Iowa is a shall-issue, permitless-carry state. In Iowa, open carry and concealed carry are legal without a license. Any person at least 21 years of age and legally entitled to possess a firearm may open carry a firearm in public without a license or permit. Two types of Permits to Carry Weapons (PCW) are available in Iowa. Professional permits are issued to individuals at least 18 years of age that are employed in a capacity that justifies being armed. Non-professional permits are issued to individuals at least 21 years of age that meet permit requirements, including training. Concealed-carry permits are issued by local county sheriff’s office or the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Is there a waiting period to buy a handgun in Iowa?
No. With a permit, you may purchase a handgun with no waiting period. If you do not have a permit, you must go through a background check.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Iowa?
No. A permit is not required to purchase pistols, revolvers, or long guns in Iowa.
Do you need to register handguns in Iowa?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Iowa.
Who Is eligible to obtain a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) in Iowa?
Any Iowa state resident who is at least 18 years of age can apply for a Professional Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW). Those 21 years old and older can apply for a Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW).
Is firearms training a requirement in Iowa for a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW)?
Yes. In Iowa, a firearms-training course must be completed to obtain a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW).
What Are The Requirements To Obtain a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) in Iowa?
An applicant to obtain a Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) must:
- Be 18 years of age for a Professional permit ,or 21 years of age for a Nonprofessional permit
- Complete a firearms-safety course
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) in Iowa?
- Complete a firearms-safety course
- Apply for a Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) by downloading an application from the Iowa Department of Public safety website iowa.gov. You may also pick up an application from your local sheriff’s office.
- Submit the application at your local sheriff’s office along with your firearm -training certificate, driver’s license, and fee. You will be notified in 30 days if your application has been approved.
How much does an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) cost?
The fee for an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons (PCW) is $50.
Does Iowa recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Iowa honors concealed-carry permits from all states.
Is Iowa a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. Iowa is a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Iowa an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Iowa without a license or permit for anyone at least 21 years of age and legally entitled to possess a firearm.
Is Iowa a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. Iowa is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Iowa?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Iowa.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Iowa?
Yes. There are no state magazine-capacity restrictions in Iowa.
Does Iowa have gun-storage laws?
Yes. Iowa gun-storage law states a firearm must be secured by a trigger-lock mechanism, and placed in a securely locked box or container, or some other location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under 14 years of age, if the person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of 14 years is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor’s parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor.
Is Iowa a Red Flag state?
No. Iowa is not a red-flag state.
Much of the info on this page about Iowa gun laws is wrong, you do not need a permit to buy or carry a handgun, I do not believe there has been a waiting period for handguns since 2021.
Thank you for the heads up. We’ve updated the page. Todd Woodard
Also a law that was passed silently. You must keep a copy of the buyers permit if selling privately… I got charged with this in Washington County, to my surprise up to 15 yrs – luckily they fizzled out to a fine.