Iowa to End Monthly Shipment Reports for Vintner’s Certificate Holders in 2025 System Overhaul

The Iowa Department of Revenue is launching a new alcohol licensing and reporting system called GovConnectIowa, starting November 3, 2025. This change affects wineries and businesses that hold direct wine shipping permits or Vintner’s Certificates of Compliance in the state. Around the launch date, permit holders will receive an email from the Department of Revenue with instructions on how to set up their new GovConnectIowa account. They will also get a separate welcome letter containing a letter ID, which is required to access their license information in the new system.

The transition to GovConnectIowa is part of Iowa’s effort to modernize its licensing and compliance processes for alcohol-related businesses. The Department of Revenue has stated that the new platform will streamline account management and improve communication between the state and license holders. Businesses are being advised to watch for official communications from the department to ensure they complete the necessary steps for account setup.

A significant change accompanying this rollout is that, beginning November 3, holders of a Vintner’s Certificate of Compliance will no longer need to submit monthly shipment reports to the Department of Revenue. This adjustment is expected to reduce administrative work for many wineries and wine distributors operating in Iowa. However, this change does not affect wineries that hold a direct wine shipping permit; those businesses must continue submitting their required reports as before.

The Department of Revenue has provided additional resources and guidance on its website for those seeking more information about the transition. Industry groups such as the Wine Institute have also notified their members about the upcoming changes and encouraged them to prepare for the switch by reviewing instructions as soon as they arrive.

The move to GovConnectIowa reflects broader trends in state government toward digital services and simplified compliance procedures. The Department has emphasized that timely action by license holders will be important to avoid disruptions in business operations during the transition period. The state will continue to provide updates and support as businesses adapt to the new system.