Iowa Gun Permit Laws

Ron Wilmington
8 min readJun 21, 2024

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Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

As the national debate on gun control and the rights of gun owners continues, states must strike their own balance in their gun laws and regulations. State legislators often respond to incidences of gun violence while assessing the role laws can play in improving gun safety.

Although the Second Amendment permits individuals to keep and bear arms, states can outlaw certain weapons and accessories. They can also establish licenses and permits for purchasing firearms and carrying concealed firearms in public.

The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 (as amended) sets forth a baseline of federal laws related to interstate commerce in firearms. It includes a licensing and regulation scheme for those who manufacture, produce, and sell guns. Among other things, federal law prohibits the possession or ownership of firearms by persons with felony convictions, misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, impairment due to mental illness, or substance abuse. Federal firearms dealers must conduct a background check on all gun purchases through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Iowa Gun Laws

Key Updates

In 2021, Iowa enacted new laws, including a “permitless carry” law, and made the permit application to acquire a firearm optional. As a result, gun sales between private individuals no longer require a background check. The permitless carry law allows otherwise law-abiding individuals to carry a loaded firearm on their person, either open or concealed, in public.

Restrictions on Firearms in Public Places

Iowa law prohibits firearms in certain public places, including:

  • Within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a public or private elementary or secondary school or park (weapons-free zones)
  • School buses
  • Casinos

Under federal law, individuals cannot bring firearms to locations such as:

  • Post offices and their parking lots
  • Federal facilities
  • IRS offices
  • Federal courthouses
  • Airports (secure areas)
  • Ranger stations
  • Federal buildings in federal parks

Supreme Court Influence

The status of gun bans in sensitive areas has become volatile since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022). The Court ruled that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to carry arms for purposes such as self-defense in public. It overturned a 1911 law that gave state authorities discretion in whether to issue concealed carry permits if an applicant showed a special need. The Court held that regulations that burden the individual right to bear arms must be reviewed case by case, and the government must show that the regulation is consistent with traditional, historical firearms regulation in the U.S.

State Constitutional Amendment

In 2022, Iowans passed a state constitutional amendment stating: “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The sovereign state of Iowa affirms and recognizes this right to be a fundamental individual right. Any and all restrictions of this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.”

Permits and Age Requirements

The Iowa Department of Public Safety oversees a permitting process in the state to aid in reciprocity with other states. An individual may complete a permit application available at the sheriff’s office of their county of residence. Iowa permits include:

  • Permit to acquire a pistol or revolver
  • Nonprofessional carry weapons permit
  • Professional carry weapons permit

Iowans can purchase long guns (rifles and shotguns) once they are 18 years old. To purchase or possess a handgun (pistol or revolver) or get a carry weapons permit, a resident must be 21 years old. Certain exceptions apply for persons 18–20 who are on duty as a peace officer, security guard, correctional officer, or member of the military.

Nonprofessional carry permit applicants must also show they have met state-issued training requirements, which may include completion of a training course through the National Rifle Association (NRA) or another organization approved by the Department of Public Safety. Professional carry permits are issued to various law enforcement officers, those engaged in private investigative work, or those who work as security guards.

Waiting Period and Legal Prohibitions

While the Hawkeye State imposes no waiting period for gun purchases, buyers must be of legal age to purchase and must not fall under legal prohibitions for possession, such as having a felony conviction. Although Iowa does not ban assault weapons, some firearms remain illegal. For example, in Iowa, machine guns are illegal, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and the military. Possession of firearm suppressors (silencers), short-barreled shotguns, or short-barreled rifles is illegal if not compliant with federal law.

Relevant Statutes (Laws)

  • Iowa Code 724.1, et seq.: Offensive weapons
  • Iowa Code 724.3: Unauthorized possession of offensive weapons
  • Iowa Code 724.4B: Carrying firearms on school grounds — penalty — exceptions
  • Iowa Code 724.4E: Possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors
  • Iowa Code 724.5: Permitless carry
  • Iowa Code 724.7: Nonprofessional permit to carry weapons
  • Iowa Code 724.11: Issuance of permits to carry weapons
  • Iowa Code 724.15: Acquiring pistols or revolvers
  • Iowa Code 724.26: Possession, receipt, transportation, or dominion and control of firearms by felons

Illegal Arms

The following firearms are illegal to own in Iowa unless authorized under federal law:

  • Machine guns
  • Short-barreled rifles or shotguns
  • Any weapon other than a shotgun or muzzle-loading rifle, cannon, pistol, revolver, or musket, which fires or can be made to fire a projectile by the explosion of a propellant charge that has a barrel of more than six-tenths of an inch in diameter
  • Any bullet containing any explosive mixture capable of exploding upon impact
  • Suppressors (silencers)

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Iowa.

Prohibited Persons

You are prohibited from owning a firearm if you:

  • Have a felony conviction
  • Are an adjudicated delinquent for a crime that would be a felony if committed by an adult
  • Handgun: Are under 21 years old (with exceptions)
  • Have a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction or are subject to a domestic violence protective order

Concealed Carry

A concealed carry license is not required if a person is not otherwise disqualified under state or federal law.

Open Carry

A license for open carry is not required if a person is not otherwise disqualified under state or federal law. Open carry is allowed, except for open carry of a pistol or revolver in the state capitol building and grounds or any other prohibited locations.

Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License

You can get a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons if:

  • You are 21 years of age or older
  • You complete and sign an application form and display a proper identification card such as a driver’s license
  • There is no probable cause that you will likely use the weapon unlawfully to endanger yourself or others
  • You are not addicted to alcohol
  • You do not have a felony conviction
  • You have not been convicted of any aggravated misdemeanor or serious misdemeanor under Chapter 708 (Assault) in the last three years
  • You complete an approved firearm safety training
  • You are not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm under Iowa or federal laws

Iowa also recognizes licenses issued by other states.

Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession

  • Unauthorized possession of an offensive weapon, suppressor, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $10,245; or both
  • Possession of a firearm by a person with a felony or a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction or while under a domestic violence protective order is a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $10,245; or both.
  • Possession of a loaded firearm by a minor is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail; a fine of up to $2,560; or both
  • Making a false statement of material fact on an application for a permit to carry weapons is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $10,245; or both

Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds

  • Carrying a firearm on or near school grounds is a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $10,245; or both

Red Flag Law

Iowa does not have a red flag law.

Universal Background Checks

Iowa does not require universal background checks.

Stand Your Ground Law

Iowa has a Stand Your Ground law. A person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat from any place where they are lawfully present before using reasonable force (which may include deadly force) in response to an assault.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the status of any state law(s) you are reviewing.

Iowa Gun Control Laws: Related Resources

  • Domestic Violence: Firearms
  • Criminal Law Center
  • Gun Laws
  • Iowa Laws
  • Official State Codes

Further Questions About Iowa Gun Control Laws? Contact a Lawyer

Gun ownership and use is a serious matter. If you or someone you know has been injured in a gun incident, you may have recourse against the manufacturer, distributor, or owner of the gun. You can also consult with an Iowa attorney if you need legal advice regarding a gun charge or to better understand your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner.

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