Business License Search
Find required licensing to operate your business in Iowa. Need help?
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Welcome to the Iowa Business License Information Center!
Did you know the state of Iowa does not have a “general” business license? Instead, Iowa regulates the activity of your business or profession. We wrote a helpful blog to better explain this often misunderstood part of running a business in Iowa, and highly recommend you read it when just starting your business.
In Iowa, there isn’t a general business license required to operate your business. Likely, you will need to register the business with the state or your county, obtain permits to collect and remit taxes, and apply for industry specific / product specific licensing in order to operate. We wrote a helpful Start a Business Guide that covers all of this in detail and links to the appropriate state agencies who can help you get started.
Sales tax in Iowa is handled through the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR). IDR wrote a helpful Sales and Use Tax Guide that describes how to go about collecting the taxes, how and when to remit them, what is and isn’t taxable, and a whole host of other related topics.
To register your business in Iowa, you can do so either with the Iowa Secretary of State, or with your county recorder. Our registration information page explains when you would register with either of these entities, as well as some differences between various business registration types. How you register your business will have tax and legal implications that at tax or legal professional can help you navigate. IASourceLink WILL NOT provide this type of guidance to you.
466 items in 47 page(s)
14-Day Qualified Organization License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
180-Day Qualified Organization License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
90-Day Qualified Organization License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Accreditation for Nonpublic Schools
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Accreditation of Mental Health Service Providers
Department of Human Services
Accreditation/Certification for Providers of Individual Case Management
Department of Human Services
Accreditation/Certification for Psychiatric Rehab
Department of Human Services
Activities Administrator Authorization
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Acupuncturist, Licensed
Department of Public Health
Administrative License
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Administrative Medicine License (M.D. or D.O.)
Department of Public Health
Administrator's Certificate of Registration
Iowa Insurance Division
Adoption Investigator
Department of Human Services
Advanced Deposit Sports Wagering License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Advanced Deposit Wagering License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
Department of Public Health
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
Department of Public Health
Agricultural/Vegetable Seed Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Air Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Aircraft Special Certificate for Aircraft Dealers, Transporters, and Manufacturers
Department of Transportation
Alarm System Contractors & Technicians License
Department of Public Safety
All Systems Overweight Permit
Department of Transportation
All Systems Permit
Department of Transportation
Amusement Concession License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Amusement Ride Operator's Permit
Iowa Workforce Development
Animal Feeding Operation Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Animal Feeding Operation NPDES Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Animal Feeding Operation- Animal Truck Wash Facility Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Animal Shelter Certificate of Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Annual Oversize Permit
Department of Transportation
Annual Oversize/Overweight Permit
Department of Transportation
Annual Report for Perpetual Care Cemetery
Iowa Insurance Division
Annual Temporary Food Establishment License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Antifreeze Inspection & Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Appliance Demanufacturing Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Application for Iowa Foaled Horse Status
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Application for Notary Commission
Secretary of State
Application to Organize a State Bank
Department of Commerce
Appraisal Management Company
Department of Commerce
Aquaculture Unit License
Department of Natural Resources
Aquatic Pesticide Applicator
Department of Natural Resources
Architect, Licensed
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Articles of Incorporation - Profit Corporation
Secretary of State
Asbestos Abatement Contractor Permit
Iowa Workforce Development
Asbestos Abatement Contractor/Supervisor
Iowa Workforce Development
Asbestos Abatement Worker
Iowa Workforce Development
Asbestos Inspector
Iowa Workforce Development
Asbestos Management Planner
Iowa Workforce Development
Asbestos Project Designer
Iowa Workforce Development
Asbestos Removal Notification
Iowa Workforce Development
Assisted Living Programs (ALPs)/ALPs for People with Dementia (Certificate)
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Athlete Agent Registration
Secretary of State
Athletic Event License
Iowa Workforce Development
Athletic Trainer
Department of Public Health
ATV OR Snowmobile Dealer, Manufacturer, OR Distributor Special Certificate
Department of Natural Resources
Audiologist
Department of Public Health
Automobile Rental Excise Tax Registration
Iowa Department of Revenue
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Registration
Department of Public Health
Bail Enforcement Agent
Department of Public Safety
Bait Dealer
Department of Natural Resources
Barber Instructor
Department of Public Health
Barber Practitioner
Department of Public Health
Barge Fleeting Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Bingo Conducted at a Fair or Community Festival License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Bingo/Electronic Raffle Manufacturer or Distributor License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Boarding Kennel License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Boat Dealer or Manufacturer Special Certificate
Department of Natural Resources
Boiler Inspector (Special Inspector)
Iowa Workforce Development
Boiler Installation Notice
Iowa Workforce Development
Boiler/Pressure Vessel Certificate
Iowa Workforce Development
Brewer's Certificate of Compliance
Department of Commerce
Broker's Permit
Department of Commerce
Brood Mare Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Building Code Plan Review
Department of Public Safety
Bull Breeder
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Bus Driver
Department of Transportation
Cable and Video Franchise Certificates
Iowa Utilities Board
Catering Privilege
Department of Commerce
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Collection Registration
Department of Natural Resources
Cert. for Providers of Supported Comm living Servs
Department of Human Services
Certificate of Authority - Out-of-state Limited Liability Company
Secretary of State
Certificate of Authority - Out-of-state Profit Corporation
Secretary of State
Certificate of Authority-Health Maintenance Organization
Iowa Insurance Division
Certificate of Authority-Insurance Company
Iowa Insurance Division
Certificate of Free Sale or Sanitation
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Certificate of Need
Department of Public Health
Certificate of Organization - Limited Liability Company
Secretary of State
Certification for Providers of Mental Health Services
Department of Human Services
Certification of Groundwater Professionals
Department of Natural Resources
Certification of UST Professionals
Department of Natural Resources
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (Nurse's Aide)
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
Iowa Judicial Branch
Charity Beer, Spirits, and Wine Auction Permit
Department of Commerce
Charity Beer, Spirits, and Wine Event Permit
Department of Commerce
Chick Dealer (hatchery)
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Child Care Center/Preschool License
Department of Human Services
Child Development Home Registration
Department of Human Services
Child Labor Work Permit
Iowa Workforce Development
Child Placing Agency License
Department of Human Services
Chiropractor
Department of Public Health
Cigarette Distributing Agent Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Cigarette Distributor, Wholesaler or Vendor Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Cigarette Manufacturer's Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Class "A" Beer Permit
Department of Commerce
Class "A" Beer Permit (Native)
Department of Commerce
Class "A" Liquor License
Department of Commerce
Class "A" Native Distilled Spirits License
Department of Commerce
Class "A" Wine Permit
Department of Commerce
Class "A" Wine Permit (Native)
Department of Commerce
Class "B" Beer Permit
Department of Commerce
Class "B" Liquor License
Department of Commerce
Class "B" Wine Permit
Department of Commerce
Class "B" Wine Permit (Native)
Department of Commerce
Class "C" Beer Permit
Department of Commerce
Class "C" Liquor License
Department of Commerce
Class "C" Native Distilled Spirits License
Department of Commerce
Class "C" Native Wine Permit
Department of Commerce
Class "D" Liquor License
Department of Commerce
Class "E" Liquor License
Department of Commerce
Coaching Authorization
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Coal Mine Site Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Coal Mining License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Commercial Breeder License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Commercial Dock License
Department of Natural Resources
Commercial Explosive Contractor and Commercial Explosive Blaster Licenses
Department of Public Safety
Commercial Feed Distribution License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Commercial Fish License
Department of Natural Resources
Commercial Kennel License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Commercial Pesticide Applicator (Individual) Cert.
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Commercial Septic Tank Cleaners License
Department of Natural Resources
Commercial Turtle Harvester License
Department of Natural Resources
Commercial Weighing Device Servicer's License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Community Mental Health Center Accreditation
Department of Human Services
Confinement Site Manure Applicator
Department of Natural Resources
Construction Contractor Registration
Iowa Workforce Development
Consumable Hemp Manufacturer Registration
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Consumable Hemp Retailer Registration
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Consumer Fireworks Retail Seller License
Department of Public Safety
Consumer Fireworks Wholesaler Registration
Department of Public Safety
Consumers Use Tax Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Containers Redemption Centers Approval/Register
Department of Natural Resources
Continuing Care Retirement Community Filing Requirement
Iowa Insurance Division
Controlled Substance Registration
Department of Public Health
Cosmetologist License
Department of Public Health
Cosmetology Instructor
Department of Public Health
Cosmetology Salon License
Department of Public Health
Cosmetology School License
Department of Public Health
County Juvenile Detention/Shelter Approval
Department of Human Services
Credit Union Charter
Department of Commerce
CRT Recycling Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Dairy Distributor's Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Debt Management License
Iowa Division of Banking
Delayed Deposit Service License
Iowa Division of banking
Delivery Seller Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Dental Assistant Registration
Department of Public Health
Dental Hygienist
Department of Public Health
Dental Radiography Qualification
Department of Public Health
Department of Transportation Highway Contractor Prequalification
Department of Transportation
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
Department of Transportation
Distiller's Certificate of Compliance
Department of Commerce
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) - Permanent License
Department of Public Health
Dog & Cat Public Auction License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Egg Handlers License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Electric Generation Certificates
Iowa Utilities Board
Electric Transmission Franchises
Iowa Utilities Board
Electric Utility Service
Iowa Utilities Board
Electrician and Electrical Contractor Licenses
Department of Public Safety
Electrologist
Department of Public Health
Elevator Installation or Alteration Permit
Iowa Workforce Development
Elevator Operation Permit
Iowa Workforce Development
Elevator Special Inspector
Iowa Workforce Development
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Department of Public Health
Emergency Medical Services - Instructor (EMS-I)
Department of Public Health
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Department of Public Health
Employment Agency License
Iowa Workforce Development
Engineer, Licensed Professional
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Environmental Laboratory Certification
Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Review for Natural Resources
Department of Natural Resources
Esthetician
Department of Public Health
Event Registration License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Fantasy Sports Contests License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Farm Bulk Milk Hauler/Sampler
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Farmers Market Food Establishment License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Federal Dealer Registration - Animals
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Fertilizer License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Fire Protection System Contractors and Technicians Licenses
Department of Public Safety
Flood Plain Development Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Food Processing Plant License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Food Service Establishment License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Fuel Tax License
Iowa Department of Revenue
Fuel Tax Refund Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Funeral Director
Department of Public Health
Funeral or Cremation Establishment License
Department of Public Health
Fur Dealer
Department of Natural Resources
Gambling Game License/Pari-Mutuel Racetrack
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Gambling Games Distributor or Manufacturer License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Gambling/Excursion Boat License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Gambling/Pari-Mutuel Racetrack License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Game Breeder
Department of Natural Resources
Gas Pump License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Geothermal Heat Exchange Wells and Ground-source Heat Loop Boreholes
Department of Natural Resources
Ginseng Dealer Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Ginseng Grower Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Ginseng Harvester's Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Grade A Dairy Farm Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Grade B Dairy Farm Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Grain Dealers License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Grain Warehouse License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Greyhound Dog Iowa Whelped Individual Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Greyhound Iowa Whelped Litter Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Group Foster Care Facility License
Department of Human Services
Health Care Facility License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Health Service Provider in Psychology
Department of Public Health
Hearing Aid Specialist
Department of Public Health
Home & Community Based Medical & Remedial Services
Department of Human Services
Home Bakery License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Hospice License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Hospital License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Hotel License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Hunting Preserve Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Industrial Loan License
Iowa Division of Banking
Industrial Radiographer
Department of Public Health
Industrial Treatment Agreements for Wastewater Treatment
Department of Natural Resources
Inedible/Condemned Material Removal Requirement
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Insurance Producer (Agent)
Iowa Insurance Division
Interior Designer
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
International Registration Plan License
Department of Transportation
Interstate Bridge Formula Request for Non-Interstate Highways (Bridge Exemption)
Department of Transportation
Intrastate Motor Carrier Certificate
Department of Transportation
Intrastate Motor Carrier Permit
Department of Transportation
Investment Adviser License
Iowa Insurance Division
Investment Adviser Representative
Iowa Insurance Division
Iowa Consumer Credit Code Notification
Attorney General
Iowa Grant of Inspection
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Iowa Greyhound Dog Dam Report
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Iowa Lottery License
Iowa Lottery
Iowa Pesticide Product Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Iowa Registered Stallion Eligibility
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Iowa Stallion Affidavit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Laboratory Approval/Private Sector Drug Testing
Department of Public Health
Land Surveyor
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Landscape Architect
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Lead Abatement Contractor
Department of Public Health
Lead Abatement Project Designer
Department of Public Health
Lead Abatement Worker
Department of Public Health
Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor
Department of Public Health
Lead-Safe Renovator
Department of Public Health
Lender Credit Card Registration
Iowa Division of Banking
License to engage in money transmission (Money Services)
Iowa Division of Banking
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Department of Public Health
Licensed Public Accountant (LPA)
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Limestone License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Limited Distributor
Department of Public Health
Linn County Air Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Livestock (Dealer) Agent
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Livestock (Market) Agent
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Livestock Dealer
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Livestock Market
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Living Quarters Permit
Department of Commerce
Local Hotel / Motel Tax
Iowa Department of Revenue
Mammography Facility Certification/Authorization
Department of Public Health
Manufacturer's License
Department of Commerce
Manure Service Representative (Commercial)
Department of Natural Resources
Mare Transfer Form
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Marital and Family Therapist
Department of Public Health
Massage Therapist
Department of Public Health
Meat and Poultry Inspection & License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Medical Physicist - Mammography
Department of Public Health
Membership Campground Registration
Attorney General
Mental Health Counselor
Department of Public Health
Migrant Labor Camp Permit
Department of Public Health
Milk Plant Permit
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Milk Truck License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Mineral Mining License & Site Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Mobile Food Establishment License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Mobile Home/Manufactured Housing Retailers License
Department of Public Safety
Mortgage Banker/Broker License/Mortgage Loan Originator
Iowa Division of Banking
Motor Vehicle Dealer's License
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Distributor or Wholesaler License
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Leasing License
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Mfg. Consumer Dispute Resolution
Attorney General
Motor Vehicle Service Contract License
Iowa Insurance Division
Motor Vehicle, Final-Stage or Towable Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer License
Department of Transportation
Multi Trip Permit
Department of Transportation
Nail Technologist
Department of Public Health
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Natural Gas Utility Service
Iowa Utilities Board
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Department of Public Health
Nursing Home Activity Director (Certificate)
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Nursing Home Administrator License
Department of Public Health
Occupational Therapist
Department of Public Health
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Department of Public Health
Oil or Natural Gas Permit
Department of Natural Resources
One-Year Qualified Organization License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Operating Permit by Rule for Small Sources
Department of Natural Resources
Optometrist
Department of Public Health
Outdoor Service
Department of Commerce
Outsourcing Facility License
Department of Public Health
Packer Agent License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Packer License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Paraeducator Certification
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Passenger Transport/Chauffeur License
Department of Transportation
Pedorthist
Department of Public Health
Permit to Apply Aquatic Pesticides to Iowa Waters
Department of Natural Resources
Permit to Collect Inedible Materials
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pesticide Dealer License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pet Dealer License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pet Shop License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pharmacist
Department of Public Health
Pharmacy License
Department of Public Health
Pharmacy Support Person
Department of Public Health
Pharmacy Technician Registration
Department of Public Health
Physical Therapist
Department of Public Health
Physical Therapist Assistant
Department of Public Health
Physician Assistant (PA)
Department of Public Health
Pig Dealer
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pig Dealer Agent
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pipeline Permits
Iowa Utilities Board
Podiatrist
Department of Public Health
Polk County Air Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Poultry Buyer
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Pound Certificate of Registration
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Precursor Substance Permit
Department of Public Health
Premise Identification Number Application
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Preneed Seller License
Iowa Insurance Division
Prevention of Significant Deterioration Air Const.
Department of Natural Resources
Private Investigative Business
Department of Public Safety
Private Juvenile Shelter Care Home License
Department of Human Services
Private Pesticide Applicator
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Private Security Agency
Department of Public Safety
Private Water Well Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Professional Boxer Registration
Iowa Workforce Development
Professional Fundraiser Registration
Attorney General
Prosthetist
Department of Public Health
Psychiatric Mental Institution for Children
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Psychologist
Department of Public Health
Public Water Supply Operating Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Public Water Supply System Construction Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Racing/Gambling Occupational License
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Radiation Machine Service Providers
Department of Public Health
Radiation Therapist
Department of Public Health
Radioactive Material License
Department of Public Health
Radiographer - General or Limited Diagnostic
Department of Public Health
Radon Measurement Laboratory Certification
Department of Public Health
Radon Measurement Specialist
Department of Public Health
Radon Mitigation Specialist
Department of Public Health
Railway Car Retail Cigarette Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Raw Milk Transport Permit
Department of Transportation
Real Estate Appraiser
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Real Estate Broker
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Real Estate Salesperson
Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
Record of Mares Bred
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Registered Amusement Device
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Registered Nurse (RN)
Department of Public Health
Registration of Aboveground Storage Tanks
Department of Public Safety
Regulated Loan License
Iowa Division of Banking
Renderer's License
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Requirements to Plug Abandoned Wells
Department of Natural Resources
Research Facility Certificate
Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship
Reservation of Corporate Name
Secretary of State
Resident License (M.D. or D.O.)
Department of Public Health
Residential Service Contract License
Iowa Insurance Division
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Department of Public Health
Retail Food Establishment License
Department of Inspections & Appeals
Retailer Permit for Household Hazardous Material
Department of Natural Resources
Retailer's Use Tax Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Sales Agent License
Iowa Insurance Division
Sales Tax Permit
Iowa Department of Revenue
Sampling Technician
Department of Public Health
Sand, Gravel and Stone Removal Permit
Department of Natural Resources
Sanitary Disposal Project Permit (Landfill)
Department of Natural Resources
Sanitary Disposal Project Permit (Non-landfill)
Department of Natural Resources