Iowa Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Iowa honors all other states Permit/Licenses. However, Nebraska will only honor the Iowa Non-Professional permit and not the Iowa Professional Permit. Iowa also Honors Non-Resident Permits/Licenses From the States They Honor. (Must be 21 Years of Age)

724.11A Recognition.

A valid permit or license issued by another state to any nonresident of this state shall be considered to be a valid permit or license to carry weapons issued pursuant to this chapter, except that such permit or license shall not be considered to be a substitute for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers issued pursuant to section 724.15.

How to Apply for a Iowa Concealed Carry Permit

Be reminded that Applications MUST be filed with the Sheriff of the county of residence (except applications for a Nonresident Professional Permit and applications for a Professional Permit for a state employee whose need to go armed is employment based, which are filed with the Iowa Department of Public Safety).

Permit is valid for 5 years
Fingerprints are not required
The issuing authority can’t make you supply additional documentation or place restrictions on your permit
You must be at least 21 Years of age for a Non Professional Permit and 18 years old for a Professional Permit.
Cost is $50.00 while the Renewal is $25.00

Take note that there is word that Sheriffs that issue the plastic card type permit will charge an extra $5 to $10 for the Plastic Permit. Some will give you a paper permit at no extra charge.

A Permit to carry a weapon is issued by the Sheriff of the county you reside in. To make application you must appear in person at the County Sheriff s Office with a picture ID (ie: Iowa Driver's License or Iowa I D card) reflecting a County address. You will then be required to complete the application for a permit to carry a weapon application. The process will not change on how to apply. The forms will but the process is the same.

724.7 Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons.

Any person who is not disqualified under section 724.8, who satisfies the training requirements of section 724.9, and who files an application in accordance with section 724.10 shall be issued a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons. Such permits shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety, which shall be readily distinguishable from the professional permit, and shall identify the holder of the permit. Such permits shall not be issued for a particular weapon and shall not contain information about a particular weapon including the make, model, or serial number of the weapon or any ammunition used in that weapon. All permits issued shall be a period of five years and shall be valid throughout the state except where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law.

Acceptable Training: 724.9

Completion of any National Rifle Association (NRA) handgun safety training course.
Completion of any handgun safety training course available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, community college, college, private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or certain other firearms training certifying bodies (such as the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy).
Completion of any handgun safety training course offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of a law enforcement or security enforcement agency approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
Completion of small arms training while serving with the armed forces of the United States as evidenced by any of the following:
Completion of a law enforcement agency firearms safety training course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of the peace officer's duties.
Completion of a hunter education program approved by the natural resource commission pursuant to section 483A.27, if the program includes handgun safety training and completion of the handgun safety training is included on the certificate of completion.
The handgun safety training course required in subsection 1 may be conducted over the internet in a live or web-based format, if completion of the course is verified by the instructor or provider of the course.
Firearm safety training shall not be required for renewals of permits issued after December 31, 2010.

Range qualification may be part of a training program identified above; however, range qualification is not a mandatory element of training for initial issuance of a permit. The Permit Application states you must apply at least 30 days before your Permit expires.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Iowa Concealed Carry Permit

Non-Residents can apply but the criteria is very narrow to qualify.

Applications for permits to carry weapons will be considered by the Iowa Department of Public Safety as follows:

Residency - Applicants must be nonresidents of Iowa or state employees whose need to go armed is based on their state employment. [§724.11]
Justification

1. Professional permits to carry will only be issued to qualified applicants if their need to go armed is employment based and is a critical element in the protection of life and property.
2. Nonprofessional permits to carry will only be issued to:

a. nonresident correctional officers and other public officials, other than law enforcement officers, who are currently employed fulltime in the administration of criminal justice.
b. other nonresidents with a demonstrable viable threat to themselves or their family as verified by a law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the threat occurred.

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Iowa Concealed Carry Permit

Court Houses Off Limits

In June 2017, the Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady has put out a ruling that carry in all courthouses in Iowa is illegal. You can read a transcript of the ruling here. A Supervisory Order issued by the Iowa Supreme Court 12/19/17 will allow for the controlling entity of the Court House to modify the order. You can read that Supervisory Order here.

724.4A Weapons Free Zones - Enhanced Penalties

1. As used in this section, "weapons free zone" means the area in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or in or on the real property comprising a public park. A weapons free zone shall not include that portion of a public park designated as a hunting area under section 461A.42.

2. Notwithstanding sections 902.9 and 903.1, a person who commits a public offense involving a firearm or offensive weapon, within a weapons free zone, in violation of this or any other chapter shall be subject to a fine of twice the maximum amount which may otherwise be imposed for the public offense.

724.4B Carrying Weapons on School Grounds—Penalty—Exceptions

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.

IA Admin Code 281-43.38 Driver Restrictions. (No Firearms on a School Bus)

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.

IA Admin Code 491-5.4(6) Firearms Possession Within Casino.

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.

IA Admin Code 8A.322 Carry in/on Capitol Buildings and Grounds (Legal, Concealed Only)

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 New Rules adopted by Capitol Security are stating only the Capitol Building and that other State Office Buildings around the Capitol do not fall under the new law.

371-2.5 Public Safety—Weapons. (State Fair Grounds)

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.

Carry on All Terrain Vehicles/Snowmobiles Legal

Title VIII – Transportation 321G.13 & 321I.14 Unlawful Operation

321I.14

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.

(1) A person may operate or ride on 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 or possessed by the person, and the person's conduct is otherwise lawful.

(2) If a person is operating or riding an all-terrain vehicle on land that is not owned or possessed by the person, the person may operate or ride the all-terrain vehicle with a loaded pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not,

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.

321G.13

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.

(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 or possessed by the person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.

(2) If a person is operating or riding on a snowmobile on land that is not owned or possessed by the person, the person may operate or ride the snowmobile with a loaded firearm pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not.

Iowa has changed their law on carrying on All Terrain/Snowmobiles twice in the last couple years. It was illegal then legal with restrictions and now legal with less restrictions.

681-9.1(2)(g), 681.13.14(5) & 681-13.19 of the Iowa Administrative Code:

State Universities. Prohibits use or possession of firearms, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons, substances, or materials (except as expressly authorized by the university), or of bombs, explosives, or explosive or incendiary devices prohibited by law on the campus of the three state universities (U of I, Iowa State, UNI) or at or during any university-authorized function or event by any person, student, member of the faculty or staff.

In the Administrative Rules for the above sections defines a Person as: "Person" means any student, member of the faculty or staff, or visitor. The Law is very gray so I would not be the test case for carrying on Colleges and Universities in Iowa until further information becomes available.

724.29 Firearm Devices

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.

“No Gun Signs” Do not Have the Force of Law

“No Firearm” signs in Iowa have no force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in State Law as being off limits to those with a Permit/License to Carry. If you are in a place not specifically mentioned in the law that is posted and they ask you to leave, you must leave. If you refuse to leave then you are breaking the law and can be charged. Even if the property is not posted and you are asked to leave, you must leave. Always be careful of the possibility that responding Police Officers who may have been called without your knowledge and may not know the laws on trespass, etc.could arrest you even if you are within the law.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In Iowa, it is not necessarily.

724.5 Duty to Carry Permit to Carry Weapons

A person armed with a revolver, pistol, or pocket billy concealed upon the person shall have in the person's immediate possession the permit provided for in section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraph "i", and shall produce the permit for inspection at the request of a peace officer. Failure to so produce a permit is a simple misdemeanor.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is legal but with many restrictions in Iowa. You must have a valid permit to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Open Carry in Incorporated areas is illegal without a valid permit/license. (See 724.4) Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section below for carrying in a vehicle. From all sources, Open carry is not common. Just note that if you enter any property and the owner/responsible person ask you to leave then you must leave. Failure to leave can result in Trespass Charges. The Minimum age for Open Carry is 21 years old.

724.4 Carrying Weapons

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.

4. Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the following:

i. A person who has in the person’s possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit. A person shall not be convicted of a violation of this section if the person produces at the person’s trial a permit to carry weapons which was valid at the time of the alleged offense and which would have brought the person’s conduct within this exception if the permit had been produced at the time of the alleged offense.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

Car/RV Carry Without a Iowa Concealed Carry Permit

724.4 Carrying Weapons

f. A person who for any lawful purpose carries or transports an unloaded pistol or revolver in a vehicle inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person or inside a cargo or luggage compartment where the pistol or revolver will not be readily accessible to any person riding in the vehicle or common carrier.

When a motor home is used as a residence (Parked) or place of business (Parked), no permit is required. But when it is being used as transportation the firearm must be stored.

Iowa State Preemption

724.28 Prohibition of Regulation by Political Subdivisions

1. As used in this section, “political subdivision of the state” means a city, county, or township.

2. A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state. An ordinance regulating firearms in violation of this section existing on or after April 5, 1990, is void.

3. If a political subdivision of the state, prior to, on, or after July 1, 2017, adopts, makes, enacts, or amends any ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, resolution, motion, or policy regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, transportation, registration, or license is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state, a person adversely affected by the ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, resolution, motion, or policy may file suit in the appropriate court for declarative and injunctive relief for damages. A court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing plaintiff in any such suit.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Chapter 704 Force - Reasonable or Deadly – Defenses

704.1 Reasonable Force

704.2 Deadly Force

704.2A Justifiable Use of Deadly Force

704.3 Defense Of Self Or Another

704.4 Defense Of Property

704.5 Aiding Another In The Defense Of Property

704.6 When Defense Not Available

704.7 Resisting Forcible Felony

704.8 Escape From Place Of Confinement

704.9 Death

704.10 Compulsion

704.11 Police Activity

704.12 Use Of Force In Making An Arrest

704.13 Immunity

707.6 Civil liability

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

Title XVI Chapter 702
702.7 Dangerous weapon

A “dangerous weapon” is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed, except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or any other lawful purpose. Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon. Dangerous weapons include but are not limited to any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length, or any portable device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person.

Take note, since an electric defensive device is considered a Dangerous Weapon, it would take a permit/license to carry a firearm to carry such device on your person.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No laws found

Training Valid for: 2 Years

Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining state ID/Drivers License

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 18 years old (If Needed for Employment). Otherwise 21 years old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO; 724.23

State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: 724.11A

State Fire arm Laws: Title 16-724.1 thru 724.30 & Iowa Admin Code 661-91.1 thru 661-91.9

State Deadly Force Laws: Title 16-704.1 thru 704.12

State Knife Laws: 16-702.7. & 16-724.1. & 16-724.4.

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 719.7

Body Armor Laws: Title XVI Subtitle 1 724.31

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? YES; 724.4 & 661—4.1(724)

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; Per DNR FAQs

What Does Iowa Consider A Loaded Firearm?

483A.35 “Gun” Defined

The word “gun” as used in this chapter shall include every kind of a gun or rifle, except a revolver or pistol, and shall include those provided with pistol mountings which are designed to shoot shot cartridges.

483A.36 Manner of Conveyance

A person, except as permitted by law, shall not have or carry a gun in or on a vehicle on a public highway, unless the gun is taken down or totally contained in a securely fastened case, and its barrels and attached magazines are unloaded.

Be reminded that this definition only applies to Long guns or those that shoot shot shells. It is believed that this definition of loaded would be used in Iowa Courts as what would be considered a “Loaded Handgun.”

State Emergency Powers

Title 1 - State Sovereignty & Management - Subtitle 12 - Chapter 29c
29C.6 Proclamation of Disaster Emergency by Governor

In exercising the governor's powers and duties under this chapter and to effect the policy and purpose, the governor may:

15. Control ingress and egress to and from a disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises in such area.
16. Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, explosives, and combustibles.

29C.25 Firearms and Ammunition — Limitations ——Exceptions — Remedies

1. This chapter shall not be construed to authorize the governor or any other official of this state or any of its political subdivisions or any agent or person acting at the direction of the governor or any such official to do any of the following:

a. Prohibit, regulate, or curtail the otherwise lawful possession, carrying, transportation, transfer, or defensive use of firearms or ammunition.
b. Suspend or revoke, except in accordance with section 724.13, a permit issued pursuant to section 724.6, 724.7, or 724.15.
c. Seize or confiscate firearms and ammunition possessed in accordance with the laws of this state.

2. This section shall not prohibit any of the following:

a. The temporary closure or limitations on the operating hours of businesses that sell firearms or ammunition if the same operating restrictions apply to all businesses in the affected area.
b. The adoption or enforcement of regulations pertaining to firearms and ammunition used or carried for official purposes by law enforcement officers or persons acting under the authority of emergency management agencies or officials.

a. A person aggrieved by a violation of this section may seek relief in an action at law or in equity or in any other proper proceeding for actual damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate redress against a person who commits or causes the commission of such violation.
b. In addition to any other remedy available at law or in equity, a person aggrieved by the seizure or confiscation of a firearm or ammunition in violation of this section may make application pursuant to section 809.3 for its return in the office of the clerk of court for the county in which the property was seized.
c. In an action or proceeding to enforce this section, the court shall award the prevailing plaintiff reasonable court costs and attorney fees.

The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Iowa: 21 Years Old

Title XVI Subtitle I 724.22

This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms. Do note that in some states, Possession and Transportation can be very restrictive in that you can only possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction. See “RV/Car Carry” Section Above for more information.