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Business Licenses and Permits

Visit the Iowa Department of Economic Development's Business License Information Center to determine the appropriate state licenses for your business. Read below for the most common types of licenses and permits for small business owners.

Business licenses may take a while to receive, so make sure you've allotted ample time for them to be processed before you decide to open your doors. Also, they may be costly, so be sure to incorporate them into your budget.

Business Name
If you want to operate your business under a name other than your own, you may be required by your city, county or state to register it. Procedures vary, but usually city and county clerks handle the registration. The fee for this license is approximately $10-$100. Corporations do not need to register their name because it is done when filing the articles of incorporation.

Secretary of State - Click on the Business Center link
County Recorder

Business License
A business license grants you the right to operate your business in a city. You'll need to file an application with the city in which your business will be located. The city's zoning department will make sure your location is zoned for commercial purposes and that there is adequate parking available.

County Recorder

Health Permit
If you plan to sell food at your place of business, you'll need a county health department permit. The price of the permit varies, depending on the size of the business and the equipment that is used. Usually it costs about $25. An inspection will be conducted before the permit is granted. Contact your county health department for more information.

County Health Department

Liquor, Wine, and Beer Licenses
If you plan to serve alcoholic drinks at your business, you'll need one license for wine and beer and another for liquor. The latter is typically harder to obtain. The costs of these licenses vary greatly, depending on location. Some areas will not issue any new liquor licenses at all, so the only way to get one is to buy it from a current license holder. As you can imagine, this can be very expensive, depending on the demand. A city clerk can usually provide more information on the matter.

County Clerk

Fire Permit
Fire permits are required if you use flammable materials at your business or if it is open to the public. They can be obtained through a local fire department. Your property will be inspected periodically to ensure that it meets fire safety regulations. Citations may be issued for violations.

See your local telephone directory for contact information.

Air and Water Pollution Control Permit
This permit is necessary if you plan to burn any materials, discharge waste into sewers or water, or use products that produce gas. You'll need to contact your city or county clerk for an application. Also, check with your state environmental protection agency for regulations that may apply to your business.

In the state of Iowa, refer to the Iowa Waste Reduction Center for environmental regulatory assistance.

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