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Des Moines, IA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required
Iowa Code Chapter 152C
Must display license
on request to customer or city
Unlicensed operation
triggers placard closure
Violation penalty
municipal infraction plus misdemeanor
Enforced by
Des Moines Police Department

Summary

Des Moines requires anyone practicing massage therapy in the city to hold a state license under Iowa Code Chapter 152C; practicing or advertising as a massage therapist without one is a municipal infraction and a misdemeanor.

It is unlawful for a person to engage in or offer to engage in the practice of massage therapy, or use in connection with the person's name, the initials "L.M.T." or the words "licensed massage therapist", "masseur", "masseuse", or any other word or title that implies or represents that the person practices massage therapy, unless the person possesses a license issued under the provisions of Iowa Code section 152C.3.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under Municipal Code Article X, anyone who practices massage therapy in Des Moines, or advertises using titles like licensed massage therapist, masseur, or masseuse, must hold a state license issued under Iowa Code § 152C.3. Licensed massage therapists must keep their license in their possession and show it to customers or city officials on request. The city enforces the requirement directly: the police chief can post an unlicensed massage therapy business with an 'Unsafe to Enter' placard under § 30-454, and violations carry both municipal-infraction and misdemeanor penalties, reflecting the city's stated concern about prostitution and trafficking operations fronting as massage businesses.

Violations & Fines

Practicing or advertising as a massage therapist without a valid Iowa Code Chapter 152C license is a municipal infraction and a misdemeanor; police can placard the business 'Unsafe to Enter' until it's licensed or shut down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Des Moines issue its own massage therapist license?
No. Massage therapists must hold a state license under Iowa Code Chapter 152C; the city requires them to carry and display it and enforces against unlicensed operators as a municipal infraction and misdemeanor.
What happens if a Des Moines massage business is caught unlicensed?
Des Moines police can post an 'Unsafe to Enter' placard on the business under Municipal Code § 30-454, which stays up until a valid state license is obtained or the illegal operation ends.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

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All Des Moines rules

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