How Do I Apply for an Establishment License?

Documentation and questions may be submitted by email: plpublic@idph.iowa.gov.

The application fee is $80. The fee may be paid online. All application fees are nonrefundable.

Licenses may be issued to a stationary or a mobile location.  An establishment license is issued for a specific location.  

Note: A change in location will cancel the existing license and require application for a new license.

Mobile Establishment: The license shall be issued for a permanent physical address.  The licensee is required to provide a physical address for board correspondence. A readily-movable establishment may operate in a legal parking spot or on private property, with the permission of the owner or the owner’s designee, anywhere in the state of Iowa. The readily-movable establishment must operate in compliance with applicable federal and state transportation, environmental, and sanitary regulations, including Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 481--Chapter 941 and IAC 481--Chapter 943.

Licensees are required to notify the board of changes in any of the following:

• Changes in name.  The licensee shall return the original certificate and make a request, including payment of the fee, for an updated certificate of license.
• Upon sale of an establishment, the owner must return the license certificate and report the sale of the establishment to the board within 10 days. The board may request legal proof of the transfer of ownership. 
  • An establishment cannot be sold if disciplinary action is pending. 
  • A change in ownership of an establishment will cancel the existing license and require a new application.

Establishments must meet requirements for infection control in compliance with Iowa Administrative Code 481--Chapter 943.