Iowa contractor license lookup

1. Who needs a license

$2,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

Individuals and businesses earning $2,000 or more a year from construction must register with DIAL. Subcontractors register separately. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

• Exempt: under $2,000 a year, or work only on your own property. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
• Check with the city or county about local requirements for each project. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

2. License types and classes

3. Required insurance and bonds

Bond

No bond is required. Contractors whose principal place of business is outside Iowa must file a $25,000 bond, with few exceptions. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

Insurance

• Workers' comp: Certificate required if you have employees (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
• General liability: Not set by DIAL (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.

4. How to look up a contractor

Check a license on the DIAL website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Use the Check a contractor license link on DIAL's contractor page. Registration shows tax and insurance compliance, not skill. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Red flags when hiring

• An out-of-state contractor without an Iowa registration. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
• Plumbing or HVAC work by someone without a Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board license. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))

6. Consumer protections and complaints

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DIAL website (opens in a new tab).