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Iowa Dietitian License

Iowa Board of Dietetics

Total Fee
$120
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
N/A

What You'll Need

  • CDR Registration Card — A copy of your current registration card issued by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or web-based verification.
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university showing a major in human nutrition, dietetics, or equivalent.
  • SAVE Verification — Documentation verifying U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.
  • Mandatory Reporter Training Certificate — Certificates for Child Abuse and Dependent Adult Abuse training provided by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain National CDR Registration
    Complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic program (Master's degree required as of 2024), finish a supervised practice program, and pass the CDR registration examination.
  2. Create an Account on the Iowa Licensing Portal
    Register for a new user account on the Iowa Bureau of Professional Licensure (IBPL) portal to begin the application process.
  3. Submit Online Application
    Log in to the portal and select the application for 'Licensed Dietitian'. Complete all required fields regarding your education and professional history.
  4. Pay Application Fee
    Submit the non-refundable application fee of $120 through the online portal using a credit or debit card.
  5. Submit Supporting Documentation
    Upload or email your CDR registration card, official transcripts, and SAVE verification documents (proof of citizenship or lawful presence) to the board.
  6. Complete Mandatory Reporter Training
    Complete the Iowa-specific Mandatory Reporter Training for Child and Dependent Adult Abuse within six months of beginning employment.
Total Fee
$120
Processing Time
3 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Out-of-state applicants with active CDR registration may apply via endorsement. Verification of licensure from any state where you hold or have held a license is required, along with proof of your CDR credential.

Steps

  1. Verify Iowa Requirements
    Ensure you hold a current dietitian license in another jurisdiction with requirements similar to Iowa's.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application
    Apply through the IBPL portal and pay the $120 fee.
  3. Request License Verification
    Request that the licensing board of the state where you were most recently licensed send a verification of your license directly to the Iowa Board of Dietetics.
  4. Provide CDR Proof
    Submit evidence of your current CDR registration status.
Total Fee
$120
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years + 30 CE hours
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Board of Dietetics

Keeping Your License Active

Iowa Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years + 30 CE hours. Contact the Iowa Board of Dietetics for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$120
Endorsement application$120
Temporary permitN/A
Renewal120.0

Slow Downs

Missing CDR Verification
Failure to provide a clear copy of the CDR card or official web-based verification will halt the application review.
Incomplete SAVE Documentation
Applications cannot be finalized without verified proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
Out-of-State Verification Delays
For endorsement applicants, waiting for other state boards to send official verifications is a frequent cause of delay.

Questions

What is the fee for a dietitian license in Iowa?
The initial application fee, endorsement fee, and biennial renewal fee are all $120.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
Licensees must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two-year biennium.
Is a background check or fingerprinting required?
No, the Iowa Board of Dietetics does not currently require fingerprints for licensure; however, applicants must verify lawful presence via SAVE.
When does my Iowa dietitian license expire?
Licenses expire on the 15th day of your birth month every two years.
Can I practice in Iowa if I am licensed in another state?
You must obtain an Iowa license to practice dietetics in the state, though limited exemptions exist for short-term consultations or teaching demonstrations.

Board Info

Iowa Board of Dietetics
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25