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Verified by IA Board of Business

Notary Public Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Only accountants who qualify on the basis of education and can attest to the accuracy of financial data.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) prepare, analyze and verify business records and financial reports
  • prepare profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cost studies and tax repor

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Accountancy Examining Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,690 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Accountancy Examining Board and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $45,690, Notary Publics in Iowa earn 6% below the national median of $48,360. Iowa ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$45,690

Hourly estimate

$21.97
6% below national median

Difference: -$2,670

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,190
  • P2525th percentile$37,440
  • P50Median$45,690
  • P7575th percentile$54,310
  • P9090th percentile$61,960

State vs National Median

State: $45,690
National: $48,360

Total employment: 510 | Annual openings: N/A

Notary Public Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maryland$60,470
#2California$57,020
#3Rhode Island$55,370
#4Hawaii$54,260
#5New Jersey$53,940

Nearby States Comparison

Notary Public licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$45,690Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$51,050Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$34,800No educational requirementsState-approved exam18 years
Illinois$51,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$44,120No educational requirementsState exam required21 years
Nebraska$49,060Varies by state boardState-approved exam19 years
South Dakota$49,000Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin64MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Accountancy Examining Board

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Phone: 5157259022

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$86,990Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$50,720Specific course requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$74,290Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$94,500Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Notary Publics in Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.

What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Notary Public salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Iowa is $45,690. Salaries range from $36,190 (10th percentile) to $61,960 (90th percentile).

How does the Notary Public salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Notary Publics in Iowa earn 6% below the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $45,690.

How many Notary Publics work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 510 Notary Publics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Iowa Accountancy Examining Board. Review agency details at http://www.plb.iowa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.