Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Des Moines, IA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Des Moines, Polk 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 Des Moines / Polk County

2 stops

  1. Iowa DIAL - Cosmetology Establishment License (Nail Salon)

    A nail salon in Des Moines needs a state establishment license from the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), which took over the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences in 2023. The license is issued for one specific location; a change of address or owner cancels it and a new application is required. Salons must meet infection-control requirements under Iowa Administrative Code 481 chapter 943 and use the board's self-inspection checklist.

    Official government source

    $80 application fee, nonrefundable; renewal is the same amountApply no less than 30 days before your anticipated opening day

  2. 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 $51.50Not applicable

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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