Consumer Fireworks Retail Seller License and Wholesaler Registration

Online Sales Permitted

Online sales of consumer fireworks are permitted in Iowa by a licensed vendor; however, the buyer must physically pick up the purchase at the licensed consumer fireworks vendor site.

Home Delivery Service NOT Permitted

Iowa Code 100.19 Section 4. Subsection a. “Require[s] that any retailer or community group offering for sale at retail any consumer fireworks… shall do so in accordance with the national fire protection association (NFPA) 1124.” 

This Iowa Code section requires retail sales of consumer fireworks takes place at a licensed sales facility that is in compliance with the NFPA 1124. As a result, home delivery service of consumer fireworks is not permitted per Iowa Code. 

Curbside Service is Permitted

The NFPA 1124 7.4.6.2, applicable in Iowa pursuant to Iowa Code section 100.19, does not permit vehicle parking within 10 feet of a consumer retail sales facility; however, a designated parking area that is 10 feet or more from a facility can be used for curbside service.

NEW retail sites or sites CHANGING ADDRESS must FIRST submit the New Business or Site Request Form online under My Applications from your online user account.

2023 Map of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites (click to view in separate browser window)

***Applicants should review local fireworks laws prior to applying for a retail license. The State Fire Marshal will not consult local fireworks regulations when reviewing an application.***

The State of Iowa does not regulate display fireworks. Please check with the local jurisdiction(s) regarding any requirements, restrictions, or prohibitions.

PERMANENT BUILDINGS:  A retailer or community group may sell consumer fireworks at a permanent building only between June 1 and July 8 and between December 10 and January 3 each year, all dates inclusive.

TEMPORARY STRUCTURE:  A retailer or community group may sell consumer fireworks at a temporary structure between June 13 and July 8 each year, both dates inclusive.

Consumer Fireworks Vendor Training Video Series

Video 1:  Introduction to Applicable Codes
Video 2:  Understanding the Application Part 1
Video 3:  Understanding the Application Part 2
Video 4:  Types of Products
Video 5:  Permanent Structures
Video 6:  Temporary Structures
Video 7:  Code Specifics

Fee Structure

Permanent Building devoting 50% or more floor space to retail sale of fireworks = $1,000 annual license fee

Temporary Structure devoting 50% or more floor space to retail sales of fireworks = $500 annual license fee

Permanent Building or Temporary Structure devoting less than 50% floor space to retail sales of fireworks = $400 annual license fee

Community Group (non-profit) selling fireworks = $400 annual license fee

Retailer or Community Group selling Second Class Only fireworks = $100 annual license fee.

***For new site licensees or sites making changes, a $100 non-refundable administrative fee is due prior to review of site plans.  The fee is subtracted from the total license fee.

Site Plan Samples

Permanent Exterior Site Plan Sample    
Permanent Interior Site Plan Sample

Temporary Exterior Site Plan Sample    
Temporary Interior Tent Site Plan Sample

Blank Graph Sheet for Site Plans

Q. Is my site a permanent or temporary structure?
PERMANENT: As applied to buildings or structures: a building or structure affixed to a foundation on a site.

TEMPORARY: As applied to buildings or structures: a building or structure not meeting the definition for permanent structure.

Q. What is a STORE?
A building classified as a mercantile occupancy that contains a variety of merchandise and that is not used primarily for the retail sales of consumer fireworks. The maximum consumer fireworks retail floor area shall be less than 25% of the retail floor area OR 600 square feet, whichever is less. Aerial and audible ground device sales have specific restrictions per NFPA 1124 section 7.5.1.1.

Q. What is a FACILITY?
A building that does not meet the definition of a "store" shall be considered a facility.

Q. What is a STAND?
A small, often open-air structure for a small retail business. May also include a portable building or trailer not affixed to a foundation. (A stand NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC is a small, often open-air structure for a small business where only retail personnel are inside the stand and the public do not physically enter.)

Q. What is a TENT?
A collapsible shelter of fabric (such as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used as a temporary building. Includes temporary retail sales of consumer fireworks in tents, canopies, and membrane structures.

Q. What is STORAGE?
A building or structure in which finished consumer fireworks are received, stored, and shipped. The storage can be either a permanent structure or a temporary "trailer, semitrailer, or metal shipping container".

Certificate of Liability Insurance Information

Certificate of Liability Insurance Redacted Sample
State Fire Marshal Insurance Coverage Policy
Licensing and Surety Bonds

Codes and Standards

Administrative Rules 661-265
Iowa Code Chapter 100.19 - Consumer Fireworks Retail Seller Licensing
Iowa Code Chapter 100.19A - Consumer Fireworks Wholesale Registration
Iowa Code Chapter 727.2
American Pyrotechnics Association Standard 87-1
NFPA 1124, 2006 Edition (free access available online with registration)

Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites (historical)

FINAL-2022 List of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites

FINAL-2021 List of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites

FINAL-2020 List of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites

FINAL-2019 List of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites

FINAL-2018 List of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites

FINAL-2017 List of Licensed Consumer Fireworks Sites

Iowa Code Chapter 100.19 establishes a Local Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program to provide grants to local fire and EMS departments to establish or provide fireworks safety education programming or purchase necessary enforcement, protection, or emergency response equipment.

The 2023-2024 grant application period is now open.  The 2023-2024 grant application will be accepted beginning May 1, 2023.