Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Iowa gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Hawkeye State below.

Getting a Concealed Carry Permit

As of July 1, 2021, Iowa is a permitless carry state for both open carry and concealed carry for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a handgun. Iowa will continue to issue permits to carry weapons (PCW) for reciprocity purposes.

Open carry of handguns is prohibited in the state capitol building and grounds, except by law enforcement.

Iowa Concealed Carry Permit

Iowa has two types of concealed carry permits available: professional and non-professional permits. A professional permit is issued to an individual at least 18 years of age who is employed in a capacity that reasonably justifies that person should be armed. A non-professional permit is issued to an individual at least 21 years of age who meets permit requirements, including state-approved training. Resident and non-resident permits are available.

A resident must be 21 years old and can apply for a non-professional permit at the Sheriff’s office in his or her county of residence. A non-resident 18 years or older can apply for a professional permit at the Department of Public Safety.

Currently the cost for a new permit is $50, and that permit is valid for 5 years. Renewals cost $25. Iowa issues permits to residents and non-residents. Applicants must complete a firearms training course that has been state-approved. Processing time is 30 days. In terms of reciprocity, Iowa recognizes permits from all states and jurisdictions.

Iowa Self-Defense Laws

Iowa is a Castle Doctrine state as well as a “stand your ground” state. There is no duty to retreat so long as a person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend oneself or another from any actual or imminent use of unlawful force. The law applies any place where the person lawfully has the right to be. There is civil immunity when using “reasonable force” in defense of self, property or another.

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

Also as of July 1, 2021, purchase permits are not required in order to acquire a pistol or revolver from a federally licensed firearms dealer. There are now several options, including obtaining a purchase permit, having a valid permit to carry weapons or completing a satisfactory national instant criminal background check. There is no waiting period or firearms registration in the state, with the exception of purchase permits becoming valid three days after the date of application.

Does Iowa Have Ammunition and Magazine Restrictions?

There are no magazine-capacity restrictions. Iowa prohibits the possession of any bullet or projectile containing any chemical compound or mixture designed to explode or detonate upon impact.

Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons

An Iowa carry permit also allows the concealed carrying of other non-firearm dangerous weapons such as switchblade knives, TASERs/stun guns, knives with blades in excess of 5 inches or any other dangerous weapons. However, Tasers are illegal in some counties. In addition, Tasers that shoot electrodes are illegal. Pepper spray is legal to purchase and possess without a permit.

Where Can One Concealed Carry?

Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Iowa’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.

Areas where concealed carry is allowed:

  • A restaurant or bar (unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence of an alcoholic beverage — BAC of 0.08 or greater)
  • State/national parks
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • Places of worship (however, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms)

 Locations where concealed carry is prohibited

  • Weapons-free zones, defined as in, on or within 1,000 feet of property comprising public or private elementary or secondary schools
  • School buses
  • On a campus or at a university-authorized function or event at the three Iowa state universities
  • Courtrooms, court offices or courthouses used only for judicial branch functions (if posted)
  • Public buildings that are posted and have security guards
  • Casinos
  • Iowa State Fair
  • Anywhere while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, other drug or a combination of such substances
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law

Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Iowa?

Anyone at least 21 years old that may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun in a vehicle. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless the officer asks. Any valid concealed carry license holder can concealed carry at roadside rest areas. When a motor home is parked and being used as a residence, no permit is required.

 

Ready to Learn More About Iowa Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Iowa’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Iowa gun laws page now…

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.