Using the Portal

To access Iowa’s Online Food Licensing System, please log onto the site by entering https://iowa.safefoodinspection.com​ into your internet browser. Although the application functions in the most common internet browsers, the preferred internet browser is Google Chrome. If you are using another internet browser, the appearance of some of the pages and messages may differ from those in this user guide.

Log-in Page

• If you already have an account, please enter your User Name and password then select “Log In.”
• If you forget your password, please use the “Forgot Password” function. As passwords are required to be changed every 120 days, the Forgot Password function will allow you access if you are an infrequent user.
• If you are a new user of the system, please select “New Account.”
• If you know what type of license you are renewing or applying for, select the correct option. If you are unsure about which license option to select, please call 515-281-7102.
• If you are operating business in multiple counties, select the “Multiple counties” option. If you need to go to the previous screen, click “Previous” or “Start Over.”
• If you are operating a single business in a single county, select the “Single county” option. If you need to go to the previous screen, click “Previous” or “Start Over.”
• If you selected “Multiple counties,” you will need to determine the county where the majority of your businesses reside. Once you select the county from the drop-down box, click “Next.” If you have a single business, click “Previous.” [Please note: the “City of Dubuque” is a different option from “Dubuque County.”]
• If you selected a “Single county,” please select the county where your business is located. Once you select your county from the drop-down box, click “Next.” Otherwise, select “Previous” if you have multiple businesses. [Please note: the “City of Dubuque” is a different option from “Dubuque County.”]

The next screen will inform you of your regulatory jurisdiction. If you believe this information is incorrect, please read the instructions to review your response or choose to start over. You can also click “Food Regulatory Jurisdiction Map” to check the jurisdiction that has been selected. If you click the jurisdiction map, you will be taken to another page and be required to start over. Select “Confirm” to advance.

Create a New User Account

• Create your own User Name and Password.
• The “Home Jurisdiction” is pre-determined by your selection of your business location and license type.
• Complete all “Account Information” fields. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required fields.
• Review the information you have entered for accuracy and select “Save.”
• Once you have saved your User Account, log in with your credentials.

Home Page: Facility Portal

If you are seeing this page, you have successfully logged in to the Iowa Online Food Licensing System. Congratulations! If you do not see this page after attempting to log in using your user credentials, please try again.

If you are still unsuccessful, please contact the regulatory authority.

Associating an Existing Food Business with a User Account

Once you have successfully logged into the Iowa Online Food Licensing System, the next step is to associate active food or lodging businesses with your user account. The Business Code that you need to associate an existing business with your user account is located on the food or hotel license renewal application that you receive from the regulatory agency.

Here is an example of the top portion of the food license renewal application:

• The “Business Code” on the renewal must be entered in the space provided on the “Iowa Online Food Licensing” home screen.
• Enter the Business Code from the renewal form here and then select “Add.”
• Once you add a Business Code, the food business will appear as a blue panel on the home screen.
• If you are associated with more than one food business, you must enter the Business Code from other businesses and select “Add.”
• Each valid Business Code added will add another business to the home screen.

Once a user has associated one or more food businesses with the user account, it is important that the business information is reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect the current operation. There are two areas where information is displayed: “Business Information” and “License Information.” Both of these areas contain operational information about each food business.

• To access the “Business Information” screen, click the paper and pencil icon.
• If you have multiple businesses, selecting “Show Available for Renewal” will filter out businesses that do not have licenses that are available for renewal at this time.
• To view “License Information,” click the “>” icon.

Reviewing and Updating Business and License Information

Business Information:

• When the pencil and paper icon is selected, the “Edit Business Information” page will appear. Please review and update this information to reflect current operations. Note that some of the fields are locked (shaded in gray) and cannot be changed by the user. If there is inaccurate information in fields that are locked, please contact the regulatory authority.
• Review and update all information to reflect current operations.
• The user cannot edit fields that are shaded (locked). If information is inaccurate in these fields, contact the regulatory authority.
• Select “Add New Contact” to enter emergency contact information. Emergency contacts may receive alerts when emergencies arise such as power outages, boil orders, flooding and other conditions that may affect the operation of the business. Note: At least one Emergency Contact is required before this screen will save or close.
• Select “Add New Attachment” to provide the regulatory agency with information such as a copy of the current menu or product listing, water test results, policies and procedures, training documents, written agreements, Certified Food Protection Manager documentation, equipment layout and specifications, or other necessary information about the food business.
• Ensure you select “Save Changes” if changes have been made to the Business Information.

License Information:

• When the “>” icon is selected, the blue panel will expand to show a License Information summary. Note: only active licenses will display.
• To access detailed license information or “Business Program Reference Data,” click the “+” icon. Each “+” icon contains unique detailed license information.

Detailed License Information (Business Program Reference Data):

The information displayed for each license will differ based on the license type.

• All areas of the “Business Program Reference Data” that are marked with an asterisk (*) require a response. These areas must be completed by the user before a license can be renewed using the online renewal system.
• Select “Save Reference Data” after making changes to the Business Program Reference Data.
• NOTE: Depending on your license, you may need to enter additional information. For example:
  • All farmer’s market license renewals must have an updated food stand diagram attached. The renewal application will be delayed if the food stand diagram is not attached or menu all menu items are not disclosed.
  • Vending machine licenses require locations, and if necessary, an attached list of locations.
  • Some licenses may require gross food and beverage sales amounts.

  Paying for a License

  Once a user has successfully updated the Business Information and License Information, food licenses may be renewed using the Iowa Online Food Licensing System. The system has messages and prompts to assist a user in renewing a food license.

  Food Licenses & Costs

  Explore food licenses, administrative codes, and costs.

  Event Registration

  This registration enables a civic, business, educational, government, community, or veterans' organization (and may include athletic contests), to host, sponsor, or coordinate a temporary event with more than 10 food vendors (except fairs, as defined in Iowa Code Section 174.1, and farmers markets). An event does not include a single store’s grand opening or sale (i.e., a single store cannot host an event).

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for events.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  This application should be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event.

  • The license is valid for the duration of the event, not to exceed 14 days.

  Cost: One-time fee for the event: $50

  Farmers Markets

  Farmers markets are retail marketplaces which operate seasonally, principally as a common market for Iowa-produced farm products for consumption elsewhere.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding farmers markets.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Recommended time to apply is two weeks prior to the event, however, the application must be received at least three days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the vendor begins operation.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual license cost for each vendor per stand: $150

  • A license must be obtained for each stand where the vendor wants to sell potentially-hazardous foods.
  • A farmers market license is required to sell unpackaged food that needs to be temperature-controlled for safety. Find additional information about farmers markets, including: what foods can be sold with a license, what foods don't require a license to be sold, requirements for selling wild mushrooms, and labeling/allergen information.

  Food Processing Plants

  These businesses include food processing plants and warehouse food storage locations. If an operation manufactures, packages, labels, or stores food for human consumption but does not sell directly to consumers, it falls within this category.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for warehouse and storage operations.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment begins operation.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual Cost (Based on annual gross sales of food/food products handled at the facility): $75-$500

  New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee of $500.

  Food Service Establishments

  Food service establishments include businesses such as restaurants, bars, concession stands, tap rooms, catering operations, and commissaries. A business falls under this category if the establishment prepares food to be served in individual portions, or if it sells food intended for preparation or consumption off the premises.

  This category does NOT include farmer's market food establishments, food processing plants, home bakeries, mobile food establishments (e.g., food trucks), retail food establishments (e.g., grocery stores), temporary food establishments, vending machines, or unattended food establishments.

  This license may only be used on the premises for which the license was issued. A licensed establishment may set up a food stand on their own premises without an additional food license requirement.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and the license issued before the establishment begins operation.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual Cost (Based on annual gross sales): $150-$400

  New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee of $400.

  Home Food Processing Establishments (HFPEs)

  PLEASE NOTE: This license type replaces the home bakery license, which allows additional food products to be made, packaged, and processed.

  Home food processing establishments (HFPEs) are home-based operations where homemade food items are prepared and intended to be consumed off the premises. Homemade food items may be sold directly to the consumer and some may be sold through other businesses.

  Home food processing establishments are required to list all homemade food items on their application and update their account online when items are added or removed. Homemade food items not listed on the application shall not be sold or distributed until they have been added to the licensee's online account using the online application system.

  • Annual gross sales of these products cannot exceed $50,000.
  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Administrative Code chapter to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for home food processing establishments.

  • Home Food Processing Establishments - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-34

  Read more about the new legislation (HF2431) that creates the new HFPE license, and find additional resources (like templates, example of completed documents, and training information) for HFPE licensees.

  • Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.
  • Set annual fee: $50

  Home Food Processing Establishments vs. Cottage Foods

  • HF 2431 also expands what foods can be prepared in the home and offered for sale directly from a producer to a consumer without licensing or inspections. Although there are some exceptions, beginning July 1, 2022, most foods that do not need to be kept cold or hot for safety may be sold directly to the consumer, provided they meet certain labeling requirements. Click here to view cottage food law information.
  • Is it a cottage food, or is a home food processing establishment license needed?

  Hotels & Motels

  This is a license to operate a hotel, motel, inn, or motor inn. Bed and breakfast inns are included in this license requirement.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date, and license issued before the establishment begins operations.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual Cost (Based on number of available rooms): $50-$150

  Mobile Food Units

  These include full-service food trucks or food service "pushcarts" that serve precooked or prewrapped foods that require limited assembly. Mobile food units should be licensed in the county that is their home base of operation (where the licensed mobile unit will be stored and serviced when not in operation.)

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and a license issued before the establishment begins operation.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Set annual fee: $250

  Retail Food Establishments

  These include grocery stores or convenience stores. Some retail food establishments may also need a Food Service Establishment License; if your business is a grocery store that also serves hot, prepared meals dine-in or to-go, it needs both licenses.

  This license may only be used on the premises for which the license was issued. A licensed establishment may set up a food stand on their own premises without an additional food license requirement.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment begins operation.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual Cost (Based on annual gross sales): $150-$400

  New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's annual gross sales will pay the maximum license registration fee of $400.

  Temporary Food Establishments

  Single-Event Temporary Food Establishments

  These include food establishments operating for a period of 14 consecutive days or fewer at a fair, festival, craft show, vendor show, or other event.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety for food establishments.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Recommended time to apply is at least 30 days prior to the event, however, the application must be received at least three days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the vendor begins operation. DIAL cannot guarantee that your application will be processed in time for your event if these timelines are not met, or your application contains errors or misinformation. Please note that providing food without a license or permit is subject to a penalty equal to double the license fee.

  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Cost (Issued for up to 14 days in conjunction with a single event): $50

  Annual Temporary Food Establishments

  An Annual Temporary Food Establishment License is an annual license that is valid for more than one event in the state of Iowa. A separate license application must be submitted for each stand where a vendor will operate a Temporary Food Establishment in conjunction with an event. Persons who operate simultaneously at more than one event within the state are required to have a separate license for each food stand.

  • This type of food business requires a Food Establishment License. You can apply for one using our USA Food Safety portal.

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the first event at which the vendor intends to operate. Annual Temporary Food Establishment License applications that are not received, processed, and approved prior to operating will require a single event temporary food license until the annual license is approved and issued.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual license cost for each vendor per stand: $200

  • Persons who operate simultaneously at more than one event within the state are required to have a separate license for each food stand.

  Unattended Food Establishments

  These include any operations that provide packaged foods or whole fruit by allowing consumers to use an automated payment system. These establishments will have controlled access not accessible by the general public, meaning that the location of the operation or the consumers using it will be limited. Examples include self-service snack bars that require payment in offices or within college campuses.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding unattended food establishments.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and a license issued before the establishment begins operation.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual Cost (Based on annual gross sales): $75-$150

  New applications and renewal applications that do not include the previous year's gross sales will pay the maximum fee of $150.

  Vending Machines

  Vending machines are defined in Iowa Food Code as self-service food devices that dispense units of food in packages when a user inserts paper money, coins, tokens, cards, or keys.

  If your vending machine dispenses only prepackaged foods that are not time or temperature sensitive (like hard-coated candies, gumballs, and nuts), it is exempt from licensing requirements. Please note that vending machines that fit these criteria may still be inspected by the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing if they receive a written complaint.

  • Apply online via the USA Food Safety portal.

  Read the following Iowa Code chapters to learn more about the regulations surrounding inspections and safety and contractor requirements for vending machines.

  • Food Establishment and Food Processing Plant Inspections - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-31
  • Contractor Requirements - Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481-35
  • Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants - Iowa Code Chapter 137F

  Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment operates.

  • Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the expiration date. Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before the license expiration date.
  • Online applications are preferred and are processed faster than paper applications.

  Annual Cost (Based on number of machines): First machine is $50, each additional machine is $10

  Certificate of Free Sale or Sanitation

  Those selling products outside the U.S. will need a Certificate of Free Sale or Sanitation. The certificate indicates the particular product(s) is marketed in the U.S. or eligible for export. The first certificate costs $35 (both English and Spanish language versions), and each additional identical certificate requested at the same time is $10.

  Certificates are issued only for products regulated or inspected by DIAL's Food and Consumer Safety Bureau. Payment is required before certificates are issued.

  Complete the Certificate of Free Sale Order Form online. Then, either pay via credit card and submit online, or print the fillable form and mail with check/money order to DIAL. Submit one order form per identical certificate request, regardless of the number of certificates needed.

  Please allow five to 10 business days for completion. Certificates are mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. For anyone who wishes for their certificates be mailed via express mailing, a shipping label is required. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Church at 515.281.5796 or exportcert@dia.iowa.gov.

  Voluntary Inspection Fee

  Premises that are not food establishments may request an inspection. The cost for a voluntary inspection is $100. Contact us with questions.

  • Select the “+” icon to provide proof of gross sales information for each license.
  • Select the “Add To Cart” box to place this license in the shopping cart.
  • To view the contents of the shopping cart, select the shopping cart icon.
  • Once the user has successfully placed a license in the shopping cart, the shopping cart contents should be reviewed for accuracy before checking out. To view the shopping cart contents, select the shopping cart icon.
  • Each license that has been successfully added to the shopping cart is identified by the license number (e.g. 170938). Payment details are also provided in the cart. Late payments will have penalty fees included.
  • A license can be removed from the shopping cart by clicking the “X” or by unchecking the “Add to Cart” box.

  Completing Your Registration

  Once the shopping cart contents have been reviewed for accuracy, the user may proceed by selecting “Checkout.” Selecting Checkout will redirect the user to the Iowa e-payment screen.

  NOTE: Both Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) AND credit/debit card payments are accepted. There is a $1 transaction fee for bank transfers and a 2.5% transaction fee for credit and debit cards.

  Once the payment process is complete, the user will receive a payment confirmation number which may be printed and maintained as proof of payment. After receiving the payment confirmation number, please log back into the Iowa Online Food Licensing System to ensure the selected license or licenses are in a “Submitted” status. If the license you selected is not in a Submitted status, please contact the regulatory authority.

  Licenses that are in “Submitted” status have NOT been approved. The approval process occurs after submission. The documentation that has been provided will be reviewed before approval. Once the license has been approved, the status will change back to “Active.” Please log into the Iowa Online Food Licensing system periodically to view the license status.