Iowa Contractor License

Do you want to work as a handyman or a contractor in Iowa? What you need to know about permits, registration, and insurance is listed below. Before you can legally start selling your services, you’ll need to go through the process of obtaining an Iowa contractor license.

How do I get a contractor’s license in Iowa?

According to licensing laws in Iowa, contractors must meet particular experience, education, or examination requirements before they can legally open a business. General contractors are in luck because Iowa does not have a license law, so there is no need to take an exam to get started. Certain specialties, such as plumbing and HVAC, however, require licenses.

The aim of registration laws is to ensure that both contractors and customers have protection under the law. Construction contractors in Iowa must register, which is just a standardized way of notifying the state that you’re operating as a contractor and confirming that you are insured.

In addition, if you don’t register your contracting company in Iowa, you may get a $500 fine or a $5,000 charge if you break the law again.

Business insurance for Iowa contractors

Business insurance protects the company in case something goes wrong. Contractors in Iowa must be insured. Getting business insurance in addition to your contractor license Iowa  can assist you in the following ways:

• Accidents, third-party property damage
• You’ll obtain your customers’ trust
• Fulfill requirements from landlords and vendors
• Get financial help in the form of loans and grants

For both license and registration, the state has combined several steps and now provides a single 3-year application and renewal process.

You’ll need to fill out an application and fulfill some experience requirements before taking the exam. You can schedule your exam after your exam application has been accepted. The cost of licensure and registration varies depending on the level of experience and when you register.

You must have public liability insurance, a surety bond, documentation of criminal history, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance in addition to passing an exam.

Using our Iowa contractor’s license lookup by name is a simple way to confirm that a contractor is licensed. Our Iowa contractor license lookup makes it easy for consumers to verify licensing.

What do you need before registration?

To become licensed and appear on the Iowa contractor license lookup and send your Iowa contractor registration, you should have a list of items ready.

Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You may register as a sole proprietor, partnership, business, or limited liability company (LLC).

An unemployment insurance number

Even if you don’t have any workers yet, anyone pursuing an Iowa Department of Labor contractor registration must first set up an unemployment insurance account. Your UI number can be found here.

A NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code is a classification system that helps in the classification of various forms of companies. You’ll pick the code that corresponds to the type of work you’ll be doing on your registration application. Check out Iowa contractor classifications here.

Worker’s compensation insurance

If you have one or more employees, you need to provide a certificate of employee compensation insurance.

Out-of-state bond

A $25,000 surety bond is needed if you live outside of Iowa but will be contracting in Iowa.

You may be exempted from paying commission

All general contractors making at least $2,000 a year are required to register their company. Even so, certain applicants may not be required to pay the application fee:

• If you’re a self-employed citizen
• Don’t work with other contractors or for other contractors on the same type of work
• Don’t pay more than $2,000 to hire others for the business

After that, you can sign and notarize the fee exemption form, which allows you to avoid paying the $50 registration or renewal fee.

Submit your application and fee

You can complete the registration form, which is available for download. Send your submission, supporting documentation, and a $50.00 check or money order payable to “Iowa Division of Labor” or a signed and notarized Fee Exemption form to the following address:

Iowa Division of Labor, Contractor Registration
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319-0209

You may also register or renew your license in person at 150 Des Moines St, Des Moines, IA50309. Processing can take up to 30 days if your application is complete.

Contractor’s license renewal in Iowa

Every year, you must renew your contractor registration by following the same procedure and paying the same fees. A month before your license expires, the state will give you a renewal form via mail or email, and you can pay for it online.

Do you need a roofing license in Iowa?

Construction, on the other hand, covers a wide variety of trades such as roofing, painting, landscaping, electrical, plumbing, and more. For plumbing and mechanical work, you’ll also need to get a contractor’s license. If you work in mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, sheet metal, or hydronic systems, the state of Iowa requires you to be registered and certified with the board.

For more information on contractual services, visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website.