Jonah Patel
Iowa's gun laws have been a topic of discussion, with the state adopting Constitutional Amendment 1 in November 2022, affirming the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This change, often referred to as constitutional carry or permitless carry, allows Iowans and non-residents to carry firearms, either openly or concealed, without a permit. This law applies to adults 21 and older, with certain restrictions, such as prohibitions near schools and federal buildings. Iowa still issues permits and recognizes those from other states, with specific provisions for school employees and professionals in certain fields. The state's gun laws continue to evolve, sparking varying responses from its residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry status | Yes, since July 1, 2021 |
| Permit requirement | No permit required for open or concealed carry for those 21+ |
| Permit types | Professional and non-professional permits |
| Professional permit age requirement | 18+ |
| Non-professional permit age requirement | 21+ |
| Permit cost | $50 for a permit to carry, $25 for renewal |
| Permit validity | 5 years |
| Training requirement | Yes, for both types of permits |
| Firearm type restrictions | Private citizens may not possess automatic firearms, short-barreled rifles, or short-barreled shotguns |
| Castle Doctrine state | Yes |
| Stand-your-ground state | Yes |
| Gun-free school zones | Yes, within 1,000 feet of schools |
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What You'll Learn
Iowa's 'constitutional carry' law means no permit is required to carry a firearm
Iowa's gun laws regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state. In November 2022, Iowa adopted Constitutional Amendment 1, "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms," which includes the requirement of "strict scrutiny for any alleged violations of the right brought before a court." Article I, Section 1A of the Constitution of Iowa affirms the right to keep and bear arms as a fundamental individual right.
On July 1, 2021, Iowa became a constitutional carry state, allowing for both open and concealed carry without a permit by both residents and non-residents. This means that Iowans 21 and older can now buy and carry handguns without first obtaining a permit, although they must still pass a background check when purchasing from a federally licensed dealer. Iowa is a "shall issue" state, meaning that Iowa sheriffs are required to issue permits to Iowans who request them unless the applicants are barred by law. There are two types of permits available: professional and non-professional. Professional permits are issued to individuals at least 18 years of age who are employed in a capacity that reasonably justifies carrying a firearm, such as law enforcement or security. Non-professional permits are issued to individuals at least 21 years of age who meet the permit requirements, including training.
Iowa will continue to issue Permits to Carry Weapons (PCW) and recognizes permits from all states and jurisdictions. The state also offers an Educator Permit to Carry Weapons, which provides specific authorization for school employees in Iowa to carry firearms on school grounds with the approval of their school district and after completing all permit training requirements. Iowa is also a stand your ground state, meaning that a person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat before using a justified level of force.
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There are two types of permits: professional and non-professional
As of 2021, Iowa is a permitless carry state, meaning any person 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. Iowa is also a shall-issue state, meaning that permits are still available to those who wish to acquire them. There are two types of permits: professional and non-professional.
Professional permits are issued to individuals aged 18 or older who are employed in a capacity that reasonably justifies that person going armed. Non-professional permits are issued to individuals aged 21 or older who meet the permit requirements, including training. Both types of permits require a firearms training course that has been state-approved. In addition, as of July 1, 2021, an unlicensed person is required to have a valid permit to acquire, a valid permit to carry weapons, or to complete a satisfactory national instant criminal background check in order to acquire a pistol or revolver from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Iowa is also a Castle Doctrine state and a "stand your ground" state, meaning that a person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat from any place where they are lawfully present before using a justified level of force. Iowa also offers an Educator Professional Permit to Carry Weapons, which authorises school employees in Iowa to carry firearms on school grounds with the approval of their school district, private school, or institution of higher education, and after completing all permit training requirements.
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Iowa is a 'shall-issue' state
Iowa is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that it will issue permits to carry weapons to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. On January 1, 2011, Iowa became a "shall-issue" state, allowing individuals to carry weapons on their person, both openly and concealed. This law applies to both residents and non-residents of the state, as long as they meet the necessary criteria.
Iowa issues two types of permits: professional and non-professional. Professional permits are issued to individuals aged 18 or older who are employed in specific professions where carrying a weapon is reasonably justified. These professions include private investigation, security, law enforcement, corrections, banking, and transportation of valuable property. Non-professional permits, on the other hand, are granted to individuals aged 21 or older who meet the permit requirements, including completing state-approved firearms training.
Iowa's "shall-issue" status underwent a significant change with the adoption of Constitutional Amendment 1 in November 2022. This amendment, known as "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms," further solidified the right to bear arms in the state. It included a requirement for strict scrutiny for any alleged violations of this right presented before a court.
Additionally, on July 1, 2021, Iowa became a constitutional carry state, also known as a permitless carry state. This means that individuals aged 21 and above who can legally possess a handgun are allowed to carry it openly or concealed without a permit. However, this does not apply to certain locations, such as schools and federal buildings. While a permit is no longer required, individuals must still adhere to other gun laws and regulations in the state.
Iowa also recognizes permits from all other states and jurisdictions, demonstrating its commitment to reciprocity in this regard. The state continues to issue Permits to Carry Weapons (PCW) to maintain reciprocity with other states. Iowa is also a stand your ground state, meaning an individual has no duty to retreat from any place where they are lawfully present before using a justified level of force.
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Permits are issued by sheriffs, who are required to run background checks
Iowa adopted Constitutional Amendment 1, The Right to Keep and Bear Arms, in November 2022. This amendment includes the requirement of "strict scrutiny for any alleged violations of the right brought before a court". On July 1, 2021, Iowa became a constitutional carry state, allowing for both open and concealed carry without a permit by both residents and non-residents.
Iowa is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that permits are issued by sheriffs to Iowans who request them, provided they are not barred by law. Sheriffs are required to run background checks before issuing permits. Permits to acquire a handgun cost $25, while permits to carry cost $50 and can be renewed for $25. The permits are valid for five years. Iowans must be 21 or older to obtain a non-professional permit to carry or acquire a handgun, while those 18 and older can obtain a professional permit if their job requires it.
Iowa will continue to issue Permits to Carry Weapons (PCW) for reciprocity purposes. The state recognises permits from all states and jurisdictions. Iowa is also a Castle Doctrine state and a "stand your ground" state, meaning that a person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat from any place where they are lawfully present before using a justified level of force.
Iowa's Commissioner of Public Safety maintains a record of all valid permits to carry weapons and of current permit revocations. The Commissioner and all issuing permit officers are required to keep confidential all "personally identifiable information of holders of professional or non-professional permits to carry weapons". This includes the name, social security number, date of birth, address, and driver's license or other identification number of the permit holder.
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Iowa is a 'stand your ground' state
Iowa is a "stand your ground" state, meaning a person who reasonably believes they are in immediate danger does not have to retreat before using force. Iowa's "stand your ground" law removes a person's duty to retreat before using reasonable force, but it does not apply in all situations. For example, if you are participating in a forcible felony or provoking the use of force against yourself, you are not exempt from criminal charges.
Iowa is also a "shall-issue, permitless carry" state, meaning that as of July 1, 2021, Iowans don't need a permit to carry a firearm. There are two types of permits available: professional permits and non-professional permits. Professional permits are issued to individuals at least 18 years of age who 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 who meet the permit requirements, including training.
Iowa is also a Castle Doctrine state, which justifies the use of force to protect oneself or another person from immediate danger or to resist similar threats. It's important to note that this doctrine does not give the right to use any unattended and unsupervised spring gun or trap placed for the purpose of preventing crime.
While Iowa's laws allow for "reasonable force" to be used in defence of oneself or another, there may be situations where a retreat is necessary, and failure to do so may result in criminal charges. Navigating the complexities of self-defence laws can be challenging, and consulting with experienced attorneys who have a deep understanding of criminal law can be invaluable.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum age to get a non-professional gun permit in Iowa is 21 years.
The minimum age to get a professional gun permit in Iowa is 18 years.
There are two types of gun permits available in Iowa: non-professional and professional.
To get a gun permit in Iowa, one must satisfy state training requirements and not be disqualified under state eligibility requirements.
Yes, Iowa became a constitutional carry state on July 1, 2021, allowing both residents and non-residents to carry a firearm in most public places without a permit.
