It's the Law—Iowa's Snowmobile Laws
Safety Certificate Requirement for Snowmobile Operation

• A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a snowmobile on designated public land or ice, or land purchased with snowmobile registration funds in this state without obtaining a valid safety certificate issued by the department.
• Non-residents: A valid snowmobile safety certificate or license issued to a non-resident by a governmental authority of another state shall be considered a valid certificate or license in this state if the permit or license requirements of such governmental authority, excluding fees, are substantially the same as the requirements of this Act as determined by the department.
• Safety certificate: Persons required to have a valid safety certificate issued by the department must have the certificate in the person’s possession when operating a snowmobile.