License Requirements

To obtain an alcohol license, permit, or certificate, commonly referred to as a “license,” an applicant must demonstrate “good moral character” by meeting the following requirements set forth by Iowa law.

Citizenship and Residency: 

The applicant must be either:

• A sole proprietor that is a U.S. citizen and an Iowa resident
• A general partnership where at least one general partner is an Iowa resident or
• A corporation or similar business entity registered to do business in Iowa and in good standing with the Iowa Secretary of State

Financial Standing

The applicant must have:

• Sufficient financial resources to operate responsibly
• A good reputation for following laws and regulations
• A record of timely submission of all required federal, state, or local tax returns and prompt payment of all taxes due
• The ability to comply with all state and local requirements

Criminal History

• The applicant must disclose:
  • Any convictions for offenses against:
    • The laws of the United States
    • The laws of any state or territory
    • The laws of any political subdivision of a state or territory
  • A felony conviction that occurred within the past five years will disqualify an applicant
  • A felony conviction that occurred more than five years ago will disqualify the applicant unless the governor has restored the applicant’s citizenship rights, automatically or otherwise, and the director approves the application after considering the factors below.
• For all other convictions and felony convictions more than five years old for applicants whose rights have been restored, the director may approve the application after considering:
  • The nature and circumstances of the offense, including but not limited to:
    • Offenses involving controlled substances
    • Offenses involving dishonesty or misrepresentation
    • Offenses occurring in a business or similar setting
    • Property crimes related to a licensed premises
    • Crimes against persons
  • The time elapsed since the conviction occurred
  • The applicant’s complete disclosure of the conviction
  • Any other relevant factors, such as the applicant’s financial standing
• A deferred judgment is not considered a conviction. 

Business Ownership and Control 

These requirements also apply to:

• All officers, directors, members, and partners of the business
• Anyone who owns or controls 10% or more of the company’s stock
• Anyone who has a 10% or greater interest in the business profits

All licensed premises must meet all requirements of state laws, local ordinances, health regulations and fire regulations as listed below:

• Be owned or under the control of the applicant.
• Be located in the jurisdiction of an approving local authority.
• Be in good repair, clean, and free of litter.
• Have at least one restroom (if selling for on-premises consumption).
• Be equipped with running water from a source approved by the local health department (if selling for on-premises consumption).
• Have tables and chairs to seat a minimum of 25 people at one time (if selling for on-premises consumption).

Applicants for new alcohol licenses are required to upload all relevant documentation into eLAPS before being able to submit the application. For details, see eLAPS Documentation Requirements.

What documentation you'll need to supply varies by the license type.  Here are some of the more common documents needed.

Sketch of Premises

A document showing the area you plan to license. 

It must show:

• An outline of the boundaries of your requested licensed area.
• Where in that area specifically the alcohol will be sold.
• Tables and chairs for a minimum of 25 people.
• At least one working restroom. 

This is required for all license types except:

• Vintner’s Certificate of Compliance (CV)
• Brewer’s Certificate of Compliance (CB)
• Distiller’s Certificate of Compliance (CD)
• Broker’s Permit (SP)
• Wine Direct Shipper Permit (DS)
• Wine Carrier Permit (AC)
• Charity Beer, Spirits, and Wine Special Event License (CE)

Proof of Control Property

A document showing proof of owning the land/building that the sale of alcohol is requested on. This may be a deed or lease agreement.

If you are not the owner of the property, you need a written agreement from the owner saying that they give you permission to sell alcohol on the property. 

This is needed for all license types except:

• Vintner’s Certificate of Compliance (CV)
• Brewer’s Certificate of Compliance (CB)
• Distiller’s Certificate of Compliance (CD)
• Broker’s Permit (SP)
• Wine Direct Shipper Permit (DS)
• Wine Carrier Permit (AC)
• Charity Beer, Spirits, and Wine Special Event License (CE)

TTB Basic Permit

A permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau under the U.S. Department of the Treasury that authorizes your business for operations. 

You can learn more about the TTB Basic Permit at ttb.gov

This permit is needed for these license types:

• Class "B" Retail Alcohol License (LG) - If Wholesaling
• Class "E" Retail Alcohol License (LE) - If Wholesaling
• Class "A" Wine Permit (WA)
• Class "A" Wine Permit (Native) (WAN)
• Class "A" Beer Permit (BA)
• Class "A" Beer Permit (Native) (BAN)
• Special Class "A" Beer Permit (Brewpub)
• Class "A" Native Distilled Spirits License (ND)
• Manufacturer’s License (CM)
• Wine Direct Shipper Permit (DS)
• Wine Auction Permit (AP)

Zoning Letter

A legal document outlining zoning laws related to the particular property in question. This informs commercial property owners, lenders and prospective buyers

This letter is needed for these license types:

• Class "A" Beer Permit (BA)
• Class "A" Beer Permit (Native) (BAN)
• Class "A" Wine Permit (Native) (WAN)
• Class "A" Wine Permit (WA)
• Class "A" Native Distilled Spirits License (ND)
• Manufacturer’s License (CM)
• Wine Auction Permit (AP)

Home State License

A copy of the license from the state where the business operates.

This is required for the Wine Direct Shipper Permit (DS).

Temporary retail licenses are for people who want to sell alcoholic beverages on-premises at town celebrations or other special events. The licensing requirements are the same as for a 12-month license of the same class. Temporary licenses are valid for five or 14 consecutive days.

Seasonal licenses are issued for an 8-month period. The licensing requirements are the same as for a 12-month license/permit of the same class. Seasonal licenses are not renewable.

Licensees may be required to get the following documents in addition to their alcoholic beverage license:

• Sales Tax Permit - Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance, 800.367.3388 or 515.281.5777
• Food Establishment or Food Service License (may include alcoholic beverages) - Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, 515.281.6538
• Federal Special Occupational Tax Permit - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 513.684.2979
• Federal Wholesalers Basic Permit - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 513.684.3337

NOTE: The Federal Wholesaler's Basic Permit is required only for class "E" retail alcohol licensees selling to on-premises licensees.

Depending on the type of business, local authorities might require other permits (tasting, dance, cigarette, etc.). Contact your local authority to find out about any special requirements.