No, ticket scalping in Iowa is prohibited under Iowa Code § 529.10, which criminalizes reselling tickets above face value without a state-issued license. Violations constitute a simple misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $625. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office enforces these provisions, with recent 2026 amendments tightening penalties for online scalping platforms operating without authorization.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in Iowa
- Licensing Requirement: Iowa mandates a state-issued license for ticket resellers (Iowa Code § 529.11), with applications processed by the Iowa Department of Revenue. Unlicensed sales are strictly prohibited.
- Face Value Restriction: Resale prices cannot exceed 110% of the original ticket value unless the event organizer explicitly permits higher markup (Iowa Code § 529.12).
- Prohibited Methods: Scalping via street vending, unsolicited electronic solicitations, or within 500 feet of event venues is illegal under Iowa Admin. Code r. 701—11.3(529).
Local jurisdictions, such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, may impose additional ordinances, including time-of-day restrictions on street sales. The Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division actively monitors digital platforms like StubHub for unlicensed scalping activities. Event organizers retain the right to void tickets sold in violation of these statutes.