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Current Iowa Weapon Permits
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).
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) regarding weapon permits
Iowa Code and DPS Administrative Rules
Chapter 724 of the Iowa Code and Administrative Rules, 661, Chapter 91 define Iowa’s weapon laws and the issuance of weapon permits in Iowa.
- Iowa Code
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Chapter 724 of the Iowa Code - contains information on Iowa’s weapon laws and the issuance of weapon permits in Iowa.
- Administrative Rules
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Administrative Rules, 661, Chapter 91 - contains information on Iowa’s weapon laws and the issuance of weapon permits in Iowa.
Handgun Safety-Permit Training Requirements
Approval for Training Organizations
Forms
- Permit to Acquire Pistol/Revolvers
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Application for Annual Permit to Acquire Pistol/Revolvers - Form WP3 (Iowa Residents Only) - For use on or after September 1, 2017. Applications must be filed with the sheriff of the county of residence.
- Permit to Carry Weapons
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Application for Permit to Carry Weapons - Form WP5 - For use on or after September 1, 2017. Applications must be filed with the sheriff of the county of residence (except applications for a Nonresident Professional Permit and applications for a Professional Permit for a state employee whose need to go armed is employment based, which are filed with the Iowa Department of Public Safety).
Contact Us
- USPS Mail
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Attention: Weapon Permits
Iowa Department of Public Safety
Oran Pape Public Safety Building
215 East 7th Street, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0045 - Phone Number
**Permit to Acquire Pistols and Revolvers or Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons applications must be filed with the sheriff of the county of residence.**
Only Nonresident Professional Permit applications and Professional Permit applications for a state employee whose need to be armed is employment based, should be filed with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. All other permit applications should be filed with the Sheriff’s Office in the applicant's county of residence.