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 18 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 18 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 18 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.
Where can I carry with my Iowa permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. However, the information is available for law enforcement.
carry 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.
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.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Iowa.
preemption?
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.”
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Applications for a Nonresident Professional Permit for a state employee whose need to go armed is employment based are filed with the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
[Iowa Code §§ 724.6, 724.7 and 724.11]
driver's license linked to 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.
red flag law?
No. Iowa does not have a red flag law.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Iowa does not enforce "No Weapons Allowed" signs.
Carry Basics
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No.
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.
gun permit licensure?
Iowa is a shall issue state.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in Iowa.
non-lethal weapons?
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.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Iowa imposes no restrictions on size or concentration.
TEAR GAS - legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Iowa. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Iowa law. There are no explicit bans on possession, sale, or use.
byrna's?
Yes. They are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Iowa law.
minimum age for concealed carry?
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 18 years of age that meet permit requirements, including training.
open carry permitted?
Yes. As of July 1, 2021, without a permit for anyone at least 18 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.
permitless carry?
Yes. As of July 1, 2021, Iowa is a permitless carry state for anyone at least 18 years old that may lawfully possess a handgun.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
Yes.
iowa permit exempts from background check?
Yes.
background checks for private gun sales? exceptions?
No. As of July 1, 2021, no permit or background check is required.
purchase permits?
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.
permit to acquire application process
In order to purchase a handgun in Iowa, whether through a licensed firearms dealer or a private transaction (unless between family members), either a Permit to Acquire a pistol or revolver or a Permit to Carry Weapons is required. The application for a Permit to Acquire is processed at the county level and is valid for 5 years after the date it is issued. Some counties accept online applications, others accept them by mail, but most require an application to be submitted at the county sheriff’s office in person. To see if your county of residence accepts online permits, check the county sheriff’s office website directly.
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.
handgun registration?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Iowa.
waiting period?
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).
minimum age to possess and transport?
18
A parent (guardian or spouse who is 18 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.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Iowa Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while bow hunting?
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.
wear a covid mask & carry?
Yes, Iowa code does not place any type of clothing restrictions on a permit holder in a public place.
carry while gun hunting?
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.
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.
hunter harassment law?
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.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Iowa and interested in applying for a permit? How soon can you apply?Iowa issues permits to residents, members of the military and limited non-residents who work or go to school in Iowa. You can apply for a resident permit with the sheriff of your county once you have established your residence in that county and have an Iowa Driver's license or state-issued ID.
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?If a person with an Iowa permit to concealed carry establishes residency in another state, he or she should contact the issuing authority for a determination as to how long the permit remains valid.
Processing Time:
30 days
Valid For:
5 years
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.
Fees:
Initial Permit $50
Renewals $25
Duplicates $25
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.
Application:
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.
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.
carry/possess at a hotel?
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?
Not addressed in Iowa state law, although employers may have a policy.
tribal land
Meskwaki Tribe and Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
A person commits carrying or Displaying a weapon when the person:
(1) Carries a weapon into any school, child day care facility, adult care facility, senior center, medical clinic or facility, meeting of the Tribe, meeting of the Tribal Council, meeting of a tribal committee, building in which voting is taking place, or pow-wow;
(2) Carries a weapon concealed on his person unless he or she shall have a current valid permit to carry such a weapon concealed signed by the Chief of the Tribal Police under regulations promulgated by the Chief; or
(3) Carries a weapon under circumstances that either manifests an intent to intimidate other or warrants alarm for the safety of other persons. Sec. 13-51201
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, without a permit to carry. Carry is permitted at roadside rest areas in Iowa.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that may lawfully possess a handgun.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry in these establishments, unless posted.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
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.
Self-Defense
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.
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.
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:
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]
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.
Iowa Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-07-01
Added new law regarding 18-20 year olds being able to carry under permitless carry.
2025-04-07
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-12-03
Added Tribal Land sections to Carry Location section
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
Added info about permitless carry in the Summary and 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
2021-03-03
Updated IA DPS FAQ link
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