Notary Public Permit Requirements in Davenport, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa.

Verified 2026-09-03 4 stops $50–$300 est. 2–6 weeks
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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

1 stop

  1. 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 Secretary of State - Notary Public Commission

    A Davenport notary is commissioned by the Iowa Secretary of State, not by the city or county. Apply online through Fast Track Filing or on the paper application. Iowa requires no exam, no pre-commission course, and no surety bond. Commissions run three years, and the office emails you a renewal form roughly 60 days before expiration. Remote online notarization is a separate no-fee application that also requires an approved training program.

    Official government source

    $30 application fee and $30 renewal (Iowa Code section 9B.21A); name and address changes are freeFiling online through Fast Track is quickest; allow a few weeks if you file on paper

  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. $50–$300 · 2–6 weeks

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Official Sources

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