Iowa Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Iowa: Gun Laws Summary

Iowa is a shall-issue, permitless carry state with two types of permits available: professional and non-professional. 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. [source]

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. [Iowa Code § 704.1, 704.2A, 704.3, 704.4, 704.5, 704.7 & 704.13]

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:

The person against whom force is used is doing any of the following:
- Unlawfully entered by force or stealth or entering by force or stealth the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle of the person using force;
- Unlawfully removing or attempting to unlawfully remove another person against the other person’s will from the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle of the person using force.

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 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: Gun Laws at a Glance


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. [Iowa Code § 724.4(1)(a)]
If Iowa requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?	Iowa is a shall issue state. [Iowa Code § 724.7]
Does Iowa have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?	No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in Iowa. [NRA-ILA]
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. [Iowa Code § 724.11(1)(a)]
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. [Iowa Code § 724.1(7)]
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. [Iowa Code § 724.5 and Dept. of Admin. Svs. §8A.322(3)]
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. [Iowa Code § 724.5]
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. [Iowa Code § 702.7]
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Iowa with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?	No.

Iowa: Carry Locations


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. [Iowa Code § 724.5]
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.
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. [Iowa Code § 461A.42]
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.
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.
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 its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. [Iowa Hotel Sanitation Code 137C.25.C(4)]

Iowa: Key State Laws


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. (source)
Does Iowa enforce “No Weapons Allowed” signs?	No. Iowa does not enforce “No Weapons Allowed” signs. (source)
Does Iowa have a red flag law?	No. Iowa does not have a red flag law. (source)
Does Iowa allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?	No. The information is available for law enforcement. (source)
Does Iowa state law define brandishing?	No definition of brandishing was found in Iowa law. 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. (Iowa Code § 708.1)
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. (source)
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. 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.” (Op. Att’y Gen. No. 03-4-1 (2003))(Iowa Code § 724.28)
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)(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. (source)
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)

Iowa: Handgun Purchase and Possession


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. [Iowa Code 724.15]
Are there exceptions?	No. As of July 1, 2021, no permit or background check is required.
Does my current Iowa concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?	Yes.
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). [Iowa Code § 724.15(3)]
Do handguns need to be registered in Iowa?	No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Iowa.
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?	Yes.
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. [Iowa Code § 724.22]
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.