original teaching certificate or by contacting the Bureau of Educator Quality directly at 515-281-3245. Have your full name, date of birth, and Iowa license number ready when you call.
| Expiration Timeline | Reinstatement Path | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 5 years ago | Standard reinstatement | Current continuing education hours |
| More than 5 years ago | Lapsed license reinstatement | Additional documentation or evidence of teaching activity |
Documents You Need for Standard Reinstatement (Expired 1–5 Years Ago)
Gather these documents before you contact the DE&W or submit your process. Missing documents will delay processing.
- Completed reinstatement process form — Request this directly from the Bureau of Educator Quality by phone or email. The form is not posted online; you must ask for it.
- Valid government-issued photo ID — Driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
- Proof of Iowa residency or employment — A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or employment letter showing your current address.
- Proof of continuing education — Documentation that you have completed the required clock hours since your license expired. Iowa requires teachers to complete continuing education during each renewal period; the DE&W will tell you how many hours you need based on your license type and expiration date.
- Background check clearance — You may need to submit fingerprints for a new background check. The DE&W will advise whether this is required when you request the process.
Continuing education hours must come from approved providers. These include Iowa school districts, the Iowa Department of Education, accredited colleges and universities, and certain professional organizations. Hours earned through online courses, workshops, or conferences count only if the provider is on the DE&W's approved list. Request a copy of approved providers when you ask for the reinstatement process.
Documents and Steps for Lapsed License Reinstatement (Expired More Than 5 Years Ago)
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the DE&W requires additional proof that you remain may have access to to teach. You have two options: submit evidence that you have been actively employed as a teacher during the lapsed period, or complete additional requirements to demonstrate current competency.
Option 1: Evidence of Teaching Activity — If you have worked as a licensed teacher in Iowa or another state during the lapsed period, submit employment letters from your school district or employer. The letters should confirm your job title, dates of employment, and subject area or grade level taught. This path is fastest if you have continuous or recent teaching experience.
Option 2: Competency Verification — If you have not been teaching, you may need to retake the Praxis content exam for your subject area and complete current continuing education hours. The DE&W will specify which exams explore to your license type. Praxis exams are administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and cost between $120 and $200 depending on the subject. You register and schedule your exam through the ETS website.
Contact the Bureau of Educator Quality before you choose a path. Staff can review your specific situation and tell you which option applies to your license type and how long you have been out of the classroom.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement process
The Iowa Department of Education and Workforce does not accept online applications for license reinstatement. You must submit your documents by mail or deliver them in person.
By Mail: Send all documents to the Bureau of Educator Quality, Iowa Department of Education and Workforce, 400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Include a cover letter with your full name, date of birth, Iowa license number (if you have it), and a brief statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Keep copies of everything you send.
In Person: Visit the DE&W office at 400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Bring original documents and a photo ID. Staff can review your process on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.
Processing takes four to eight weeks after the DE&W receives your complete process. You will receive a letter confirming receipt and an estimated completion date. If the DE&W needs additional information, it will contact you by phone or mail.
Fees and Payment
Reinstatement fees vary depending on your license type and whether you need a background check. Standard reinstatement costs between $75 and $150. If you need fingerprinting or a new background check, add $25 to $50 to that amount.
The DE&W will tell you the exact fee when you request the process form. Payment is made by check or money order payable to the Iowa Department of Education and Workforce. Include the check with your mailed process or pay in person if you deliver your documents to the office.
If your reinstatement is denied, the fee is not refunded. If it is approved, you will receive a new teaching certificate by mail within two weeks of the approval letter.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
Submitting continuing education hours from unapproved providers: The DE&W will reject hours earned through providers not on its approved list. Before you count any hours toward reinstatement, confirm the provider's status with the Bureau of Educator Quality.
Incomplete or illegible documentation: If your employment letter or continuing education transcript is missing dates, signatures, or provider information, the DE&W will ask you to resubmit it. This adds two to three weeks to processing time.
Providing an expired photo ID: Your government-issued ID must be current. An expired driver's license will not be accepted.
Forgetting to include a cover letter or license number: The DE&W receives hundreds of applications. A clear cover letter with your license number helps staff locate your file quickly and reduces the chance of your process being misfiled.
Assuming you can reinstate online or by email: The DE&W does not accept applications through email or its website. Mail or in-person delivery is required.
What Happens After Your License Is Reinstated
Once the DE&W approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new teaching certificate in the mail. The certificate is valid for five years from the date of reinstatement. You can begin teaching as soon as you receive it.
Your reinstated license carries the same subject area and grade level authorization as your original license, unless you request a change. If you want to add a new endorsement or change your license type, you must submit a separate request to the DE&W.
You are responsible for tracking your continuing education hours during the new five-year period. Iowa requires teachers to complete a set number of hours before the next renewal date. The DE&W will send you a renewal notice approximately 90 days before your certificate expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot teach in an Iowa public or private school with an expired license. Your school district will not hire you or allow you to work in the classroom until your reinstatement is complete and you have the new certificate in hand. Some districts allow you to work in non-teaching roles (such as substitute aide or administrative assistant) while your process is pending, but this varies by district policy.
What if I moved out of Iowa after my license expired?
You can still reinstate your Iowa license even if you no longer live in the state. You will need to provide proof of your current address (wherever you are) and follow the same reinstatement process. If you plan to teach in another state, that state may recognize your reinstated Iowa license through reciprocity agreements, but you should contact that state's education department to confirm.
Do I have to retake the Praxis exam if my license expired more than five years ago?
Not necessarily. If you have been teaching during the lapsed period, you can show employment letters instead. You only retake the Praxis exam if you have not been teaching and the DE&W determines that competency verification is required for your license type. Call the Bureau of Educator Quality to find out which path applies to you.
How do I know if my continuing education hours count toward reinstatement?
Ask the provider directly whether they are on the Iowa Department of Education's approved list. You can also call the Bureau of Educator Quality and provide the provider's name and the course title; staff will confirm whether the hours are acceptable. Do not assume hours count just because you took the course in Iowa or at a college.
What if the DE&W denies my reinstatement process?
The DE&W will send you a letter explaining the reason for denial. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, continuing education hours from unapproved providers, or failure to meet current licensing standards. You can reapply after addressing the issue. Contact the Bureau of Educator Quality to discuss what you need to do before submitting a new process.