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Iowa Class "E" liquor license bonds.
From $100.

Iowa conditions a Class "E" retail alcohol license on a surety bond payable to the Alcoholic Beverages Division, on a sliding scale of $5,000 to $15,000. The premium is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — enter the amount on your notice, and your exact price appears at the application.

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Required for a Class "E" retail liquor license under Iowa Code chapter 123
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Amount set on a $5,000–$15,000 sliding scale by the Alcoholic Beverages Division
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1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — the application collects no credit information, and your exact price appears at checkout
1% of bond amount$100 minimumInstantapproval for mostNo credit reviewnot even a soft pull
Trusted by industry leaders
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard liquor license bond — enter your amount, pay, and file with your license application. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount the Division set, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

Most applications approve instantly — the executed bond is generated as soon as you pay.

SAME DAY

File with your license application

Submit the executed bond with your Class "E" application or renewal through the Alcoholic Beverages Division. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Division insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the Class "E" bond actually covers

Iowa licenses retail alcohol sales through the Alcoholic Beverages Division under Iowa Code chapter 123. A Class "E" license lets a retailer (typically a grocery, convenience, or liquor store) sell alcoholic liquor in original unopened containers for off-premises consumption — including to other licensees.

Because a Class "E" licensee buys liquor from the State on account, the Division conditions the license on a surety bond. The bond is payable to the Alcoholic Beverages Division and set on a sliding scale of $5,000 to $15,000 based on the licensee's purchase volume — a financial guarantee that the State is paid for the liquor it supplies.

A bond may not be required if every purchase is prepaid in a way that guarantees the Division full payment in advance of delivery. If you have been asked for a bond, enter the amount on your notice — pricing starts from $100, and the application collects no credit information.

Iowa Code chapter 123 (Alcoholic Beverage Control)Under Iowa Code chapter 123 and the Alcoholic Beverages Division's rules, a Class "E" retail alcohol license is conditioned on a surety bond payable to the Division, set on a sliding scale of not less than $5,000 nor more than $15,000. A bond is not required if all liquor purchases from the Division are made in a way that ensures full payment in advance of delivery. Confirm the amount on your Division notice.

You need this bond if you are

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Applying for a Class "E" license — grocery, convenience, or liquor store selling sealed containers off-premises
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Renewing a Class "E" license that the Division conditions on a surety bond
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Buying liquor on account rather than prepaying every order in advance
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Adding a location the Alcoholic Beverages Division ties to its own bond filing

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount the Alcoholic Beverages Division set — the executed bond is generated instantly, ready to file.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Iowa Class "E" liquor bond?The premium is 1% of the bond amount the Alcoholic Beverages Division set (a $5,000–$15,000 sliding scale tied to your purchase volume), $100 minimum. Enter the figure on your notice and apply to see your exact price.
Why does Iowa require it?A Class "E" licensee buys liquor from the State on account. Under Iowa Code chapter 123 the bond is payable to the Alcoholic Beverages Division, guaranteeing the State is paid for the liquor it supplies before the tax and purchase price are fully settled.
Can I avoid the bond?Possibly. The rules waive the bond if all of your liquor purchases from the Division are made in a way that ensures full payment in advance of delivery. If you buy on account, the bond is required. Check your notice from the Division.
Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information, and most applications approve instantly.
Where do I file it?With the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, alongside your Class "E" license application or renewal. We issue the executed bond ready to submit.
Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.
How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.
Related bonds

Other Iowa bonds.

Class "E" liquor bond, from $100.

Pricing from $100, your exact price appears at checkout. Enter the amount the Division set and file the same day.

Your premiumfrom $100
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