Weapon Permit Information:
https://dps.iowa.gov/hf756-iowas-new-weapon-permit-law
https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/administrative-services/weapons-permit
Weapon permit law changes that took effect July 1, 2021 remove the requirement for a permit to acquire or a permit to carry in order to purchase a handgun or carry a firearm in public places subject to certain limitations. Iowans may still obtain a Permit to Acquire Pistols and Revolvers or a Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons by applying through the sheriff’s office in their county of residence.
Reasons why Iowans should still consider obtaining an Iowa permit to carry:
- Allows Iowans to carry in states with permit reciprocity while traveling.
- May prevent potential delays resulting from a delayed NICS check when purchasing from a FFL.
- May clarify any questions an individual has regarding their eligibility to carry or possess firearms.
- May prevent legal issues associated with a person coming within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a public, parochial, or private school without a state issued permit in violation of the Gun Free School Zones Act, 18 USC § 921(a)(25) and 18 USC § 922(q)(2).
An applicant for an initial permit to carry weapons shall demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety by any of the following means:
Completion of any national rifle association handgun safety training course or a handgun safety training course offered by an instructor certified by an organization approved by the department of public safety pursuant to section 724.9.
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 an organization approved by the department of public safety pursuant to section 724.9 or another state’s department of public safety, state police department, or similar certifying body.
Completion of a hunter education program approved by the Natural Resource Commission IF handgun safety training is noted on the certificate of completion.
Armed forces small arms training (for those released or retired from Active Duty) – requires documentation of honorable discharge OR general discharge under honorable conditions (DD214, DD-256, NGB-22, or similar)
Armed Forces small arms training (for those on Active Duty)-requires certificate of completion of basic training or similar.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety has approved the following organizations to certify individuals as handgun safety training instructors eligible to offer a handgun safety training course under section 724.9A.
https://www.nrainstructors.org/instructoradmin/verify.aspx
https://training.usconcealedcarry.com/instructor-search?page=1