In April 2025, the Iowa legislature passed SF 619, marking a pivotal shift in how insurance adjusters are licensed and regulated within the state. This new law introduces licensing for Independent Adjusters, Staff Adjusters, Appraisers, and Umpires for the first time. The transition period to licensing will require different procedures depending on when an adjuster’s application is submitted, their experience level, and their adjuster licensing history.
On June 9th, 2025, Iowa released Bulletin 25-04, outlining the transitional and long term filing process for these new license types. This blog will walk you through the essentials of Iowa’s independent and staff adjuster licensing changes, the key deadlines, what the new process involves, and how you can stay on track to ensure compliance.
Overview of SF 619: What Does It Mean for Adjusters?
Prior to the passage of SF 619 only public adjusters were required to be licensed in Iowa. Iowa became concerned over the increase in insurance claims and unprofessional behavior contributing to claim delays. The passage of SF 619 requires most adjusters to obtain a license to perform any work in the state of Iowa. As of July 2025, these changes are officially in effect, and all current and prospective adjusters must navigate the new filing processes.
All independent individual adjusters are required to hold an independent adjuster license. Business entity independent adjuster licenses are optional. All staff adjusters may obtain a staff adjuster license, but it is optional in Iowa. While optional, Iowa residents may need the Iowa staff adjuster license to obtain an adjuster license in another state. Only crop hail or multiperil crop insurance adjusters are fully exempt from the adjuster licensing requirements.
The transition process towards full licensure in Iowa can be complex and time-sensitive. Understanding how your experience and license status influence your filing requirements will be crucial to a smooth transition.
Important Deadlines and Filing Periods: Don’t Miss These Dates
One of the most critical elements to understand about Iowa’s new adjuster licensing process is the timing. The filing process will differ based on your existing adjuster licensing in other states, adjuster experience level and when you file your application. Key deadlines include:
- Transition Filing Period (July 1st – October 1st, 2025): This is a special period where existing adjusters—whether from Iowa or other states—can apply for a license under a temporary, more lenient process. It’s essential to get your application in before October 1st, 2025, to avoid falling under the new process, which comes with stricter requirements.
- Post Transition Period (October 1st, 2025, and Beyond): After October 1st, applicants will no longer be able to use the forms associated with the transition process. At this point, all applicants—whether new to the profession or transferring from another state—will be subject to a standard licensing procedure.
Missing these deadlines could result in a more complex application process, additional fees or documentation, and the possibility of delays in receiving your license. There is also a potential risk of administrative action for unlicensed claims activity.
Key Filing Categories: Which Group Do You Belong To?
Iowa’s new licensing law divides applicants into four distinct groups, each with specific requirements depending on their experience and when they apply. For clarity, we will be calling the groups A, B, C and D.
Group A: Experienced Adjusters (Before January 1st, 2025)
This group applies to individuals who were already providing adjuster services—either in Iowa or any other state—prior to January 1st, 2025. Group A applicants must submit their applications during the transition period (July 1st – October 1st, 2025) to take advantage of modified requirements.
Requirements for Group A Applicants:
- Iowa Residents: If you are an Iowa resident and have not held a license in any state but meet the experience criteria, or if you hold a DHS (Designated Home State) license in another state, you can apply during the transition period.
- Iowa Non-Residents: You must have a resident or DHS license in another state, and you must meet the experience qualifications to be eligible.
Application Requirements for Group A:
- Apply using the Iowa Adjuster application portal
- Modified Licensing Process Attestation Form: This form, which exempts Group A applicants from needing to sit for an exam, must be submitted along with your application.
- Surety Bond: A $50,000 bond must be uploaded with your application. (Staff Adjusters are exempt from the bond requirement)
- Application fee is not required
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints may only be required if a state and national criminal history check has not already been completed. If fingerprints are necessary, the Iowa Insurance Division will notify you after your application submission.
Group B: Adjusters with Experience After January 1st, 2025
Group B is for individuals who begin their adjuster services after January 1st, 2025, but who qualify based on experience before the transition period ends (October 1st, 2025).
Requirements for Group B Applicants:
- Iowa Residents: Applicants who don’t yet hold a license but meet Group B experience criteria after January 1st 2025, but before July 1st 20205.
- Iowa Non-Residents: Applicants from another state who hold a resident or DHS license and meet Group B experience criteria after January 1st 2025, but before July 1st 2025.
Application Requirements for Group B:
- Apply through Iowa Adjuster Portal
- Waiver Request for Required Experience Form: This form can be submitted for a review of your experience. While a waiver request does not guarantee an exemption from the exam, it does help reduce the number of applicants required to sit for the exam.
- Surety Bond: As with Group A, a $50,000 bond is required for all Group B applicants. (Staff Adjusters are exempt from the bond requirement)
- Application fee is not required
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints may only be required if a state and national criminal history check has not already been completed. If fingerprints are necessary, the Iowa Insurance Division will notify you after your application submission.
Group C: First-Time Iowa Resident Applicants
Group C applies to individuals who are new to the Iowa adjuster market and are seeking their first-ever adjuster license after July 1st.
Requirements for Group C Applicants:
- First-Time Iowa Residents: If you have no prior adjuster licenses and are applying for the first time, you will fall under Group C.
Application Requirements for Group C:
- Apply via NIPR Application
- Exam: First-time applicants must register for and pass the exam with Pearson Vue (exam availability begins on July 1st, 2025).
- Surety Bond: A $50,000 bond is required. (Staff Adjusters are exempt from the bond requirement)
- $50 Fee
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints will be required. The application must be submitted prior to completing the fingerprints. Iowa will provide additional instructions regarding Fieldprint fingerprints to the applicant once the application is submitted.
Group D: First-Time Iowa Non-Resident Applicants
Requirements for Group D Applicants:
- First-Time Iowa Non-Residents: If you have obtained a resident or DHS license after July 1st in another state, but do not meet Group A or Group B qualifications
Application Requirements for Group D:
- Apply via NIPR Application
- Exam Exemption Attestation Form: This form, which exempts applicants from needing to sit for an exam, must be submitted along with your application.
- Surety Bond: A $50,000 bond is required. (Staff Adjusters are exempt from the bond requirement)
- $50 Fee
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints may only be required if a state and national criminal history check has not already been completed. If fingerprints are necessary, the Iowa Insurance Division will notify you after your application submission.
Key Post-Transition Changes: What to Expect After October 1st, 2025
After October 1st, 2025, the modified licensing process for Group A and Group B applicants will no longer be available. At this point, all applicants—whether transferring from another state or applying as a first-time Iowa resident—will have to follow the new standard application process. This includes:
- The Need for the Exam: Non-Resident applicants who have completed an exam in their home state will be exempt from the Iowa state exam if they complete the Exam Exemption Attestation Form. Resident applicants will need to comply with the Iowa Exam requirement.
- Updated Documentation and Submission Methods: New processes will be in place for submitting applications, including different documentation and supporting materials.
Commonly Asked Questions: Clarity for Your Licensing Journey
Throughout the implementation of SF 619, many questions have arisen regarding specific scenarios. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
I am an Iowa resident staff adjuster that holds a DHS in another state. Since the Staff Adjuster license is optional, do I need to convert my DHS to a resident license? Many non-resident licensing states have provided guidance that, even though the Iowa Staff Adjuster license is optional, they will require the resident license to be held to maintain or obtain non-resident adjuster licenses in other states.
Can I work as an adjuster before I am licensed? Yes, Group A and B individuals as long as you submit your application before October 1st, 2025, you can continue to work as an adjuster while waiting for the Iowa Insurance Division’s decision.
What about fingerprinting? Fingerprints will only be required if you have not previously completed a state and national criminal history check with another insurance department.
Can I hold multiple adjuster licenses in Iowa? Yes, it is possible to hold multiple adjuster license types in Iowa, including both Independent and Staff Adjuster licenses.
Are Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements Available? As of now, Iowa has not released regulations or other details about renewal cycles or continuing education requirements. RegEd’s Regulatory Team will continue to monitor any updates on this front and provide guidance when more information becomes available.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Iowa’s new adjuster licensing requirements can be daunting, but by understanding the transition deadlines, filing categories, and specific documentation needed, you can avoid delays and ensure compliance with the state’s regulations.
At RegEd, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed of regulatory changes like these. Whether you are an existing adjuster or a new applicant, understanding the filing deadlines and required forms is crucial for staying compliant with Iowa’s new laws. We recommend filing your applications as early as possible to ensure that you meet the deadlines and avoid unnecessary complications.
If you’re interested in learning more about how RegEd can help you stay ahead of Iowa’s new adjuster licensing requirements and support your overall licensing process, schedule a consultation.
For additional resources, forms, and to stay updated on the latest regulatory changes, visit the Iowa Insurance Division’s official website.
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