Iowa State Law Summary

For general information on each policy, click the heading for that policy. Please note that many firearm-related laws have exceptions for military and law enforcement personnel.

Ammunition Regulation

Minimum Age to Purchase/Possess

Iowa prohibits any person from selling handgun ammunition to a person under age 21.  Iowa Code § 724.22(2).  The state also generally prohibits any person from selling rifle or shotgun ammunition to a person under age 18.  Section 724.22(1).  A parent or guardian over age 18, or another with the express consent of the minor’s parent or guardian, may allow a minor to possess rifle or shotgun ammunition.  Section 724.22(3).  See the Iowa Minimum Age to Purchase/Possess section for further information.

Regulation of Unreasonably Dangerous Ammunition

Iowa generally prohibits any person from knowingly possessing any bullet or projectile containing any chemical compound or mixture designed to explode or detonate upon impact.  Iowa Code §§ 724.1(7), 724.2, 724.3.

Iowa generally prohibits the possession of any shotgun shell or cartridge containing “exothermic pyrophoric misch” metal as a projectile, which is designed to throw or project a flame or fireball to simulate a flamethrower.  Section 724.1(7).

Assault Weapons

Iowa does not regulate assault weapons.  However, under Iowa Code § 724.29, "[a] person who sells or offers for sale a manual or power-driven trigger activating device constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm increases the rate of fire of the firearm is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor."

Background Checks

Federal law generally requires that licensed firearms dealers conduct a background check on all prospective firearm purchasers to ensure that such persons are not prohibited by law from buying or possessing a firearm.  This background check requirement and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) were enacted through the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, pursuant to Public Law 103-159, and codified at 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq. NICS is used for purchases of handguns and long guns, and for persons who redeem a pawned firearm. 18 U.S.C. § 922(t).

Under the Brady Act, states have the option of serving as a state “point of contact” and conducting their own background checks using NICS and state records and databases, or having the checks performed by the FBI using only NICS.

Iowa is a point of contact state for NICS.  The county sheriffs and the Iowa Department of Public Safety (“IDPS”) serve as partial state points of contact for background checks on prospective handgun purchasers, with sheriffs conducting checks on applicants for permits to acquire a handgun or permits to a carry concealed handgun, and the IDPS conducting handgun-related checks for state employees and non-residents.  Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-91.5(2); Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-91.1; Bureau of Justice Statistics Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Sales, 2005 (Nov. 2006).  The FBI performs NICS checks for long gun purchases, to enforce the federal purchaser prohibitions referenced above.  Id.

For a discussion of persons prohibited by federal or state law from possessing or purchasing a firearm, see the Iowa Prohibited Persons section.

Under federal law, persons who have been issued state permits to purchase or possess firearms are exempt from background checks if those permits were issued: 1) within the previous five years in the state in which the transfer is to take place; and 2) after an authorized government official has conducted a background investigation, including a search of the NICS database, to verify that possession of a firearm would not be unlawful. 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(3), 27 C.F.R. § 478.102(d).  Holders of both permits to acquire a handgun and permits to carry concealed weapons in Iowa are exempt from background checks when purchasing a firearm, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) chart that outlines those permits that qualify as alternatives to the Brady Act. Please note that ATF’s exempt status determination is subject to change without notice. For further information, see the Iowa Carrying Firearms and Iowa Licensing of Gun Owners/Purchasers sections.

For information about the reporting of mental health information for use in firearm purchaser background checks, see the Iowa Mental Health Reporting section.

Ballistic Fingerprinting

No relevant statutes currently exist.

Carrying Firearms

Possession Restrictions

Any person who is armed with a handgun, or any loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, within the limits of any city is criminally liable for an aggravated misdemeanor. Iowa Code § 724.4(1). This prohibition does not apply to the possession of a firearm in a dwelling or place of business, or on land owned or possessed by the person. Section 724.4(4)(a). This prohibition also does not apply if the handgun is carried unloaded inside a closed and fastened container or other secure package that is too large to be concealed on the person. Section 724.4(4)(e).

A person will not be in violation of the firearm possession restrictions of section 724.4 if he or she possesses a valid permit to carry firearms and provides the permit to a peace officer on demand. Section 724.4(4)(i).

Concealed weapons permit holders may be subject to additional location limits.  Please see the Location Limits subsection below for further information.

Transportation of Firearms

Iowa prohibits any person from knowingly carrying or transporting a handgun in a vehicle. Iowa Code § 724.4(1). This does not apply if the person transports an unloaded handgun inside a closed and fastened container or other secure package that cannot be concealed on the person, or in a cargo or luggage compartment where the handgun cannot be readily accessible to any person in the vehicle. Section 724.4(4)(f).

Concealed Weapons Licensing Requirements

Iowa is a "may issue" state, meaning that a county sheriff has discretion in determining whether or not to issue a concealed weapons permit to an applicant.

Under Iowa Code § 724.7, any “person who can reasonably justify going armed” may be issued a “nonprofessional” permit to carry weapons. Non-professional permits identify the holder, and state the reason(s) for the issuance of the permit and the limits of the authority granted by such permit.  Id.  Professional permits are issued for persons employed in the following professions, if the person’s position in that profession reasonably justifies that person going armed: 1) private investigation business or private security business licensed under Chapter 80A; 2) peace officer; 3) correctional officer; 4) security guard; 5) bank messenger; 6) person transporting property of a value requiring security; or 7) police work.  Section 724.6.

No person will be issued a professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons unless the person:

• Is 18 years of age or older;

• Has never been convicted of a felony;

• Is not addicted to the use of alcohol or any controlled substance;

• Has no history of repeated acts of violence; and

• Has never been convicted of any crime defined in Chapter 708, except "assault" (per § 708.1) and "harassment" (per § 708.7).

Section 724.8.

As a final requirement, no person will be issued either type of permit to carry weapons unless the issuing officer reasonably determines that the applicant does not constitute a danger to any person.  Id.

Completion of a firearm training program is a prerequisite to obtaining either a professional or non-professional permit to carry weapons. Sections 724.9, 724.11; Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-91.3, Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-91.1.

Application requirements and the background check process are detailed in Iowa Code §§ 724.10 and 724.11. Permit revocation provisions are outlined in section 724.13. Additional information on the applicant procedures for a permit is described under Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-91.4.

For additional requirements specific to obtaining a professional permit to carry weapons, see Iowa Code § 724.6.

          Disclosure or Use of Information

Iowa does not have any specific requirements regarding the disclosure or use of the information gathered from concealed weapons permit holders or applicants for a concealed weapons permit. The state Commissioner of Public Safety maintains a permanent record of all valid permits to carry weapons and of current permit revocations. Section 724.23. Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-91.6.

          Duration & Renewal

Under section 724.7, a non-professional permit shall be valid for a "definite period" as established by the issuing officer, not to exceed a period of 12 months.

The training program requirements of section 724.9 may be waived by the licensing authority for permit renewals.  Section 724.11.

Permit fees are $10 for an initial permit, $5 for permit renewals. Id.

          Location Limits

Subject to certain limited exceptions, section 724.4B provides that "[a] person who goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school commits a class ‘D’ felony."  "School" means a public or non-public school, as defined in Section 280.2.

Concealed weapons permit holders may be subject to generally applicable possession prohibitions.  Please see the Possession Restrictions and Transportation of Firearms sections above for further information.

          Reciprocity

Iowa does not recognize concealed weapons permits from other states.  Non-residents of Iowa must apply to the state commissioner of public safety for permits to carry weapons while in Iowa.  Section 724.11.  The issuance of the permit shall be by and at the discretion of the county sheriff or the commissioner, who shall, before issuing the permit, determine that the applicant has met the requirements of sections 724.6 to 724.10.  Section 724.11.

          Brady Exemption

Concealed weapons permit holders in Iowa are exempt from background checks when purchasing a firearm, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) chart that outlines those permits that qualify as alternatives to the Brady Act. Please note that ATF’s exempt status determination is subject to change without notice. For further information, see the Iowa Background Checks section.

Child Access Prevention

Iowa prohibits any person from storing or leaving a loaded firearm that is "not secured by a trigger lock mechanism, placed in a securely locked box or container, or placed in some other location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under the age of fourteen years, if such person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of fourteen years is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor's parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor." Iowa Code § 724.22(7). If the minor lawfully gains access to the firearm without the consent of his or her parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, and the minor exhibits the firearm in a public place in an unlawful manner, or uses the firearm unlawfully to cause injury or death to a person, the parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor is criminally liable for a serious misdemeanor.  Id.

If the minor obtains the firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person, the prohibition in section 724.22(7) does not apply.  Id.

Any person who sells, loans, gives, or makes available a rifle or shotgun or ammunition for a rifle or shotgun to a minor is criminally liable for a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent offenses. Section 724.22(1). However, a parent, guardian, spouse age 18 or older, or another with the express consent of the minor’s parent or guardian or spouse who is at least age 18 may allow a minor to possess a rifle or shotgun or the ammunition for those firearms for lawful use. Section 724.22(3).

Any person who sells, loans, gives or makes available a handgun or ammunition for a handgun to a person under age 21 is criminally liable for a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent offenses. Section 724.22(2). This prohibition does not apply to:

• A person age 18, 19 or 20 while on military duty or while a peace officer, security guard or correctional officer, when such duty requires the possession of such a weapon or while the person receives instruction in the proper use of such firearms from an instructor age 21 or older; or

• A parent, guardian or spouse age 21 or older, of a person age 14 but less than age 21, who may allow the child to possess a handgun or ammunition for a handgun for any lawful purpose while under the direct supervision of the parent, guardian or spouse, or while the person receives instruction in the proper use of such firearms from an instructor age 21 or older, with the consent of the parent, guardian or spouse.

Section 724.22(4), (5).

Dealer Regulations

Iowa does not license firearms dealers. However, firearms dealers are subject to state laws governing gun sales generally. See the Iowa Private/Secondary Sales section for further information. Pursuant to the Brady Act, federally licensed firearms dealers must conduct background checks on prospective purchasers each time the dealer transfers a firearm. See the Iowa Background Checks section.

Number of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealers

There are 1,149 federally licensed firearms dealers and pawnbrokers in Iowa. Federal firearms licensee totals for Iowa as of November 24, 2008 were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Disarming Prohibited Possessors

No relevant statutes currently exist.

Domestic Violence and Firearms

*New Legislation Alert*  See LCAV's Recent Developments in State Law page.

Firearm Prohibitions for Domestic Violence Misdemeanants

Iowa prohibits persons who have been convicted of crimes under Iowa Code Chapter 708 (assault-related crimes), including “domestic abuse assault” (see Iowa Code § 708.2A) from obtaining an annual permit to acquire handguns. Section 724.15(1)(e). Not included among the prohibited crimes are “assault” (as described under section 708.1) and “harassment” (as described under section 708.7). Section 724.15(1)(e). Iowa also denies such permits to persons who have a history of repeated acts of violence. Section 724.15(1)(d).

Federal law also prohibits the purchase and possession of firearms and ammunition by persons who have been convicted of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.”  18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). Federal law defines a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” as an offense that is a federal, state or tribal law misdemeanor and has the use or attempted use of physical force or threatened use of a deadly weapon as an element, if the offender:

• Was a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim;

• Shares a child in common with the victim;

• Was a current or former cohabitant with the victim as a spouse, parent or guardian; or

• Was similarly situated to a spouse, parent or guardian of the victim.

18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(33).

Firearm Prohibitions for Persons Subject to Domestic Violence Restraining/Protective Orders

A court hearing a proceeding for domestic abuse may enter any temporary ex parte order it deems necessary to protect a plaintiff from domestic abuse prior to a full hearing.  Iowa Code §§ 236.4, 236.2(2).  Upon a finding that a defendant has engaged in domestic abuse, the court may grant a protective order or approve a consent agreement that may contain provisions prohibiting the defendant from owning or possessing firearms.  Sections 236.5, 236.2(2).

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Sales, 2005 (Nov. 2006), Iowa maintains fully automated criminal history, protective order, and flagged domestic abuse misdemeanor data on a statewide network.

For general information on the background check process and categories of prohibited purchasers or possessors, see the Iowa Background Checks and Iowa Prohibited Persons sections.

Gun Shows

Iowa law does not specifically regulate gun shows. However, anyone seeking to purchase a handgun at a gun show or any other location must possess an annual permit to acquire these firearms. See Iowa Code § 724.15.  A background check is required for issuance of a permit.

Iowa prohibits any person from acquiring a handgun without possessing a valid annual permit to acquire a handgun, and from transferring ownership of a handgun to a person who does not possess a valid annual permit. Section 724.16.

Immunity Statutes / Manufacturer Litigation

No relevant statutes currently exist.

For detailed information about government and private party lawsuits against the gun industry, the status of litigation involving gun industry immunity statutes in various states, or pending gun industry immunity legislation, visit the Brady Center's Legal Action Project and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence's Gun Industry Immunity page.

Junk Guns / Saturday Night Specials

Iowa does not specifically regulate junk guns or unsafe firearms. However, according to research conducted by the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence (now Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence), Iowa’s Attorney General may have the authority to regulate junk guns, as well as promulgate other firearm safety standards, pursuant to the state’s consumer protection statute, Iowa Code § 714.16.  For details, view the Center’s report, Targeting Safety.

Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines

Iowa does not regulate large capacity ammunition magazines.  See the Iowa Assault Weapons section for related information on firearm devices.

Licensing of Gun Purchasers / Owners

Any person seeking to acquire ownership of a handgun in Iowa must possess a valid annual permit to acquire a handgun.  Iowa Code § 724.15.  The permit to acquire a handgun qualifies as exempt from the requirements of the Brady Act. Under federal law, persons who have been issued state permits to purchase or possess firearms are exempt from background checks if those permits were issued: 1) within the previous five years in the state in which the transfer is to take place; and 2) after an authorized government official has conducted a background investigation, including a search of the NICS database, to verify that possession of a firearm would not be unlawful. 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(3), 27 C.F.R. § 478.102(d). Consult the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) chart outlining those permits that qualify as alternatives to the Brady Act. Please note that ATF’s exempt status determination is subject to change without notice. For further information, see the Iowa Background Checks section.

Locking Devices

Iowa prohibits any person from storing or leaving a loaded firearm that is "not secured by a trigger lock mechanism, placed in a securely locked box or container, or placed in some other location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under the age of fourteen years, if such person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of fourteen years is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor's parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor."  Iowa Code § 724.22(7). See the Iowa Child Access Prevention section for further information.

Mental Health Reporting

Federal law prohibits any person from selling or otherwise transferring a firearm or ammunition to any person who has been “adjudicated as a mental defective” or involuntarily “committed to any mental institution.” 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4). No federal law requires states to report the identities of these individuals to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database, however, which the FBI uses to perform background checks prior to firearm transfers.

Iowa requires the reporting of some, but not all, mentally ill persons to NICS.  In Iowa, the warden of the Iowa Medical and Classification Center must forward to the state Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint records and photographs of persons committed to that institution.  Iowa Code § 690.4.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Sales, 2005 (Nov. 2006), insanity dispositions may be included in criminal histories in Iowa, and some agencies check county court records to obtain mental incompetence data.

Minimum Age to Purchase / Possess

Generally, a person must be 18 years of age to possess a rifle or shotgun or ammunition for those firearms, and age 21 to possess a handgun and handgun ammunition. Iowa Code § 724.22. However, a parent, guardian, spouse age 18 or older, or another with the express consent of the minor’s parent or guardian or spouse who is at least age 18 may allow a minor to possess a rifle or shotgun and ammunition for lawful use.  Section 724.22(1), (3).

Persons age 18, 19 or 20 may lawfully possess handguns while on military duty or while a peace officer, security guard or correctional officer, when such duty requires the possession of such a weapon or while the person receives instruction in the proper use of such firearms from an instructor age 21 or older.  Section 724.22(4).  Furthermore, a parent or guardian or spouse who is age 21 or older, of a person age 14 but less than age 21, may allow the minor to possess a handgun or handgun ammunition for any lawful purpose while under the direct supervision of the parent, guardian or spouse, or while the person receives instruction in the proper use of such firearms from an instructor age 21 or older, with the consent of the parent, guardian or spouse.  Section 724.22(5).

Federal law prohibits the purchase of a handgun or handgun ammunition by anyone under age 21 from a federally licensed firearms dealer, per 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1), (c)(1). There are no statutes providing age restrictions for the purchase of handguns or long-guns.

Multiple Purchases / Sales of Firearms

No relevant statutes currently exist.

Personalized / Smart Guns

No relevant statutes currently exist.

Private / Secondary Sales

Subject to limited exceptions, any person seeking to purchase a handgun in Iowa must possess an annual permit to acquire a handgun, which requires a background check. Iowa Code § 724.15. Any person acquiring a handgun without possessing a valid annual permit is criminally liable for an aggravated misdemeanor. Section 724.16(1). Iowa prohibits any person from transferring a handgun to a person who does not possess a valid annual permit to acquire a handgun, and from transferring a handgun to a person the transferor knows is prohibited by section 724.15 from acquiring ownership of a handgun. Section 724.16.

A person who knowingly transfers or acquires possession, or who facilitates the transfer, of a stolen firearm, is criminally liable for a class "D" felony for a first offense, and a class "C" felony for subsequent offenses or if the weapon is used in the commission of a public offense.  Section 724.16A.  This prohibition does not apply to a person purchasing stolen firearms through a buy-back program sponsored by a law enforcement agency if the firearms are returned to their rightful owners or destroyed. Id.

Generally, Iowa prohibits any person from selling, loaning, giving or making available a rifle or shotgun or ammunition for a rifle or shotgun to a minor, which violation constitutes a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent offenses. Section 724.22(1). Moreover, Iowa prohibits any person from selling, loaning, giving or making available a handgun or handgun ammunition to a person under age 21, a violation constituting a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent offenses. Section 724.22(2).

Private transfers of long guns (i.e., transfers by non-firearms dealers) are not subject to a background check requirement in Iowa, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions still apply.  See the Iowa Background Checks section.

Prohibited Persons

*New Legislation Alert*  See LCAV's Recent Developments in State Law page.

Federal law prohibits a number of classes of persons from purchasing or possessing firearms, including felons, fugitives, persons adjudicated as “mental defectives” or those committed to mental institutions, and leaves to the states the power to determine additional classes. For a complete list of federally prohibited purchasers, see LCAV’s Federal Background Checks and Prohibited Purchasers summary.

In addition, Iowa prohibits the knowing possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and prohibits the knowing possession of a firearm by anyone who is adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult.  Iowa Code § 724.26.

Any person seeking to acquire ownership of a handgun in the state must possess a valid permit to acquire handguns.  Section 724.15.  A permit shall be issued to any person who:

• Is 21 years of age or older;

• Has never been convicted of a felony;

• Is not addicted to the use of alcohol or a controlled substance;

• Has no history of repeated acts of violence;

• Has never been convicted of a crime (per Chapter 708; except "assault" (per § 708.1) and "harassment" (per § 708.7)); and

• Has never been adjudged mentally incompetent.

Section 724.15(1).

Application requirements for an annual permit to acquire handguns are detailed in sections 724.17, 724.18, and 724.19.  If the issuing officer determines that the applicant has become disqualified under the provisions of section 724.15(1), he or she may immediately invalidate the permit.  Section 724.15(3).

The annual permit to acquire handguns requirement does not apply to, among other persons, any person possessing a valid permit to carry weapons pursuant to the requirements under section 724.11.  Section 724.15(2)(d).  Iowa law governing the process to obtain professional and nonprofessional permits to carry weapons also prohibits specified classes from obtaining such permits.  Sections 724.6 and 724.7.  See the Iowa Carrying Firearms section.

Registration of Guns

No relevant statutes currently exist.

Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms

No relevant statutes currently exist.

Waiting Periods

In Iowa, no handgun may be transferred until the transferee obtains a permit to purchase the handgun, which becomes valid three days after the date of application. Iowa Code § 724.20. After the permit is issued, the holder may purchase additional handguns without a waiting period for the duration of the license (one year).