License Administration Portal Help

View the License Administration Playlist on YouTube. Videos tutorials available include:

• Approve or Deny Alcohol Licenses
• Approve/Deny/Submit Permit Applications
• Dramshop Review
• Managing Retail Tobacco Permits
• Non-Compliance Check

Gain Access

To gain access to the License Administration Portal, please email licensing@iowaabd.com and include the following information:

• Local Authorities: From your verified government city or county email address, send an email with your name, the city or county you need access to, and any other information that may be helpful. 
• Dramshop Insurance Carriers: From your work email address, send an email with your name, the insurance providers you represent, and a letter on company letterhead that includes all of the following: 
  • All authorized representatives, direct phone numbers and company emails
  • The letter needs to display all carriers each representative is allowed to endorse for
    • Signed by an Underwriting Manager or other Supervisor
    • Date signed

Manage or Revoke Others’ Access

From your work email address, send an email documenting which user needs to be revoked, including their name, email address, and username. 

Multiple Usernames

If you use multiple portals, including GovConnectIowa, the Debt Administration Portal, or the License Administration Portal, you only need one username and password to log in to all of the portals. If you would like to consolidate your existing usernames, please send us an email with the following: 

• Usernames for all portals
• Which username you’d like to use moving forward

Reset Password

1. Go to the License Administration Portal and enter your username
2. From the following screen, select Forgot Password? 
3. Enter the username associated with your account

If the information you provided matches our records, you will receive a link to reset your password.

This section is for local authorities only. 

View or Print Application

Alcohol license applications can be printed online. 

To print pending alcohol applications: 

1. Log in to the License Administration Portal
2. From the I Want To… tab, select Approve or Deny Alcohol Licenses
3. Select Review Application
4. Select Application Printable View. The link will open in a new browser tab.

To print a pending tobacco or device application:

1. Log in to the License Administration Portal
2. From the I Want To… tab, select Approve or Deny Tobacco or Device Permits
3. Select the application to print

To print a previously submitted alcohol, device, or tobacco application: 

1. Log in to the License Administration Portal
2. From the I Want To… tab, select Search Drafts and Submissions
3. Select the submission
4. Select Application Printable View. A new tab will display. 

View Stage of Alcohol Applications

Many alcohol licenses require local authority, dramshop carrier representative, and internal Department review. To view the stage:

1. Log in to the License Administration Portal
2. From the I Want To… tab, select View Summary of Licenses, Pending Applications and Amendments

The following stages are available:

• Dramshop Review: The application is pending endorsement by the dramshop carrier representative.
• Dramshop In Error: The application was returned to the licensee for further additional information regarding the dramshop policy. Action is required by the licensee. 
• Local Authority Review: The application is pending review and approval by the local authority.
• Additional Information Required: Further information is being requested by the Department. Action is required by the licensee.
• Internal Review: The application is pending review and approval by the Department. 
• Approved: The application was approved by the Department. The license is not active until the effective date.
• Denied: The application was denied by the Department.
• Local Authority Denied: The application was denied by the local authority. 
• Never Issued: The Department did not approve or deny the application request. 

Reviewing Alcohol Applications

The local authority is able to view attachments included with new alcohol applications. Applicants are not required to re-upload supporting documents when renewing a license unless a change has been indicated. Local authorities are able to upload documents when reviewing an application.

Privileges, including outdoor service, are displayed on pending applications during the review process. 

Local authorities have the option to:

• Approve - Once the local authority approves the application, it is sent to the Department for final review and approval.
• Deny - If an application is denied by the local authority, the Department will take further action and send communication to the applicant regarding next steps. 

A “Timely Filed” indicator will be added to the license if it is with the local authority and goes past the expiration date. 

Public Licensing Database

Alcohol license history can be viewed on GovConnectIowa through the “Search for a License” tool. You do not need to log in to GovConnectIowa to use this tool.

This database is commonly used for:

• Checking the status of a license or pending application
• Reviewing public information regarding ownership, application history, and license dates
• Creating custom reports using your chosen criteria

This tool is not available for retail tobacco or device permits. 

Reviewing Applications

To meet “Timely Filed” requirements, a renewal application must receive endorsement from the dramshop carrier before the license expiration date to avoid cancellation.

Dramshop carriers’ representatives have the option to:

• Endorse - This option is used when a policy exists for the alcohol license.
• Unable to Verify Dramshop Policy - This option is used when a dramshop carrier does not carry a dramshop policy for an applicant.

A dramshop policy is required for the full term of the license. If the policy is expected to lapse during the license term, a mid-year policy may be completed using the “Manage Dramshop Policy” link.

Dramshop policy cancellations cannot be submitted using the portal. Cancellations and the corresponding reinstatements can be sent to licensing@iowaabd.com. 

Dramshop carrier representatives will not receive notices for new policy reviews. Representatives are responsible for logging into the License Administration Portal and monitoring the Action Center for review activity.

Reminders

The Department sends reminders to license holders when their license is scheduled to expire. The local authorities will receive notifications for various reasons, including but not limited to:

• New, renewal, or amendment applications are ready for review or are sent to another stage of review
• Upcoming Renewals

View Messages or Letters

Messages and letters sent by the Department are available to view on the portal.

For additional assistance with a fee payment or refund, contact us at (515) 281-7400, option 2 or email us at accounting@iowaabd.com. 

If a license or permit holder needs help using GovConnectIowa, please guide them to the following support options:

• GovConnectIowa Help Center - Show them where to access step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips.
• Video Tutorials - Direct them to the instructional videos available on the Department’s YouTube channel.
• Customer Service Support - Help them call or email our customer service team if they need live assistance.
• Send a Message on GovConnectIowa - If they already have an account, assist them in sending a secure message through the GovConnectIowa portal.

Tip: If the visitor does not have an account or is having trouble logging in, encourage them to start with the Help Center or contact customer service for account-related support.