Consumer Fireworks Licensing & Registration

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Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites (map)

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Make Sure Your Fourth Rules!

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Retail Seller License Requirements

Retail sellers must apply online annually through the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing for a license to sell consumer fireworks in Iowa. 

Applicants should review local fireworks laws prior to applying for a retail license. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing will not consult local fireworks regulations when reviewing an application.

The State of Iowa does not regulate display fireworks. Please check with the local jurisdiction(s) regarding any requirements, restrictions, or prohibitions.

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Retail Seller Training Videos

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Retail Seller Site Plan Requirements

• NEW retail sites or sites CHANGING ADDRESS must submit site plans for the exterior and interior retail site at the time of license application.
• Exterior site plans must show the placement of the retail site, including, but not limited to:
  • the site address and structure dimensions,
  • show fire department access and label customer parking, 
  • distances from, and label, surrounding buildings, sidewalks, roads, etc.,
  • and must denote the scale of the drawing.
• Interior site plans must show the layout inside the retail site, including, but not limited to:
  • site dimensions, square footage of the site and retail area,
  • hours of operation, generators, and any storage,
  • any windows and doors, and swing of doors,
  • location of fire extinguishers, exit signs, lighting, etc.,
  • tables and flame breaks,
  • cash register,
  • and must denote the scale of the drawing.
• All site plans must be clear, legible, and as detailed as possible.
• Site plan examples are available for download under the Consumer Fireworks Licensing Forms section of the online license management system.

There may be other state or local laws and ordinances that may apply to the retail sales of consumer fireworks.  The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing does not give legal advice.  It is strongly recommended that retailers and community groups who apply for a license check with the local officials, including the local fire service, for information on local laws and ordinances that may apply, before completing the licensing process and paying the license fee.

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Retail Seller Liability Insurance Information

While operating as a retail seller, each retail seller will provide proof and maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum per-occurrence coverage of at least $1 million and aggregate coverage of at least $2 million.

• Temporary sites must have insurance in effect for the entire sales period, which is June 13-July 8.
• Permanent sites must have proof of insurance that is in effect during both sales periods

To comply with this requirement, the license must either:

• provide proof of insurance that covers both sales periods, which are June 1-July 8 and Dec 10-Jan 3.
  • The proof of insurance provided must cover an entire sales period (June 1-July 8 or Dec 10-Jan 3) to be accepted.  For example, a proof of insurance that is from June 1-July 4 is not acceptable, but a proof of insurance from June 1-Nov 1 would be acceptable, or a renewal that covered Nov 1-Jan 3 (or through a later date) would be acceptable.

OR

• provide proof of insurance that covers June 1-July 8, and then later provide proof of insurance that covers the second sales period, Dec 10-Jan 3.
  • The licensee is responsible for uploading the renewal insurance certificate for each of the sites.
  • If the licensee is not going to sell during the December sales period, then the licensee should state that on the application to provide notice to the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.  The violation only occurs if sales take place when there is no proof of insurance.

When a licensee submits proof of insurance that only covers one of the sales periods, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing will provide a notice to the licensee that if sales occur when there is no insurance coverage for that sales period, that will be evidence of an intentional violation of the license and proceedings may be initiated to revoke the license.  Authority:  IAC 661-265.40 (revocation of license) and 661-265.24(1)(f)(proof of insurance required for licensing).  A criminal investigation may also be initiated under 100.19(8).  The notice can be provided to the licensee in an email.

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Retail Seller License Fees

Retail Seller License Fees

Structure Type	License Fee
Permanent Building (50% or more floor space to retail sales)	$1,000 annual license fee
Temporary Structure (50% or more floor space to retail sales)	$500 annual license fee
Permanent Building or Temporary Structure (less than 50% floor space to retail sales)	$400 annual license fee
Community Group (non-profit) selling fireworks	$400 annual license fee
Retailer or Community Group selling Second Class Only fireworks	$100 annual license fee

***For new site licensees or sites making changes, a $100 non-refundable administrative fee is due prior to review of site plans.  The fee is subtracted from the total license fee.

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Wholesaler Registration Requirements

Wholesalers who sell or distribute consumer fireworks for sale in Iowa must apply online annually through the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing for a registration to provide consumer fireworks to be sold in Iowa. 

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Wholesaler Liability Insurance Information

While operating as a wholesaler, each wholesaler will provide proof and maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum per-occurrence coverage of at least $1 million and aggregate coverage of at least $2 million.

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Wholesaler Registration Fee

• $1,000 annual registration fee

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Iowa Local Fire Protection & Emergency Medical Services Grant Program

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Laws & Rules

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Fireworks Resources & Datasets

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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