Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner - New Registration and Renewal- Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I apply for an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner registration if I already have an active RN license in Iowa?
Q. How do I apply for an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner registration if I reside and hold active RN licensure in another compact state and need only the ARNP registration in Iowa?
Q. What if I currently hold only an ARNP registration in Iowa and move to Iowa or a Non-Compact State; do I need to apply for a Registered Nurse License?
Q. How long will it take to issue my Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner registration once my application and the official transcripts from my school have been received?
Q. Can I renew my RN license and ARNP registration online?
Q. How will I be notifed to renew an ARNP registration?
Q. What if I am renewing only the ARNP registration because I reside in a compact state?
Q. What if I do not receive the renewal form in the mail?
Q. When does the renewal form need to be received in the board office to avoid a late fee?

Q. How do I apply for an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner registration if I already have an active RN license in Iowa?

A. You can obtain the forms on the website at nursing.iowa.gov by going to Licensure within the index items. There you will see the Instructions for ARNP, Application for ARNP and ARNP Request for Nursing Transcript form. You will have to print the paper copies of the forms and submit your application by mail with a copy of your certification or the certification results if you are newly certified and have not received your actual certification certificate or card. The fee of $81.00 can be paid with a personal check or money order made payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Q. How do I apply for an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner registration if I reside and hold active RN licensure in another compact state and need only the ARNP registration in Iowa?

A. The same process applies as the question above, except, that you must also include a photocopy of your active RN License from your primary state of residence.

Q. What if I currently hold only an ARNP registration in Iowa and move to Iowa or a Non-Compact State; do I need to apply for a Registered Nurse License?

A. Yes, if you move to Iowa or a Non-Compact State the Registered Nurse License currently held is no longer valid. You must apply for an Iowa Registered Nurse License by Endorsement.

Q. How long will it take to issue my Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner registration once my application and the official transcripts from my school have been received?

A. The ARNP applications are processed and issued two times per week on Tuesday and Friday.

Q. Can I renew my RN license and ARNP registration online?

A. No, the current program is unable to allow ARNP's to renew online. If you are or have ever been registered as an ARNP you cannot renew online. This includes RN renewal.

Q. How will I be notifed to renew an ARNP registration?

A. A yellow renewal form will be mailed to your address of record 60 days prior to renewal. This renewal form allows renewal of both the RN license and the ARNP registration. Your RN license must be kept ACTIVE in order to maintain an active ARNP registration. If you reside in another compact state active RN licensure MUST
he held in that state.

Q. What if I am renewing only the ARNP registration because I reside in a compact state?

A. A yellow renewal form will be mailed to your address of record 60 days prior to renewal. The application will be labeled "Application for ARNP Renewal Only". A photocopy of an active RN license from the compact state residing in or the ARNP registration card if the primary state does not require active RN licensure MUST be submitted with the renewal application.

Q. What if I do not receive the renewal form in the mail?

A. If a yellow renewal form is NOT received within 6 weeks of the expiration date, please contact the board office at newnurs@iowa.gov or call (515)281-6488.

Q.When does the renewal form need to be received in the board office to avoid a late fee?

A.The renewal form must be postmarked no later than the 15th day of your birth month if you reside in Iowa or a non-compact state or you will be required to pay a $50.00 late fee when renewing your RN license in Iowa.