Iowa Gun Laws
Carry Information
Legal & Resources
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Iowa have an Assault Weapons Ban? | 🚫 No. Iowa does not ban assault weapons, ghost guns, or high-capacity magazines. |
| Are background checks required for private gun sales? | 🚫 No. Private sales do not require background checks under Iowa law. |
| Are background checks required through FFL dealers? | ✅ Yes. Federal background checks are required when purchasing from licensed dealers. |
| Is Iowa a Stand Your Ground state? | ✅ Yes. Iowa enacted Stand Your Ground laws in 2017. |
| What kind of restrictions does Iowa have? |
|
| Does Iowa have any gun storage laws? | 🚫 No. Iowa does not have a general secure storage or child access prevention law. |
| Can you buy firearms in bulk in Iowa? | ✅ Yes. Iowa does not regulate the quantity of firearms purchased at once.
|
| Does Iowa have a red flag law? | 🚫 No. Iowa does not have an ERPO or red flag law. |
| Age to purchase firearms? |
|
| Do I have to register my guns in Iowa? | 🚫 No. Iowa does not require firearm registration. |
| Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun? | 🚫 No. Permit is no longer required as of July 2021, but optional permits are still issued. |
| Does Iowa have a waiting period for firearms? | 🚫 No. There is no mandatory waiting period. |
🚫 No. Iowa does not ban assault weapons, ghost guns, or high-capacity magazines.
🚫 No. Private sales do not require background checks under Iowa law.
✅ Yes. Federal background checks are required when purchasing from licensed dealers.
✅ Yes. Iowa enacted Stand Your Ground laws in 2017.
- ℹ️ No permit required to buy or carry as of July 1, 2021
- ℹ️ Background checks only through dealers
- ℹ️ Federal age and criminal restrictions apply
- ℹ️ No waiting period for purchases
🚫 No. Iowa does not have a general secure storage or child access prevention law.
✅ Yes. Iowa does not regulate the quantity of firearms purchased at once.
🚫 No. Iowa does not have an ERPO or red flag law.
- ℹ️ 18+ for long guns,
- ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
🚫 No. Iowa does not require firearm registration.
🚫 No. Permit is no longer required as of July 2021, but optional permits are still issued.
🚫 No. There is no mandatory waiting period.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Iowa allow Open Carry? | ✅ Legal without a permit for anyone 21 and over who is not prohibited.
|
| Does Iowa allow Concealed Carry? | ✅ Legal without a permit as of July 1, 2021, for eligible persons 21+. |
| Non‑Lethal Weapons? | ✅ Yes. Pepper spray and stun guns are legal for self-defense.
|
| Places allowed to carry? | ✅ Most public places, vehicles, and private property (unless posted otherwise). |
| Places not allowed to carry? | 🚫 Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, casinos, and posted “no guns” zones. |
| States honored? | ✅ Iowa honors all valid concealed carry permits from other states. |
| States reciprocate? | ✅ These 32 states recognize Indiana’s handgun license
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel. |
| Permit duration & renewal? | ℹ️ 5 years |
| Can you conceal anything other than a handgun? | 🚫 No. Only handguns are addressed in concealed carry laws. |
| Permit Licensure? | ℹ️ The Sheriff of your county of residence. |
✅ Legal without a permit for anyone 21 and over who is not prohibited.
✅ Legal without a permit as of July 1, 2021, for eligible persons 21+.
✅ Yes. Pepper spray and stun guns are legal for self-defense.
✅ Most public places, vehicles, and private property (unless posted otherwise).
🚫 Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, casinos, and posted “no guns” zones.
✅ Iowa honors all valid concealed carry permits from other states.
✅ These 32 states recognize Indiana’s handgun license
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel.
ℹ️ 5 years
🚫 No. Only handguns are addressed in concealed carry laws.
ℹ️ The Sheriff of your county of residence.
| Resources | Links |
|---|---|
| Official Licensing & Permits | |
| Gun Laws & Statutes | |
| Training & Certification | |
| Gun Safety & Storage |
Iowa Leadership
- Born: August 4, 1959 (St. Charles, IA)
- Term Started: May 24, 2017
- Previous Role: Lieutenant Governor of Iowa
- Born: September 17, 1933 (New Hartford, IA)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 1981
- Committees:
- Finance (Chairman). Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry
- Judiciary
- Born: July 1, 1970 (Red Oak, IA)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 2015
- Committees:
- Armed Services
- Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship