Iowa Gun Laws

Iowa

Iowa operates the "Shall-Issue" policy, which means anyone who meets the criteria is hereby granted a permit. The State offers two types of permits -- catering to both residents and non-residents. There is a non-professional permit, which is processed under the local Sheriff's office. The minimum age to apply is 21-years-old. Meanwhile, the professional permit is issued by the Department of Public Safety. The minimum age is 18-years-old. Non-residents who are applying for a professional permit must show a justifiable reason in needing a permit, such as owning a business or property in Iowa, or frequent travel to Iowa.

Anyone who is looking to own a handgun must present either an annual purchase permit or a valid permit to acquire weapons in Iowa. There are exemptions, however, if the purchase is done via Federal Firearms Dealers, or is transferred between relatives or considered antique handguns. The State does not require firearms registration.

In carrying a firearm -- either open or concealed within the city limits -- the State requires a Permit to Carry Weapons. Outside the city limits, anyone is free to carry a firearm without a permit. Application for Iowa's Permit to Carry Weapons requires a minimum age of 21-years-old and a completed state-approved firearms training course.

Since Iowa's reciprocity honors permit from all states and jurisdictions, non-residents who want to carry weapons -- either open or concealed -- are required to provide a valid concealed carry license issued by their home state to be allowed. The same restrictions are applied within and outside city limits.

Iowa PCW Process

Minimum Requirements:

  • For professional permit, you must be at least 18-years-old to apply.
  • For a non-professional permit, you must be at least 21-years-old to apply.
  • Completed the state-approved firearms training course.
  • No pending charges
  • No felony convictions
  • No outstanding warrants
  • Not been convicted in any court within the previous three years of a serious or aggravated misdemeanor not involving a firearm or explosives for which the court could sentence imprisonment for more than one year; including shorter sentence probation.
  • No probable cause to believe that you may likely use the weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person's self or others based on your actions in the last two years.
  • Meet Federal Law requirements

To process your PCW, please refer to these steps provided below:

  • Decide on what permit to apply:
    • Non-Professional - issued by the local Sheriff's office
    • Professional - issued by the Department of Public Safety
  • Complete a firearms training course
  • Download the application or pick up from your Sheriff's office
  • Apply in-person and bring the following documents:
    • Photocopy of the firearms training certificate
    • Driver's License
    • Completed Application Form
  • You will be notified via mail if your application is approved or denied

All licensee wishing to renew their Permit to Carry Weapons must have their license renewed within 30 days before the expiration date. The State provides an additional 30-day grace period after the expiration date. Licenses that remained unrenewed within the 30-day grace period are deemed permanently expired. Hence, a new application MUST be processed.

Here's how to process your license renewal:

  • Download the renewal application online or pick up from your Sheriff's office.
  • Apply in-person at your local country Sheriff's office and bring the following documents:
    • Driver's License
    • Completed Application Form
    • Renewal Fee
  • You will be notified via mail if your license is approved or denied.

Here's the summary of all the license fees:

  • New Permit - $50
  • Renewal - $25
  • Duplicate - $25
  • OPTIONAL: Additional fee for a wallet-sized permit

Iowa Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation

Purchase and Possession

PURCHASE

A state permit is not required for the purchase of a rifle or shotgun. A handgun shall require an annual permit for purchase. The permit is required for non-dealer purchases as well as dealer purchases and may be used to purchase more than one handgun. An annual permit to purchase is required to purchase a handgun. A permit is not required for the following: any handgun considered an antique and incapable of being readily restored so as to be capable of firing, a handgun that is considered to be a collector’s item based on the opinion of the Commissioner of Public Safety, transfers made within the (second degree of) family, or by a valid permit holder to carry a weapon.

An application for the purchase of a handgun must be made to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides. An identification card which bears an applicant’s distinguishing number, name, date of birth, sex, brief description, residence address and is accompanied with a color photograph must be submitted with the application or another form of identification that the Department of Public Safety requests.

The permit will be valid three days after the date of issue and is valid for one year. It will be provided upon acceptance of the application and a state record and NCIS check. A one-year permit to purchase a handgun will be issued to any resident of the state of Iowa unless he/she is subject to any of the following:

  • Is less than 21 years of age.
  • Has previously been convicted of any felony or determined to be delinquent or guilty of any crime that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult.
  • Is under an order of protection or has been convicted of any crime of a misdemeanor or of domestic violence.
  • Is prohibited from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving firearms under federal law.

It is illegal to loan, sell, give, or make available any rifle, shotgun or ammunition for such, to any person under 18. A parent, guardian, or spouse 18 years of age or older, or another person with consent of the parent of a minor, may allow a minor to possess a rifle or shotgun, or ammunition if it is for lawful purposes.

No person shall give, sell, loan, or make available any handgun or ammunition for the handgun to a person under the age of 21. Exceptions to this include:

  • Persons age18-20 who are part of a police force, armed forces, corrections agency, or security detail that requires the possession of a handgun.
  • Persons age 18-20 engaged in handgun instruction from an instructor 21 years of age or older.
  • Any person age 14-20 under the direct supervision of another individual 21 years of age or older in possession of a pistol or revolver, for lawful use.
  • Persons age 14-20 in possession of a pistol or revolver engaged in instruction from an instructor 21 years or older with the consent of parent, guardian or spouse 21 years of age or older.

POSSESSION

A permit to possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun is not required from the state of Iowa.

No person under the age of 21 may possess a handgun or handgun ammunition, unless under the conditions outlined in the above Purchase Section.

It is illegal and considered a felony to carry a handgun, whether concealed or unconcealed on the premises of any public or nonpublic school.

A loaded firearm shall be secured from any minor under 14 years of age.

Carrying a Firearm

It is illegal to carry a loaded handgun whether concealed or not, or any loaded firearm, within city limits. It is also illegal to carry a concealed handgun on or about the person, or other firearm in such a manner, or to transport within a vehicle, any handgun. Exceptions to this include:

  • Persons with a valid permit to carry a handgun who conduct themselves within the boundaries of that permit.
  • Carrying a handgun within one’s own residence, place of business, or on ones own property owned by him/her.
  • Any person who is a peace officer, corrections officer, member of the National Guard, or armed forces while in the course of their duties.
  • Any person who carries a handgun that is not loaded in a closed and fastened container or a securely wrapped package that is too big for concealment on the person for lawful purposes.
  • Any person who carries or transports a pistol or revolver for lawful purposes, that is not loaded, inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package that is too big for concealment on his/her person or inside of a cargo or luggage area not readily accessible.
  • Any person engaged in lawful hunting or target shooting on a range designed for the purpose of target practice.

It is not legal to have or carry any gun, whether rifle or shotgun (unless a handgun as detailed above) on any public highway, attached to a vehicle or in the vehicle unless it has been disassembled where the barrels and magazines are unloaded or it is contained in a fastened case. It is legal to carry loaded and uncased firearms in a vehicle however, if an individual possesses a permit to carry weapons.

It is illegal for any individual to carry a dangerous weapon on or about his person unless he/she possesses a permit to do so. Permits to carry a weapon in such a manner are either considered “professional” or “non-professional”. Residents of Iowa shall apply for a permit to the local sheriff. Non-residents of Iowa shall apply for a permit to the Commissioner of Public Safety. Professional permits are valid for 12 months and cost $50.00. Non-professional permits are valid for a period of five years and cost $50.00. There is a $25.00 fee for renewal and replacement permits as well. Permits shall be issued or denied within 30 days of application by either the sheriff or Commissioner of Public Safety.

A professional permit shall be issued to the following: security guards, peace officers private investigators, bank messengers, corrections officers, and any person whose job duties justify the need to be armed in the course of those duties. Professional permit holders may be armed anywhere in the state of Iowa within the course of duties or going to and from employment. Peace officers may be armed anywhere in the state at all times. Once employment ceases for individuals possessing a professional permit, the permit must be surrendered to the issuing authority for cancellation.

A nonprofessional permit will be issued to an individual who has met the training requirements for 724.9, has filed an application under 724.10, and who has not been disqualified under section 724.8. Any restrictions applicable to an individual will be listed on the permit.

A professional or non-professional permit will not be issued to an individual who:

  • is under the age of 18 if for a professional permit or under the age of 21 for a non-professional permit is an alcoholic.
  • is thought to likely use a weapon in an unlawful manner that would endanger self or others, based on actions of the person that have occurred within the preceding two years of application.
  • is a convicted felon or determined to be a delinquent minor where a crime has been committed by him/her that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult.
  • is under an order of protection or has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence considered to be a misdemeanor.
  • has been convicted of a serious or aggravated misdemeanor as defined in chapter 708 that does not involve a firearm or explosive.
  • may not lawfully possess, receive, ship, or transport a firearm under federal law.

No person shall be issued a permit without a completed and signed application that has been prescribed and published by the commissioner of Public Safety. An identification card that bears a distinguishing number that is assigned to the cardholder, personal identifying information, a brief description, and a color photograph must be displayed by the holder of the permit.

Knowledge of firearm safety must be demonstrated by the applicant either by completing a firearm safety program or by providing proof of military or law enforcement training. A certified trainer from the National Rifle Association, Department of Public Safety, or other certified body, may train an applicant in firearms safety through a course or program, as may any college, law enforcement agency or the National Rifle Association.

In order to carry a concealed handgun, an individual must have the permit to carry, in his possession and produce the permit for any inspection by a peace officer upon request. Intoxication (as defined by state law) of the permit holder shall render the permit invalid.

A non-resident of the state of Iowa possessing a valid permit or license from another state shall have the same right to carry in Iowa however, the out-of-state license shall not be a substitute for an annual permit to obtain pistols or revolvers.

A guide to Iowa carrying law can be found at: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/ under the heading, “Permits to Carry Weapons.”

Antiques & Replicas

An antique firearm shall refer to a firearm manufactured before or in 1898 or a replica of such, including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or ignition system similar, that has not been designed or redesigned to operate with rimfire, centerfire ammunition, or if operates with rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition, that ammunition is not manufactured in the United States or is not readily available for purchase through normal trade channels.

Though antique and replicas of firearms do not require a permit for purchase they are still subject to the same carry laws that apply to modern firearms.

Machine Guns

A machine gun refers to a firearm that has the ability to shoot more than one round of ammunition consecutively by a single function of the trigger without reloading. No private party may possess a machine guns or suppressor. Suppressors may be possessed by persons carrying a federal permit to do so for the purpose of shooting deer, pursuant to a city deer population control plan. A list of limited exceptions for the possession of machine guns can be found at Iowa Code Ann. § 724.2, Authority to Possess Offensive Weapons.

Range Protection

Any person acquiring property or who owns property that may be adversely affected by the use of a permanent and improved range located nearby shall not bring any nuisance action against the range owner. 

IOWA CODE ANN. § 657. 9. Shooting ranges

Before a person improves property acquired to establish, use, and maintain a shooting range by the erection of buildings, breastworks, ramparts, or other works or before a person substantially changes the existing use of a shooting range, the person shall obtain approval of the county zoning commission or the city zoning commission, whichever is appropriate. The appropriate commission shall comply with section 335.8 or 414.6. In the event a county or city does not have a zoning commission, the county board of supervisors or the city council shall comply with section 335.6 or 414.5 before granting the approval.

A person who acquires title to or who owns real property adversely affected by the use of property with a permanently located and improved range shall not maintain a nuisance action against the person who owns the range to restrain, enjoin, or impede the use of the range where there has not been a substantial change in the nature of the use of the range. This section does not prohibit actions for negligence or recklessness in the operation of the range or by a person using the range.

Iowa Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Iowa's Reciprocity States

States that honor an iowa permit

RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

 

NON-RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Nebraska will only honor the Iowa Non-Professional permit and not the Iowa Professional Permit.

Iowa honors permits from these states Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Districts & Territories District of Columbia, New York City, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

 

Districts & Territories
District of Columbia, New York City, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Restricted Areas

  • Weapons Free Zones
  • Public or private schools, colleges
  • School bus
  • Public parks
  • Casino
  • Iowa state fairgrounds
  • The campus of the three state universities
  • State buildings on the capitol complex
  • Prohibited places according to Federal Law

Non-Restricted Areas

  • State parks
  • State and national forests
  • Roadside rest areas
  • Vehicle
  • Places not mentioned above

Miscellaneous

Any person found guilty of a felony crime which included force while in control of a firearm, or while displaying a firearm in a threatening manner shall serve a minimum of five years of the sentence imposed and will not be eligible for parole until that minimum is served.

A unit of local government may not regulate ownership, possession, transfer, transportation, registration or licensing of any firearms under state law.

It is illegal to discharge intentionally, any firearm in a reckless manner.

An attached magazine must be unloaded, disassembled and encased, while traveling on any public highway.

Iowa Off Limits Statues

1. A person who goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school commits a class "D" felony. For the purposes of this section, "school" means a public or nonpublic school as defined in section 280.2.

2. Subsection 1 does not apply to the following:

a. A person listed under section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraphs "b" through "f" or "j".
b. A person who has been specifically authorized by the school to go armed, carry, or transport a firearm on the school grounds, including for purposes of conducting an instructional program regarding firearms.
c. A licensee under chapter 80A or an employee of such licensee, while the licensee or employee is  engaged in the performance of duties, and if the licensee or employee possesses a valid profession or  nonprofessional permit carry weapons issued pursuant to this chapter.
 

95 Acts. Cj 191. §53; 2012 Acts, ch 90 207; 2017 Acts ch 69, §7

1. A person who goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school commits a class "D" felony. For the purposes of this section, "school" means a public or nonpublic school as defined in section 280.2.

2. Subsection 1 does not apply to the following:
a. A person listed under section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraphs "b" through "f" or "j".
b. A person who has been specifically authorized by the school to go armed, carry, or transport a firearm on the school grounds, including for purposes of conducting an instructional program regarding firearms.
 c. A licensee under chapter 80A or an employee of such licensee, while the licensee or employee is engaged in the performance of duties, and if the licensee or employee possesses a valid profession or nonprofessional permit carry weapons issued pursuant to this chapter.
 

95 Acts. Cj 191. §53; 2012 Acts, ch 90 207; 2017 Acts ch 69, §7

 43.38(1) The driver of a school bus shall not smoke when there are passengers on the bus.


 43.38(2) The driver shall not permit firearms to be carried in the bus.

a. No patron or employee of the licensee, including the security department members, shall possess or be permitted to possess any pistol or firearm within a casino without the express written approval of the administrator unless:

(1) The person is a peace officer, on duty, acting in the peace officer’s official capacity; or
(2) The person is a peace officer possessing a valid peace officer permit to carry weapons who is employed by the licensee and who is authorized by the administrator to possess such pistol or firearm while acting on behalf of the licensee within that casino.

b. Each licensee shall post in a conspicuous location at each entrance a sign that may be easily read stating, “Possession of any firearm within the licensed facility without the express written permission of the Iowa racing and gaming commission is prohibited.”

3. The director shall establish, publish, and enforce rules regulating and restricting the use by the public of the capitol buildings and grounds and of the state laboratories facility in Ankeny. The rules when established shall be posted in conspicuous places about the capitol buildings and grounds. The rules shall prohibit a person from openly carrying a pistol or revolver in the capitol building and on the
grounds surrounding the capitol building including state parking lots and parking garages. However, this subsection shall not be construed to allow the director to prohibit the carrying, transportation, or possession of any pistol or revolver in the capitol building and on the grounds surrounding the capitol building including state parking lots and parking garages when the carrying, transportation, or possession is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state.

The carrying or possession by any person other than a peace officer of any weapon, such as a dirk, dagger, hunting knife, buck knife, switch blade, or any knife with a blade of three inches in length or longer, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, pellet or BB gun, blackjack, billy club or any other weapon is prohibited on the fairgrounds unless authorized by the board. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds or being charged under Iowa Code chapter 724. Kitchen knives and others purchased at the fair must be wrapped and not concealed.

2. a. A person shall not operate or ride a snowmobile with a firearm in the person’s possession unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case, except as otherwise provided. However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased and unloaded firearm while operating or riding a snowmobile.
b. (1) A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a  permit to carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on land owned, possessed, or rented by the  person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.
(2) A person may operate or ride on a snowmobile with a loaded pistol or revolver, weather concealed or not, if a person is operating or riding the snowmobile on land that is not owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful. 2020 Acts, ch 22, §69

2. a. A person shall not operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle with a firearm in the person’s possession unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case, except as otherwise provided. However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased and unloaded firearm while operating or riding an all-terrain vehicle.

b. (1) A person may operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle with a loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a permit to carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on land owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.

 (2) A person may operate or ride on an all-terrain vehicle with a loaded pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if a person is operating or riding the all-terrain vehicle on land that is not owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.

c. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on an all-terrain vehicle, except that a nonambulatory person may discharge a firearm from an all-terrain vehicle while lawfully hunting if the person is not operating or riding a moving all-terrain vehicle.

2018 Acts, ch 1172, §29, 30

The board of directors of a community college shall comply with the requirements of section 724.8A regarding policies and rules relating to the carrying, transportation, or possession of a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person in the buildings or on the grounds of the community college, as long as such a dangerous weapon does not generate a projectile that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person, and such a dangerous weapon is not used in the commission of a public offense.

The state board of regents shall comply with the requirements of section 724.8A regarding policies and rules relating to the carrying, transportation, or possession of a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person in the buildings or on the grounds of a university under the control of the state board of regents, as long as such a dangerous weapon does not generate a projectile that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person, and such a dangerous weapon is not used in the commission of a public offense.

2019 Acts, ch 94 §2

3. This section shall not apply to any policy or rule adopted or enforced by the governing board of a university under the control of the state board of regents as provided in chapter 262 that prohibits the carrying, transportation, or possession of a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person inside the  buildings or physical structures of any stadium or hospital associated with an institution governed by the state board of regents. 2019

Acts, ch 94, §3

A person who sells or offers for sale a manual or power-driven trigger activating device constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm increases the rate of fire of the firearm is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. 

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