License Requirements

To obtain a license, an applicant must demonstrate ‘good moral character.' In Iowa, an applicant is considered to be of ‘good moral character’ if he or she meets the following criteria:

• Is a U.S. citizen and an Iowa resident, or incorporated to do business in the state. The corporation must be registered and in good standing with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.
• Has no felony convictions. If there is a felony conviction that is more than five years old and the applicant’s rights of citizenship have been restored, the applicant may be eligible for a license.
• Has not had any financial interest in a license that was revoked during the past two years.
• Has ‘financial standing’ and a ‘good reputation’ indicating that the applicant will comply with all laws and rules governing the license.

NOTE: When reviewing a person's financial standing, the local authority or the Division may consider the following factors, including but not limited to – 1) amount of financial support and operating funds; 2) prompt payment of state and local taxes; 3) fees and charges for municipal utilities and services; 4) prompt payment of licensing fees and any administrative penalties. 
When evaluating a person’s 'good reputation,' the local authority or the Division may consider such factors as, but not limited to - 1) if the person has a history of showing disregard for the law; 2) has convictions for selling alcoholic beverages to underage or intoxicated people; 3) has a history of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In a partnership or corporation, all requirements apply to all officers, directors, and shareholders. If the business is operated under a sole proprietorship, the spouse is exempt from citizenship and resident requirements if he or she has no ownership interest.

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)

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)

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)
• Class "E" Retail Alcohol License (LE)
• 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)
• Brewer’s Certificate of Compliance (CB)
• Distiller’s Certificate of Compliance (CD)
• Vintner’s Certificate of Compliance (CV)
• Wine Direct Shipper Permit (DS)

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)

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 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.