How to Renew Your Iowa Auto Dealer License

Who has to renew

This guide covers Iowa auto dealers holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges.

When to renew

Iowa auto dealers licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/322.7A.pdf)

The continuing education Iowa requires

Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges requires 5 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

• federal and state laws applicable to the motor vehicle industry
• federal and state regulations pertaining to used motor vehicle dealers

How to renew, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm your license class and renewal date

   Iowa sets auto dealers requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

2. 2

   Complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education

   Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges requires 5 hours every 2 years, including federal and state laws applicable to the motor vehicle industry, federal and state regulations pertaining to used motor vehicle dealers. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

   See the Iowa auto dealers course
3. 3

   Save your certificate of completion

   Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

4. 4

   Make sure your hours reach the board

   In Iowa, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

5. 5

   Renew with Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges

   Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

   Go to Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges

Iowa auto dealer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Iowa auto dealers need?

Iowa auto dealers must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges.

What topics are required for Iowa auto dealers continuing education?

Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges requires coverage of: federal and state laws applicable to the motor vehicle industry; federal and state regulations pertaining to used motor vehicle dealers.

Can Iowa auto dealers complete continuing education online?

Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Iowa requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources

• Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division) — curriculum by Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association / community colleges — official board site
• Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
• Iowa Auto Dealers continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class