Alcohol

Important System Update – eLAPS retiring October 22, 2025

The Iowa Department of Revenue is moving from eLAPS to GovConnectIowa starting November 3, 2025. eLAPS will go permanently offline at 5:00 p.m. CT on October 22, 2025. No systems will be available during the transition period from October 22 through November 3, 2025. Any submissions including new and renewal applications, tax reports, or amendments must be submitted by October 22 to avoid disruption.

Have questions? Contact us at idr-cx@iowa.gov. Subscribe to updates to receive important reminders and news about the transition. Thank you for your patience as we work to bring you a better, streamlined experience. 

Which licensing system should I use?

All alcohol license management actions, including filing alcohol reports, can be completed online through GovConnectIowa. The following actions are included, but not limited to:

• Apply for and renew licenses
• Amend a license
• Register self-service machines and kegs
• Submit Third-Party Delivery forms
• Update ownership records and report criminal history changes
• Update filing frequency for reporting
• Cancel a license
• Update account information, including names and addresses
• File alcohol related reports

In order to access these actions, you must create a GovConnectIowa account and be connected to your alcohol license. To get started:

1. Create an account at govconnect.iowa.gov
   1. For existing license holders, select “Request Access to an Existing Account”
   2. For new businesses, select “Register a New Business” - you can apply for an alcohol license during that process
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the connection process

After you are connected to the license, you will be able to complete the necessary actions on the following tabs:

• Accounts - View the license at a glance, including the application status and expiration date. This tab also includes links to print or renew your license and manage the automatic renewal program
• Action Center - View and complete outstanding tasks required for your business, including upcoming renewals
• Settings - Opt in to paperless mail delivery and manage your access
• I Want To… - Complete a variety of actions including communicating with the department, managing your alcohol license through the “Alcohol Management” panel, updating your ownership records, managing the access of other GovConnectIowa users, and more

To view detailed tutorials, visit our YouTube channel. If you need help getting started or learning how to use GovConnectIowa, visit the GovConnectIowa Help page with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.

How do I apply and get a license?

The Iowa Department of Revenue Alcohol & Tax Operations Division (Division) makes every attempt to process applications for licenses and permits in a timely manner. Due to the high number of applications being received, we ask that you apply at least 45 days in advance of your event. In addition, your application should be approved by the local authority and forwarded to the Division at least 15 days prior to the effective date.

Learn more about license requirements in Iowa. 

Missing information and errors may delay the application process, and may then delay the license or permit to be issued by the requested effective date. Please note that selling alcohol without a license or permit is a violation of the law.

Iowa law requires all alcoholic beverages retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, importers and brokers to apply for and obtain a license or permit before doing business in the state.

The licensing process for Iowa liquor license and beer, spirits, and wine permit holders is entirely online.

I'm a new business owner. Where do I start?

Learn more about taxes in Iowa as a business owner. Visit Starting a Business for more information. If your business sells food on-site or to go, view Iowa Sales Tax on Food for a list of what foods are taxable and which are exempt.