Business Licensing
Iowa does not use a “general” business permit or license. Compliance requirements are based upon the specific activities and operations of the particular business. As these requirements can vary by business or occupation type, the state of Iowa has expert resources to help.
(As with all important business decisions, it is recommended that one consult an attorney or business advisor to insure full compliance with local, state and federal license and permit requirements.)
State Licensing Information
Business License Information Center (BLIC)
BLIC is a web-based database containing Iowa’s licensing and permitting requirements. BLIC can assist you in identifying your potential compliance requirements through answering a series of activity questions and matching your business type using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to these requirements. You may also call 1-800-532-1216 for more assistance.
http://www.iowalifechanging.com/business/blic/
Please refer to the links below to help assist in identifying your licensing needs:
Department of Commerce, Professional Licensing and Regulation Division
http://www.state.ia.us/government/com/prof/home.html
Department of Health, Behavioral Health and Professional Licensing
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/bhpl/default.asp
Registered contractor database through Iowa Workforce Development
http://www.iowaworkforce.org/labor/contractor.htm
Iowa contractors search
http://www2.iwd.state.ia.us/contractor.nsf
Secretary of State business services
http://www.sos.state.ia.us/business/index.html
Secretary of State searchable databases
http://www.sos.state.ia.us/dbsearch/index.html
Iowa Notary Public Registration
http://www.sos.state.ia.us/notaries/index.html
Iowa Notary Public Search
http://www.sos.state.ia.us/notaries/notary_search.asp
Iowa Local/City Resources
Be sure to contact your local city government for any potential local license or permit requirements.
List of city web sites: http://www.iowaleague.org/AboutCities/CitiesInIowa.aspx?c=-1
List of city directories: http://www.iowaleague.org/AboutCities/CitiesInIowa.aspx
