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Iowa is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. There are two types of permits available. Professional permits are issued to individuals at least 18 years of age that are employed in a capacity that reasonably justifies that person going armed. Non-professional permits are issued to individuals at least 21 years of age that meet permit requirements, including training.
As of July 1, 2021, in order to acquire a pistol or revolver from a federally licensed firearms dealer, an unlicensed person is required to have a valid permit to acquire, a valid permit to carry weapons or the person must complete a satisfactory national instant criminal background check. There is no waiting period or firearms registration in the state.
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 that may lawfully possess a handgun. Iowa will continue to issue Permits to Carry Weapons (PCW), for reciprocity purposes. Per Iowa law, the state resources director is required to promulgate rules prohibiting open carry of handguns in the capitol building, the grounds surrounding the capitol building including state parking lots and parking garages and the state laboratories facility in Ankeny. The minimum age for non-professional permits is 21 years old and 18 years old for professional permits. Concealed carry permits require a firearms training course that has been state-approved. In terms of reciprocity, Iowa recognizes permits from all states and jurisdictions.
Iowa is a Castle Doctrine state as well as a “stand your ground” state. A person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat from any place where the person is lawfully present before using justified level of force.
Use of Deadly Force
A person is presumed to reasonably believe that deadly force is necessary to avoid injury or risk to one’s life or safety or the life or safety of another in either of the following circumstances:
Defense of Self or Another
A person is justified in the use of reasonable force when the person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend oneself or another from any actual or imminent use of unlawful force.
A person who reasonably believes that a forcible felony is being or will imminently be perpetrated is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, against the perpetrator or perpetrators to prevent or terminate the perpetration of that felony.
Defense of Property
A person is justified in the use of reasonable force to prevent or terminate criminal interference with the person’s possession or other right in property and to to aid another in the lawful defense of the other person’s rights in property or in any public property.
Civil Immunity
A person who is justified in using reasonable force against an aggressor in defense of oneself, another person or property is immune from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred by the aggressor pursuant to the application of reasonable force.
[Iowa Code § 704.1, 704.2A, 704.3, 704.4, 704.5, 704.7 & 704.13]
Permitless Carry?Does Iowa allow permitless carry? |
Yes. As of July 1, 2021, Iowa is a permitless carry state for anyone at least 21 years old that may lawfully possess a handgun. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Iowa? |
Yes. As of July 1, 2021, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old that may lawfully possess a handgun. Open carry of handguns is prohibited in the state capitol building and grounds, except by law enforcement. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Iowa requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Iowa is a shall issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Iowa to get a concealed carry permit? |
You must be at least 18 years old to get a concealed carry permit in Iowa. Professional permits are issued to individuals at least 18 years of age that are employed in a capacity that reasonably justifies that person going armed. Non-professional permits are issued to individuals at least 21 years of age that meet permit requirements, including training. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Iowa with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Iowa? |
Yes, although Tasers that shoot electrodes are illegal. In addition, Tasers and stun guns are prohibited in Denison and Crawford Counties. A concealed carry permit is required to purchase or possess a stun gun or Taser, except on your own property. It is illegal to carry a stun gun (openly or concealed) with the intent to use the stun gun on another person, without justification. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Iowa? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Iowa. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Iowa have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in Iowa. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Iowa have ammunition restrictions? |
Yes. Iowa prohibits the possession of any bullet or projectile containing any chemical compound or mixture designed to explode or detonate upon impact. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Iowa? |
Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old that may lawfully possess a handgun. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Iowa? |
Yes, without a permit to carry. Carry is permitted at roadside rest areas in Iowa. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Iowa? |
Yes, without a permit, but the use of that firearm is prohibited. Use includes brandishing, displaying, bartering, striking with, and, most obviously, firing or attempting to fire the weapon. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Iowa? |
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in these establishments, unless posted. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Iowa? |
A person operating a hotel has the right to refuse or deny the use of a room, accommodations, facilities, or other privileges of the hotel to an individual the hotel operator reasonably believes is bringing in anything which may create an unreasonable danger or risk to other persons, including but not limited to firearms or explosives. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Iowa have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
Not addressed in Iowa state law, although employers may have a policy. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Iowa? |
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Iowa. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry permit?Is my Iowa driver’s license linked to my Iowa carry permit? |
No. Your Iowa driver’s license is not linked to your Iowa carry permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s permit. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Iowa? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. Iowa does not enforce "No Weapons Allowed" signs. |
Preemption?Does Iowa have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws. No municipality may have any ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the ownership, possession, carry, legal transfer, lawful transportation, modification, registration, or licensing of firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons. However, municipalities may restrict firearms in government buildings provided there is appropriate screening as well as armed security personnel present. In addition, Iowa Code § 724.28(3) authorizes any “person adversely affected” by the regulation to file suit in court for “declaratory and injunctive relief for damages.” |
Red Flag Law?Does Iowa have a red flag law? |
No. Iowa does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Iowa state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Iowa law. However, a person commits assault when they intentionally point a firearm toward another, or display a dangerous weapon in a threatening manner with the intention of placing another in fear of immediate physical contact. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?Does Iowa have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances? |
Not while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage (BAC of 0.08 or greater), while any amount of a controlled substance is present in the person, as measured in the person's blood or urine, or a combination of such substances. [Iowa Code §§ 724.4C and 321J.2] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Iowa issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes. The application is the same as for residents. [Iowa Code §§ 724.6, 724.7 and 724.11] |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Iowa allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. However, the information is available for law enforcement. |
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Iowa? |
Yes/No. 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. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales? Exceptions?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Iowa? Are there exceptions? |
No. As of July 1, 2021, no permit or background check is required.
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Iowa Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Iowa concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Iowa? |
Only in the sense that a permit to acquire a handgun becomes valid 3 days after the date of application. After the permit is issued, the holder may purchase additional handguns without a waiting period for 5 years (the duration of the permit). |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Iowa? |
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Iowa. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Iowa? |
21 years old (there are exceptions for anyone who is at least 18 years old whose duty requires the possession of such a weapon) A parent (or guardian or spouse who is 21 years of age or older) of a person under the age of 21 may allow the person, while under direct supervision, to possess a pistol or revolver or handgun ammunition for any lawful purpose. A parent (guardian or spouse who is 21 years of age or older) of a minor under the age of 14 years who allows that minor to possess a pistol or revolver or handgun ammunition is strictly liable to an injured party for all damages resulting from the possession of the pistol or revolver or ammunition therefor by that minor. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. |
Permit to Acquire Application Process In order to obtain a Permit to Acquire, you will need a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID and will have to pay a fee. A National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check will be processed. The processing time to obtain a Permit to Acquire will differ county by county and may take up to 10 days. The permit itself is not valid until 3 days after the date it is issued. |
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Iowa
USCCA — November 29, 2020
Carry While Gun Hunting?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Iowa? |
Yes. A person in possession of a valid permit to carry weapons may carry a handgun while hunting. However, only handguns as described in Iowa Admin. Code 571.106.7(3) may be used to hunt deer and only when a handgun is a lawful method of take, except where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law. |
Carry While Bow Hunting?Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Iowa? |
Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit , although the handgun may not be used to shoot or dispatch any deer. Hunters who do not have a permit to carry may not have a handgun in their possession while hunting under an archery tag. |
Hunter Harassment Law?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Iowa? |
Yes. Intentional interference with lawful hunting, fishing, or fur-harvesting activities is illegal and includes one or more of the following:
A person shall not interfere with the lawful hunting, fishing, or fur-harvesting activities of another person in an area where hunting, fishing, or fur harvesting is authorized by a custodian of public property or an owner or lessee of private property. |
Which states' permits does Iowa honor?
Since Iowa allows permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.
Which states honor permits from Iowa?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Iowa offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Iowa resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
If you are unsure of your eligibility, take the Carry Eligibility Quiz on the Iowa Department of Public Safety website and consult an attorney. |
Fees: |
Initial Permit $50 Renewals $25 Duplicates $25 |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
30 days |
Application: |
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Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Non-resident permits are available and the application is the same as for residents. Professional permit applications for non-residents must be made to the Commissioner of Public Safety. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Iowa DPS recommends that a person notify the Sheriff’s Office that issued a permit when a person has a change of address. However, if a person moved from one county to another, he or she must start over to get a permit showing the new address, as the Sheriff of the new county of residence cannot issue a duplicate or renew a permit that the Sheriff did not issue. There will be a procedure to allow a person to transfer his or her permit from one county to another after a move. This transfer process is currently being developed and should be available once the new permit cards are available. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
Apply to the Sheriff in the county of your residence for a duplicate, replacement or renewal. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Iowa and interested in applying for a permit? How soon can you apply? Moving from Iowa and have an Iowa resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Iowa permit remains valid? |
How to Apply for an Iowa Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearms training course if required, within twenty-four months prior to the date of the application. |
Step 2: |
Download the application or pick up from your Sheriff's office. Professional permit applications for non-residents must be made to the Commissioner of Public Safety. |
Step 3: |
Apply in person at your local county sheriff’s office or the Commissioner of Public Safety. You will need the following documents:
Pay the fee. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
An applicant shall demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety by completing any of the following in a live or web-based form completed within twenty-four months prior to the date of the application:
Evidence of qualification under this section may be documented by any of the following:
Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Iowa.
For holders of permits issued on or after 1/1/2011, additional training is not required to renew or obtain a new permit to carry weapons.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew an Iowa Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. A person wishing to renew a Permit to Carry Weapons must apply within 30 days before the permit expires, or within 30 days after the permit expires, otherwise the higher NEW permit fee must be charged. |
Step 2: |
Download the application or pick up from your Sheriff's office. Professional permit applications for non-residents must be made to the Commissioner of Public Safety. |
Step 3: |
Apply in person at your local county Sheriff’s office or the Commissioner of Public Safety. You will need the following documents:
Pay the fee. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Iowa Admin. Code 661.93 addresses identification cards for former peace officers. Any police firearms instructor approved by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) can qualify retired law enforcement officers. The ILEA in-service standard is used for annual firearms qualification and ILEA conducts open range dates for retired LEOSA qualification. Officers receive a card indicating current qualification.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Iowa? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Iowa?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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What Are the Knife Laws in Iowa? |
The only knives that are illegal are ballistic knives. It is legal to open carry any legal knife. It is legal to concealed carry a balisong, dagger, stiletto, razor, switchblade or knife with a blade longer than 5 inches only with a permit. Based on the current wording of the statute, state preemption only applies to firearms. Therefore, local ordinances may restrict the possession of knives, swords or other types of weapons that are not firearms. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Iowa, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
Yes, Iowa code does not place any type of clothing restrictions on a permit holder in a public place. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Iowa? |
Yes. A person in possession of a valid permit to carry weapons may carry a handgun while hunting. However, only handguns as described in Iowa Admin. Code 571.106.7(3) may be used to hunt deer and only when a handgun is a lawful method of take, except where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Iowa? |
Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit , although the handgun may not be used to shoot or dispatch any deer. Hunters who do not have a permit to carry may not have a handgun in their possession while hunting under an archery tag. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Iowa? |
Yes. Intentional interference with lawful hunting, fishing, or fur-harvesting activities is illegal. A person shall not interfere with the lawful hunting, fishing, or fur-harvesting activities of another person in an area where hunting, fishing, or fur harvesting is authorized by a custodian of public property or an owner or lessee of private property. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
2021-07-01 | Updated all sections per new laws that took effect as of July 1, 2021 |
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2021-04-05 | Updated info about handgun purchases in At A Glance table |
2021-04-05 | Updated info about preemption in At A Glance table |
2021-04-05 | Added info about permitless carry in the Summary and At A Glance table |
2021-03-03 | Updated IA DPS FAQ link |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-07-13 | Updated info on courtroom carry per HB 2502 in Can't carry Section |
2020-07-13 | Updated info on preemption per HB 2502 in At A Glance table |
2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-03 | Added statutory link and details on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-14 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-28 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2020-01-10 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
2019-12-10 | Added info on carry at school athletic complexes in Can't carry Section |
2019-12-05 | Added info on handgun purchase process in At A Glance table |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-11-18 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-14 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
2019-09-06 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-25 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-04-29 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-29 | Added info on the Iowa Constitutional Amendment |
2019-04-18 | Links checked |
2019-03-28 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-03-18 | Links checked |
2019-02-20 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-25 | Links checked |
2019-01-24 | Based on info from a USCCA Training Counselor, updated the campus carry info in location restrictions (thanks Dave!) |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-14 | Updated location restrictions |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email support@uscca.com and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.