Iowa Code § 811.12: Limitations.

1. A person shall not take or attempt to take into custody the principal on a bail bond, either as a surety on a bail bond in a criminal proceeding or as an agent of such surety, unless such person has complied with all of the following, if applicable:

a. Notification or registration with a chief law enforcement officer under section 80A.3A.

b. Licensing requirements for bail enforcement businesses and bail enforcement agents under chapter 80A.

2. A person other than a certified peace officer shall not be authorized to apprehend, detain, or arrest a principal on a bail bond, wherever issued, unless one of the following applies:

a. The person is a bail enforcement agent licensed under chapter 80A and has notified the chief law enforcement officer under section 80A.3A.

b. The person is a bail enforcement agent licensed under the laws of another state and has registered with the chief law enforcement officer under section 80A.3A.

c. The person is a bail enforcement agent from a state that does not license such businesses who has registered with the chief law enforcement officer under section 80A.3A.