DIA regulates food businesses such as restaurants, bars and taverns (including those that only serve beverages), cafeterias, delicatessens, catering operations, mobile food units, farmer’s markets, temporary food events, hotel breakfast bars, vending machines, grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, home food processing establishments, food processing plants, and food warehouses. DIA also regulates hotels, motels, and inns (including bed-and-breakfast inns). If you are interested in any of these licenses, please find additional information and a link to apply for a license below.
Please note:
- A license cannot be issued for a home family kitchen, with the exception of a home food processing establishment license. Please see the "New 2022 Food License-Related Legislation" section below.
- The Alcoholic Beverages Division also regulates the sale of beer, wine, and liquor.
- The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship regulates slaughter and processing facilities in Iowa that produce products for wholesale within the state of Iowa, as well as dairy farms, processors, and transporters, and commercial animal feed and pet food.
Applying for a food license
DIA's online food licensing system allows those operating food and lodging establishments, food processing operations, and food-related events in Iowa to easily complete license applications and renewals online.
License renewals can be made online providing the license is not more than 60 days overdue. New license applications can also be made online. Both Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) AND credit/debit card payments are accepted. There is a $1 transaction fee for bank transfers and a 2.5 percent transaction fee for credit and debit cards.
Please note: New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee.
Licensing guides are available for each license type. For general instructions on submitting a license application for a new business, please view our guide for new food licenses.
- All license applications must be filled out completely. Applications not completed properly will be returned and will delay processing and approval times.
- A separate license must be applied for each location where food production, sales or service will take place.
- Food licenses are nontransferable between locations or owners.
- The approved license will be sent to the email address provided. If no email address is available, the permit will be mailed (please plan accordingly).
- When completing your application, make sure you choose the appropriate jurisdiction (see map under "Regulatory Authorities" below). Choosing the wrong jurisdiction for your license will result in a delay when processing your application.
- Each operator of a temporary food stand is responsible for printing their license and bringing it to the event where it must be displayed in the food stand within the public’s sight.
- Temporary food establishment and event license applications must be received in enough time to ensure that licenses can be emailed or mailed back to the vendor prior to the event.
- Due to the high number of applications received, DIA asks that food vendors for events apply at least 30 days in advance of your event.
- DIA cannot guarantee that your application will be processed in time for your event if these timelines are not met, or your application contains errors or misinformation. Please note that providing food without a license or permit is subject to a penalty equal to double the license fee.
New 2022 Food License-Related Legislation
The 89th Iowa General Assembly passed new legislation (HF2431) during the 2022 session that affects food licensing rules in Iowa.
Home food processing establishment licenses
HF2431 created a new home food processing establishment (HFPE) license. This license replaces the home bakery license and adds the ability for licensees to make, package, and process additional food products.
New HFPE license applications are now being accepted. Please visit the USA Food Safety portal to apply online.
To view additional information about the new HFPE license, scroll down to the "Food Licenses" section below.
“Cottage” food changes
HF 2431 also expands what foods can be prepared in the home and offered for sale directly from a producer to a consumer without licensing or inspections. Although there are some exceptions, beginning July 1, 2022, most foods that do not need to be kept cold or hot for safety may be sold directly to the consumer, provided they meet certain labeling requirements. Additional information on cottage foods will be available soon on our website. Click here to view the latest available cottage food law information. Or, click the blue button link below to sign up for DIA food business licensing news via email or SMS text.
Is it a cottage food, or is a home food processing establishment license needed?
Cottage Foods & Farmers Markets fact sheet (PDF)
Regulatory authorities and contacts
Food safety inspections and foodborne illness/complaint investigations are conducted by State employees working for the Food and Consumer Safety Bureau, as well as inspectors working for local health departments under contract to the Department of Inspections and Appeals. Additionally, DIA has designated experts on staff to answer questions about specific topics like farmers markets, food code and inspections, food processing and warehousing, licensing and renewals, plan review for food businesses, consumable hemp, and complaints and emergencies. See map and contact information.
Food business licenses
This registration enables a civic, business, educational, government, community, or veterans' organization (and may include athletic contests), to host, sponsor, or coordinate a temporary event with more than 10 food vendors (except fairs, as defined in Iowa Code Section 174.1, and farmers markets). An event does not include a single store’s grand opening or sale (i.e., a single store cannot host an event).
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for events.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
This application should be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event.
The license is valid for the duration of the event, not to exceed 14 days.
Cost
One-time fee for the event: $50
Requirements
Click here for event and temporary food establishment requirements.
Farmers markets are retail marketplaces which operate seasonally, principally as a common market for Iowa-produced farm products for consumption elsewhere.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
View the guide for online renewals of farmer's market licenses.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding farmers markets.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Recommended time to apply is two weeks prior to the event, however, the application must be received at least three days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the vendor begins operation.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
$150 for each vendor per county. A license must be obtained for each county where the vendor wants to sell potentially-hazardous foods.
Requirements
A farmers market license is required to sell unpackaged food that needs to be temperature-controlled for safety. Click here for additional information about farmers markets, including: what foods can be sold with a license, what foods don't require a license to be sold, requirements for selling wild mushrooms, and labeling/allergen information.
These businesses include food processing plants and warehouse food storage locations. If an operation manufactures, packages, labels, or stores food for human consumption but does not sell directly to consumers, it falls within this category.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
View the guide for online renewals of food processing/food warehouse licenses.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for warehouse and storage operations.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment begins operation.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Based on annual gross sales of food/food products handled at the facility: $150-$500
New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee of $500.
Food service establishments include businesses such as restaurants, bars, concession stands, tap rooms, catering operations, and commissaries. A business falls under this category if the establishment prepares food to be served in individual portions, or if it sells food intended for preparation or consumption off the premises.
This category oes NOT include farmer's market food establishments, food processing plants, home bakeries, mobile food establishments (e.g., food trucks), retail food establishments (e.g., grocery stores), temporary food establishments, vending machines, or unattended food establishments.
This license may only be used on the premises for which the license was issued. A licensed establishment may set up a food stand on their own premises without an additional food license requirement.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
- If you only need a food service license, view this license renewal guide
- If you need a food service AND retail license, view this license renewal guide
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and the license issued before the establishment begins operation.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Based on annual gross sales: $150-$400
New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee of $400.
PLEASE NOTE: This license type replaces the home bakery license, which allows additional food products to be made, packaged, and processed.
Contact DIA licensing staff with any questions at FCS-Licensing@dia.iowa.gov or 515.281.6538.
Home food processing establishments (HFPEs) are home-based operations where homemade food items are prepared and intended to be consumed off the premises. Homemade food items may be sold directly to the consumer and some may be sold through other businesses.
Home food processing establishments are required to list all homemade food items on their application and update their account online when items are added or removed. Homemade food items not listed on the application shall not be sold or distributed until they have been added to the licensee's online account using the online application system.
Annual gross sales of these products cannot exceed $50,000.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
Read the following Iowa Administrative Code chapter to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for home food processing establishments.
- Home Food Processing Establishments - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-34
Read more about the new legislation (HF2431) that creates the new HFPE license, and find additional resources (like templates, example of completed documents, and training information) for HFPE licensees.
Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Set annual fee: $50
Home food processing establishments vs. "cottage foods"
HF 2431 also expands what foods can be prepared in the home and offered for sale directly from a producer to a consumer without licensing or inspections. Although there are some exceptions, beginning July 1, 2022, most foods that do not need to be kept cold or hot for safety may be sold directly to the consumer, provided they meet certain labeling requirements. Click here to view cottage food law information.
Is it a cottage food, or is a home food processing establishment license needed?
This is a license to operate a hotel, motel, inn, or motor inn. Bed and breakfast inns are included in this license requirement.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
View the guide for online renewals of hotel licenses.
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date, and license issued before the establishment begins operations.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Based on number of available rooms: $50-$150
These include full-service food trucks or food service "pushcarts" that serve precooked or prewrapped foods that require limited assembly. Mobile food units should be licensed in the county that is their home base of operation (where the licensed mobile unit will be stored and serviced when not in operation.)
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
View the guide for online renewals of mobile food unit licenses.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and a license issued before the establishment begins operation.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Set annual fee: $250
These include grocery stores or convenience stores. Some retail food establishments may also need a Food Service Establishment License; if your business is a grocery store that also serves hot, prepared meals dine-in or to-go, it needs both licenses.
This license may only be used on the premises for which the license was issued. A licensed establishment may set up a food stand on their own premises without an additional food license requirement.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
- If you only need a retail food establishment license, view this guide for online renewals.
- If you need both a retail AND food service establishment license, view this guide for online rewewals.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment begins operation.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Based on annual gross sales: $150-$400
New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's annual gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee of $400.
Single-Event
These include food establishments operating for a period of 14 consecutive days or fewer at a fair, festival, craft show, vendor show, or other event.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
Watch this video to learn how to apply for a temporary food establishment license
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Recommended time to apply is at least 30 days prior to the event, however, the application must be received at least three days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the vendor begins operation. DIA cannot guarantee that your application will be processed in time for your event if these timelines are not met, or your application contains errors or misinformation. Please note that providing food without a license or permit is subject to a penalty equal to double the license fee.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Cost
Issued for up to 14 days in conjunction with a single event: $50
Annual Temporary Food Establishments
An Annual Temporary Food Establishment License is an annual license that is valid for more than one event in the county for which it was issued. A separate license application must be submitted for each county where a vendor will operate a Temporary Food Establishment in conjunction with an event. Persons who operate simultaneously at more than one event within a county are required to have a separate license for each food stand.
This type of food business requires a Food Establishment License. You can apply for one using our USA Food Safety portal.
Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the first event at which the vendor intends to operate. Annual Temporary Food Establishment License applications that are not received, processed, and approved prior to operating will require a single event temporary food license until the annual license is approved and issued.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Cost
Annual license for each vendor per county: $200
- A separate license application must be submitted for each county where a vendor will operate a temporary food establishment in conjunction with an event.
- Persons who operate simultaneously at more than one event within a county are required to have a separate license for each food stand.
Requirements
Click here for more information about temporary food establishment and event requirements, including what types of food can be sold.
These include any operations that provide packaged foods or whole fruit by allowing consumers to use an automated payment system. These establishments will have controlled access not accessible by the general public, meaning that the location of the operation or the consumers using it will be limited. Examples include self-service snack bars that require payment in offices or within college campuses.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
View the guide for online renewals of unattended food establishments.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding unattended food establishments.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and a license issued before the establishment begins operation.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Based on annual gross sales: $75-$150
New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum fee of $150.
Vending machines are defined in Iowa Food Code as self-service food devices that dispense units of food in packages when a user inserts paper money, coins, tokens, cards, or keys.
If your vending machine dispenses only prepackaged foods that are not time or temperature sensitive (like hard-coated candies, gumballs, and nuts), it is exempt from licensing requirements. Please note that vending machines that fit these criteria may still be inspected by the Department of Inspections and Appeals if they receive a written complaint.
Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.
View the guide for online renewals of vending machine licenses.
Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety and contractor requirements for vending machines.
- Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
- Contractor Requirements - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-35
- Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F
Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment operates.
Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
Online applications are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
Annual Cost
Based on number of machines: First machine is $50, each additional machine is $10
Certificate of Free Sale or Sanitation
Those selling products outside the U.S. will need a Certificate of Free Sale or Sanitation. The certificate indicates the particular product(s) is marketed in the U.S. or eligible for export. The first certificate costs $35 (both English and Spanish language versions), and each additional identical certificate requested at the same time is $10.
Certificates are issued only for products regulated or inspected by DIA's Food and Consumer Safety Bureau. Payment is required before certificates are issued.
Complete the Certificate of Free Sale Order Form online. Then, either pay via credit card and submit online, or print the fillable form and mail with check/money order to DIA. Submit one order form per identical certificate request, regardless of the number of certificates needed.
Please allow five to 10 business days for completion. Certificates are mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. For anyone who wishes for their certificates be mailed via express mailing, a shipping label is required. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Church at 515.281.5796 or exportcert@dia.iowa.gov.
Voluntary Inspection Fee
Premises that are not food establishments may request an inspection. The cost for a voluntary inspection is $100. Contact us with questions.
Dogs on Patios
In 2020, Iowa Administrative Code [481 IAC, Chapter 31.1.(14)] was updated so that Iowa food establishments may allow pet dogs on their on outdoor patios without applying for a waiver from DIA.
Pet dogs are not allowed inside food establishments. Only service dogs are allowed inside food establishments.
Visit the website for the Civil Rights Division/Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice for an overview of the ADA requirements for service animals and FAQs about service animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act.