Business Licensing & Operations in Des Moines, IA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
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.
Des Moines Massage Therapist License Required
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 30-452
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 Io...
Tobacco Retail License
Des Moines tobacco retailers need an Iowa state permit plus city compliance, with strict 21+ age verification under IA Code §453A.2 and routine compliance checks by DSMPD and Polk County Health.
Tobacco and Vape Retail Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsIowa Code § 453A.2 (Persons under legal age — tobacco)
453A.2 Persons under legal age. 1. A person shall not sell, give, or otherwise supply any tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, vapor products, or cigarettes to any person under twenty-one years of age. 2. A person under twenty-one years of age shall not smoke, use, possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase any tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, vapor ...
Secondhand Dealers
Anyone buying, selling, or storing junk in Des Moines needs a salvage dealer license from the city clerk, plus detailed transaction records and compliance with segregation orders from the police department.
Des Moines Secondhand and Salvage Dealer Licensing
Significant RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 30-247
No person shall carry on the business of salvage dealer in the city without first paying the license fee and procuring a salvage dealer's license.
Pawnbrokers
Des Moines requires anyone operating a pawn business to hold a pawnbroker license from the city clerk, backed by a criminal background check and a zoning department review.
Des Moines Pawnbroker Licensing
Significant RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 30-292
No person shall engage in the pawn business without first obtaining a pawnbroker license. All applicants for such licenses shall apply to the city clerk.
Towing Companies
Tow operators working private-property impounds and DSMPD rotation calls in Des Moines must hold city permits, post rate sheets, and follow Iowa Code §321.90 release-of-property rules.
Towing Company Permit and Rates
Some RestrictionsIowa Code § 321.90 (Disposal of abandoned motor vehicles — towing)
321.90 Disposal of abandoned motor vehicles. 1. Garagekeepers and abandoned motor vehicles. Any motor vehicle left in a garage operated for commercial purposes after the period for which the vehicle was to remain on the premises shall, after notice by certified mail to the last known registered owner of the vehicle... be deemed an abandoned motor vehicle unless reclaimed by the owner within suc...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Polk County →