Wholesaler Distributor Licensure

Any wholesaler—regardless of location—that distributes prescription drugs into, out of, or within Iowa must be licensed by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. This license must be obtained before engaging in any wholesale distribution of prescription drugs.

Summary

• Code Citation    
  • Iowa Code section 155A.17
  • 481 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 551 (Licensing)
  • 481 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 554 (Distribution standards)
  • Iowa Code Chapter 124
  • Drug Quality and Security Act (Drug Supply Chain Security Act)
• Nonrefundable Fee
  • $750 Wholesale Distributor license (initial, change and annual renewal)
  • $90 CSA registration (initial, change and biennial renewal)
  • $45 Background criminal history check (any new facility manager)
• Additional Information
  • Controlled Substances Act (CSA) registration required if distributing controlled substances in or into Iowa. Separate licenses required for each physical location.

License Expiration and Renewal

Iowa wholesale drug distributor licenses expire each year on Dec. 31. It is the licensee’s responsibility to renew before the expiration date.

• Annual fee: $750
• Renewal options: Online or by mail
• Reminder: As a courtesy, the Board emails renewal notices at least 60 days before expiration. Not receiving a notice does not excuse a missed renewal.

Update Your License

• The following changes to a Wholesale Distributor license require written notification to the board on a Board form:
  • Identification of a temporary facility manager (who will not be subject to a criminal history background check)
  • Business Type
  • Ownership
• The following changes to a Wholesale Distributor license require the submission of an application and nonrefundable fee(s) at least 30 days prior to the change for a resident 3PL or within 30 days after the issuance of an updated home state license for a nonresident 3PL:
  • Name
  • Location

Permanent facility manager

Resources

• Applications
  • Wholesale Distributor License application (online - renewal)
  • Wholesale Distributor License application (paper - new, renewal, changes)
• Forms
  • Acknowledgment and Attestation Form
  • Surety Bond Form ($100,000)
  • Surety Bond Form ($25,000)
• Other Resources
  • Contact Us