How to Get a Business License in Des Moines: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Des Moines, IA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Polk County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the City Clerk's Office. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
The base fee for a Business License in Des Moines is Varies by type. Contact the City Clerk's Office at 515-283-4500 for current requirements. More information is available at dsm.city.
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What Makes Des Moines Different
Des Moines has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- State capital
- Polk County health department for food permits
- Insurance industry hub — specific financial services regulations
- Iowa has no general state business license
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Des Moines need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (IA): LLC or Corporation filing through the IA Secretary of State. Filing fee: $50 LLC, processing time: 3-5 business days.
County (Polk County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Des Moines): Business License from the City Clerk's Office. Base fee: Varies by type. Phone: 515-283-4500.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Des Moines can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Des Moines has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Des Moines's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.