Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Des Moines, IA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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 permit·Register online through GovConnectIowa, the state's tax portal

   Free — no fee to register for a sales tax permit

   Register online through GovConnectIowa, the state's tax portal

2. Iowa DNR — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

   Auto repair shops in Iowa must comply with Iowa DNR hazardous waste regulations. Used oil, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids must be stored and disposed of properly.

   Official government source

   Varies·2–4 weeks (registration)

   Varies

   2–4 weeks (registration)

1. No Des Moines General Business License Required

   Des Moines has no general or blanket business license, and the Development Services Department does not issue one. The City Clerk's Office licenses only specific regulated activities - alcohol, tobacco, transient merchants, mobile food vendors, peddlers, pawnbrokers, theaters, coin-operated machines, solid waste haulers and similar categories. Most businesses need nothing from the Clerk. What a commercial tenant does need is a Certificate of Occupancy for the space, issued by the Permit and Development Center, and home-based businesses go through home occupation review with Zoning Enforcement.

   Official government source

   Nothing - there is no such license. A commercial Certificate of Occupancy is $51.50·Not applicable

   Nothing - there is no such license. A commercial Certificate of Occupancy is $51.50

   Not applicable

2. Des Moines Zoning Confirmation and Certificate of Occupancy

   An auto repair shop must be in a zoning district that allows the use — confirm the address with Des Moines Neighborhood Services zoning before signing a lease or buying. A Certificate of Occupancy for the new occupant or change of use, and any related building permits, come separately from the Des Moines Permit and Development Center (515-283-4200, [email protected]), which inspects before the certificate is issued.

   Official government source

   Fees follow the Permit and Development Center's published permit fee schedule and depend on the scope of work·Varies with the plan review, corrections, and inspections required; start with the zoning check before committing to a site

   Fees follow the Permit and Development Center's published permit fee schedule and depend on the scope of work

   Varies with the plan review, corrections, and inspections required; start with the zoning check before committing to a site

Official Sources

• City of Des Moines Development Services Department
• Iowa DNR — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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