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Contractor Registration

Contractor Registration was adopted into law in 1988 through Chapter 91C to ensure that employers are complying with workers' compensation and unemployment Insurance tax laws.

Iowa law requires all individual “Construction Contractors” and businesses performing “construction” work to be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor if they earn at least $2,000 a year from construction. Individuals or businesses making less than $2,000 a year on “construction” work, or who work only on their own real estate or property, are not required to register.  

Current Registered Contractor Search

A convenient search is available to determine if a contractor is registered. Verify contractor information here:

In-State Contractors

All in-state contractors are required to obtain an Iowa unemployment insurance number in order to register, even with no employees. If you have employees, you also are required to carry a Certificate of Workers' Compensation. There is a $50 application fee.

Visit the Contractor Registration Public Portal to apply for a new registration or renew your registration. Credit card or ACH payments will not be accepted over the phone.

Out-of-State Contractors

A contractor with a branch office in Iowa does not qualify as an in-state contractor if the contractor’s business is primarily based outside of Iowa.

All out-of-state contractors are required to obtain an Iowa unemployment insurance number in order to register, even with no employees. If you have employees, you are also required to carry a Certificate of Workers' Compensation. You are also required to carry a $25,000 bond. There is a $50 application fee.

Registration Instructions

Visit the Contractor Registration Public Portal to apply for a new registration or renew your registration.  Credit card or ACH payments will not be accepted over the phone.

Need help with applying online, use these step-by-step directions.

Plumber / HVAC / Hydronics / Mechanical Professionals

If your business provides any type of plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, sheet metal or hydronic systems services, you are required to obtain a license with the Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board.  Visit the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing  to complete a joint application for a 3-year registration and contractor license.  

Contractors are not required to also complete an online or paper application application with Contractor Registration.

File a Complaint

Report an unregistered contractor here.

Common Questions

Q: Which contractors must register with the State?
A: Each contractor or business that performs “construction” work and earns at least $2,000 a year in Iowa must be registered. An individual or business that makes less than $2,000 a year in “construction” work, or who works only on their own property, is not required to register. Employees of contractors are not required to register.

Q: How do I find out if a contractor is registered?
A: Search the current contractor registration database. The database does not include expired registrations.

Hours of Operation

8:00am to 4:30pm • Monday - Friday

Contact Information

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Contractor Registration
6200 Park Ave., Suite 100
Des Moines IA, 50309-1836

In Person

Applications will not be processed in-person. You may drop off payments and documents at the office during normal business hours.

***Please note that all payments made in person or by mail must be done via check or money order. Cash will not be accepted.***