Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Des Moines, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$700 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Board of Massage Therapy — License

    Massage therapists in Iowa must be licensed by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. Requires 500 hours of massage therapy education and passing the MBLEx.

    Official government source

    $75 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. Iowa Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Iowa. Iowa charges a 6% state sales tax; local option sales taxes of up to 1% may apply. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via eFile & Pay)

City of Des Moines / Polk County

2 stops

  1. City of Des Moines Development Services Department — Business License

    Des Moines requires a Business License for regulated businesses and a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. The Development Services Department processes permits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial space used as a massage therapy practice. Confirm with City of Des Moines Development Services Department that the location is properly zoned for personal service businesses.

    Official government source

    $50–$2001–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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Official Sources

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