Iowa Gun Laws
Iowa, with a population of approximately 3.18 million, boasts a concealed carry weapons (CCW) program that attracts residents and non-residents. The state offers “Shall Issue” permits, and with constitutional carry, the laws have seen recent changes. I
n this article, we will delve into the ins and outs of Iowa’s concealed carry program, its quick facts, reciprocity agreements, and where CCW is allowed. Whether you are a resident or considering traveling with a firearm to Iowa, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the state’s concealed carry laws.
Overview of Iowa Gun Laws
Iowa operates as a “Shall Issue” state with two types of permits available for concealed carry. Residents can apply for a Non-Professional license at the county level through the sheriff’s office. Applicants must be 21 years old and meet specific requirements.
On the other hand, non-residents can apply for a Professional permit at the state level through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Non-residents must also demonstrate a need for a permit, such as frequent travel, business ownership, or property ownership within Iowa.
Iowa Gun Laws Quick Facts
- Constitutional Carry: Iowa is a constitutional carry state after passing law HR 724.5. This means that individuals who can legally own and possess handguns can carry concealed firearms without a permit.
- Open Carry Permitted: Iowa permits open carry for individuals at least 21 years old who are legally allowed to own and possess handguns, following the change in law after July 1st, 2021. However, state-owned grounds like the capital building prohibit carrying firearms.
- Carry-In Vehicle: Iowa allows individuals who are 21 years old and legally allowed to own and possess firearms to carry them concealed or openly in their vehicles.
- Carry-In State Park: While Iowa technically allows individuals to carry firearms in state parks, specific language prohibits the use of firearms within these areas. For example, brandishing or firing a firearm within state park grounds is not allowed.
- Carry-In Restaurants: There is no specific law in Iowa making it explicitly illegal to conceal carry in a restaurant or establishment that sells alcohol.
- No Weapon Sign Enforced: Iowa gun laws do not explicitly mention the enforcement of “No Weapons” signs, meaning there are no specific legal penalties for entering private property or businesses with such signs while carrying a firearm, provided you have the owner’s consent.
- Must Notify Officer: Iowa gun laws do not require residents to inform law enforcement officers upon initial contact (duty to inform). However, as a CCW permit holder, you must always carry your permit along with a valid ID.
Iowa CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
States NOT Honoring CCW
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Iowa gun laws mental health
Those judged mentally defective or involuntarily committed to mental institutions are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms in Iowa. This includes both temporary and permanent mental health disqualifiers.
Iowa gun laws domestic violence
Persons convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or subject to domestic protective orders are restricted from owning or purchasing guns under Iowa law. Firearm possession is prohibited while the order is active.
Iowa gun laws for out-of-state travelers
Non-resident travelers can legally transport and possess firearms in Iowa provided they are unloaded and enclosed inside a case/container or locked in a trunk. No permit is required simply for transport.
Honors These States CCW Permits
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
How Reciprocity Works In Iowa
Iowa has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing CCW permit holders from those states to carry concealed firearms in Iowa. However, there are places where carrying a firearm is restricted in Iowa, including weapons-free zones, public or private schools and colleges, school buses, public parks, casinos, Iowa State Fairgrounds, campuses of state universities, and state buildings on the capitol complex. Additionally, carrying firearms in places prohibited by federal law is not allowed in Iowa.
Iowa: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
As of July 1st, 2021, Iowa passed the code HR 724.5, allowing for permitless open carry for individuals 21 years and older who are legally allowed to own and possess a firearm.
Carry-In Vehicle
With the passing of HR 724.5, concealed or openly carrying a handgun in your vehicle is legal in Iowa.
Carry-In State Parks
Concealed carry of firearms is permitted in state parks; however, the use of firearms is not allowed. Brandishing, displaying, or firing firearms within state park grounds is prohibited.
Carry-In Restaurants
After researching the code, no specific language was found preventing the carrying of firearms in a restaurant, including establishments that sell alcohol.
Constitutional Carry
As of July 1st, 2021, Iowa recognizes permits from any other state, even if they’re not residents, due to the passing of HR 724.5.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
“No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Iowa gun laws, and no specific legal penalties were found for entering private property or businesses with consent from the owner while carrying a firearm.
Must Notify Officer
There is no “duty to inform” law in Iowa requiring residents to inform law enforcement officers when approached on official business. However, CCW permit holders are legally required to carry their permits along with valid IDs.
Conclusion
Iowa’s concealed carry reciprocity program offers a convenient option for both residents and non-residents. The state’s recent changes, including constitutional carry and permit-less open carry, have expanded gun rights. With an understanding of Iowa’s concealed carry laws, quick facts, and reciprocity agreements, individuals can responsibly exercise their right to carry concealed firearms in the state.
FAQs;
Q1: Can non-residents obtain a concealed carry permit in Iowa?
Yes, non-residents can apply for a Professional permit at the state level through the Iowa Department of Public Safety, provided they meet the requirements.
Q2: Are “No Weapons” signs enforced in Iowa?
Iowa gun laws do not explicitly mention the enforcement of “No Weapons” signs, and there are no specific legal penalties for carrying a firearm with the owner’s consent on private property or businesses with such signs.
Q3: Can I carry a concealed firearm in Iowa state parks?
Yes, concealed carry of firearms is permitted in state parks. However, the use of firearms, such as brandishing, displaying, or firing them, is not allowed within state park grounds.
Q4: What disqualifies you from owning a gun in Iowa?
Disqualifiers in Iowa include felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, drug offenses, protective orders, involuntary mental health commitments, renounced citizenship, illegal residency status, and juvenile offenses.
Q5: Can anyone carry a handgun in Iowa?
No, Iowa requires a permit to acquire or carry handguns. However, the state has “Shall-Issue” permitting meaning permits must be issued if training requirements are met and background checks passed. No subjective discretion is allowed.
Q6: Is there a minimum age requirement for obtaining a concealed carry permit in Iowa?
Yes, residents must be 21 years old to apply for a Non-Professional license and 18 years old for a Professional permit.
Q7: Does Iowa have a constitutional carry law?
Yes, Iowa is a constitutional carry state after passing law HR 724.5, allowing individuals who can legally own and possess handguns to carry concealed firearms without a permit.
