Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Davenport, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Iowa

2 stops

  1. Iowa Barbering & Cosmetology License (each barber)

    Iowa no longer issues a standalone barber license. Barbering and cosmetology have been merged into a single Barbering & Cosmetology license administered by the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), which absorbed the board in the 2023 consolidation. An applicant documents graduation from a board-approved or nationally accredited program of at least 1,550 hours, or completion of a registered Iowa apprenticeship verified by the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship, and passes the required examinations.

    Official government source

    $60 application fee, nonrefundable4-8 weeks once DIAL has the application, transcript, and exam results

  2. Iowa Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in Iowa. The state rate is 6%, and local option sales tax of up to 1% may apply. Iowa taxes about 75 enumerated services, so check whether your service is taxable before assuming you need a permit. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    Free — no fee to register for a sales tax permitRegister online through GovConnectIowa, the state's tax portal

City of Davenport / Scott County

2 stops

  1. Iowa DIAL — Barbering Establishment License

    Barber shops in Iowa must hold an establishment license from the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (Barbering & Cosmetology), successor to the former board after the 2023 consolidation. Apply online for the specific location you will operate from; a change of location cancels the license and requires a new application.

    Official government source

    $80 application fee, nonrefundableSubmit the application no less than 30 days before the anticipated opening day

  2. No General Business License Required in Davenport

    Davenport does not require a general, citywide business license. The Revenue Division licenses only specific categories, each with its own fee: alarm businesses ($50-$100), auctioneers ($150), billboards and signs, bicycles ($5), tobacco/nicotine ($25-$100 by term), closing-out sales, vehicle-related businesses, mobile food units ($55), live entertainment ($50), metal recyclers ($300), and pawnbrokers/secondhand/junk/antique dealers ($50-$500). Most professional and personal-service businesses — pest control, barbering, tutoring, insurance, cleaning, photography — are not licensed by the city at all. Check the category list, and call the Revenue Division at 563-326-7715 if unsure.

    Official government source

    $0 for most business types; listed categories carry their own published feesNot applicable unless your activity is one of the listed categories

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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