Fur Buyer License

Iowa Fur Buyer
License 2026

Complete guide to fur buyer and dealer licensing in Iowa - resident and nonresident fees, record-keeping requirements, CITES compliance, pelt tagging, annual reporting deadlines, and bonding rules. Iowa requires a fur buyer license and mandates bonding for all licensed fur buyers. The state has a productive mink and muskrat trapping industry along its river systems. An annual harvest report is required from all licensees.

License Required Record Keeping Required Annual Report Required

2026 Fur Buyer License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$50.00

Annual license

Nonresident Fee

$200.00

Annual license

Record Retention

3yr

Records must be kept on file

CITES Required

No CITES species regulated

License Details

Iowa Fur Buyer License Requirements

All commercial fur purchases in Iowa are regulated. Review all requirements before purchasing furs from trappers.

Requirement	Details
License Required	Yes - required
License Type	Fur Buyer License
Resident Fee	$50.00 / year
Nonresident Fee	$200.00 / year
Record Keeping Required	Yes
Record Retention Period	3 years minimum
Pelt Tagging Required	Not required
CITES Compliance Required	No CITES requirement
Annual Report Required	Yes - Due: February 15
Report Due Date	February 15
Bonding Required	Yes - Bond amount: $5,000

Regulated Species

Species Requiring Special Handling in Iowa

The following species are subject to special fur buyer rules in Iowa - which may include tagging, harvest reporting, or CITES permits for export.

otter bobcat

Record Keeping

Iowa Fur Buyer Record Requirements

Licensed fur buyers in Iowa must maintain detailed purchase records available for inspection by wildlife officers at any time.

For each purchase: species, quantity of pelts, seller name and trapping license number

Date of transaction and purchase price or fair market value

County or general area of harvest (where required by species)

Records must be retained for 3 years

Records must be available for inspection by Iowa Department of Natural Resources wildlife officers without prior notice

Important Notes

Iowa-Specific Fur Buyer Rules

Iowa is one of the few states that requires commercial bonding ($5,000) for fur buyers. Annual fur purchase reports due February 15. Iowa is a significant mink, muskrat, and beaver producing state.

Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (www.iowadnr.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees and record-keeping rules directly with the agency before purchasing furs.

Iowa