In Iowa, many business activities and professions require licenses, permits, and certifications. Licensing requirements will vary based on industry, business activity, and location. Businesses may also need to register with the Iowa Secretary of State and tax authorities.
Contact CT Corporation for a free consultation.
In Iowa, it is important to understand all licensing obligations before doing business. Although Iowa does not have a state-wide business license, businesses may need to obtain one or more licenses or permits for a range of business activities and professions from state agencies. There may also be license and permit requirements at the city and county level. To learn more about the specific registration and licensing requirements in Iowa, click on the Iowa industry or county tabs for more information or to order the proper forms.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation for a consultation with a business licensing specialist.
CT Corporation manages the lifecycle of all your business licenses and provides ongoing support for your core business license program.
CT Corporation assembles a business license package with all the licensing applications and instructions your business may need - quickly and accurately.
License Type:
Iowa Appraisal Management Company License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$750 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $750 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Architectural Firm License
License Issued By:
Iowa Architectural Examination Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Compliance with All State Laws and Regulations
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and compliance with all state laws and regulations.
As of July 1, 2014, the Iowa Architectural Examining Board no longer registers firms. The board only registers individual architects.
The State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Charitable Solicitation Registration. However, if your business is soliciting charitable donations in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Collection Agency License
License Issued By:
Iowa Attorney General's Office
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$51 *, surety bond
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $51 fee*, a surety bond, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Commercial Painter License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Compounding Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Iowa Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$210 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $210 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Salon License
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$85 *" />
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $85 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Debt Management License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 application fee plus $250 license fee *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, fees totaling $350*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Durable Medical Equipment License. However, if your business is selling durable medical equipment in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Electrical Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$425 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $425 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Employment Agency License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Energy Broker License
License Issued By:
Iowa Utilities Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$125 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Reports
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $125 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual reports.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require an Engineering Firm License. However, if your business is providing engineering services in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Fertilizer License
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$10 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $10 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Fertilizer Product Registration
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 per product *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 per product fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require Franchise Registration. However, if your business is operating a franchise in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa General Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Home Health Agency License. However, if your business is providing home health care services in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Home Improvement Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa HVAC Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Insurance Agency License
License Issued By:
Iowa Insurance Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Mail-Order Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Iowa Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$210 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $210 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Manufactured Home Dealer License
License Issued By:
Iowa Fire Marshal's Office
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Manufactured Home Installer License
License Issued By:
Building Code Bureau of the Iowa Department of Public Safety
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $300 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Manufactured Home Manufacturer License
License Issued By:
Iowa Fire Marshal's Office
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Money Transmitter License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $1,500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Mortgage Broker License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$400 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $400 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Mortgage Lender License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$400 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $400 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Pawnbroker License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a pawnshop in Iowa, you may be required to obtain Pawnbroker License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Payday Lender License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$350 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $350 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Pesticide Product Registration
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Pet Shop License
License Issued By:
Animal Welfare Bureau of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$175 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $175 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *, an inspection
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $150 fee*, an inspection, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Plumbing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Private Investigation Agency License
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Public Safety
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$140 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $140 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Private Security License
License Issued By:
Iowa Program Bureau
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Professional Engineer License
License Issued By:
Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examination Board
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 or $150 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 or $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Residential Painter License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Roofing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Sales Tax ID
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Secondhand Dealer License at the state level. However, if your business is dealing in secondhand goods in Iowa, you may be required to obtain Secondhand Dealer License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Solar Contractor License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Staff Leasing Agency Business License
License Issued By:
Iowa Workforce Development - Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Talent Agency License
License Issued By:
Iowa Division of Labor Services
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Tattoo Parlor License
License Issued By:
Division of Environmental Health/Tattoo Program of the Iowa Department of Public Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Telemarketing License. However, if your business is soliciting to consumers in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Iowa (IA) does not require a Title Agency License. However, if your business is selling title insurance in Iowa, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Iowa Tobacco Retail License
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Tobacco Wholesale License
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Unemployment Tax ID
License Issued By:
Iowa Workforce Development's Tax Bureau
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Wholesale Drug Distributor License
License Issued By:
Iowa State Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$315 (resident) / $885 (non-resident) *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, a $315 to $885 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Iowa Withholding Tax ID
License Issued By:
Iowa Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Iowa requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
If your business is operating within O'Brien County IA, you may be required to have a Business License issued by the county. To obtain (and maintain) a license, the county may require an application and supporting documentation. Furthermore, the county may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites prior to submission.
All other Iowa Counties, not listed above, do not issue Basic Business Licenses. However, your business may be required to obtain a Basic Business License at the state or local level or comply with other licensing laws, based on your business activity and location.
Note: The above refers only to basic business licenses, which are required for any type of business operating within the county. For information regarding industry specific licenses issued in Iowa, contact us today!
Let CT Corporation take care of the paperwork for you! We will prepare and file your application, and we will follow up with the State until you have received your Iowa state license. As licensing experts, we will streamline the entire licensing process, making it as painless as possible.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
