Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Davenport, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $300–$900 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 Nail Technologist License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold an Iowa nail technologist license, issued by the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (Barbering & Cosmetology), which took over the former board's licensing in 2023. An applicant must complete 325 hours of education at a board-licensed barbering and cosmetology school, documented by official transcript or diploma, and score 75% or higher on the NIC or national nail technology theory exam.

    Official government source

    $60 application fee, nonrefundableApply online after your school reports the required hours and your exam score

  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 - Cosmetology Establishment License

    A nail salon in Iowa needs an establishment license from the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), Barbering & Cosmetology program, which absorbed the former board in the 2023 consolidation. The license is tied to one specific address, so moving or selling the salon cancels it and requires a new application. Establishments must meet the infection-control requirements of Iowa Administrative Code 481 chapter 943 and complete the board's self-inspection checklist.

    Official government source

    $80 application fee, nonrefundable; renewal is the same amountSubmit the application no less than 30 days before your 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. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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