Concealed Carry in Iowa

Yes. Iowa's permit law 'shall not be construed to impose a general prohibition on the otherwise lawful unlicensed carrying or transport, whether openly or concealed, of a dangerous weapon, including a loaded firearm.' Excluded from carrying dangerous weapons are people who would be ineligible for a permit under § 724.8(2)-(6) (addicted to alcohol; probable cause from documented actions within two years that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully; prohibited under § 724.26, e.g., felons and domestic-abuse convictions; a serious or aggravated chapter 708 assault-type misdemeanor within three years; prohibited by federal law), anyone illegally possessing certain controlled substances, and anyone committing an indictable offense (serious misdemeanor). A minor (under 18) who goes armed with a concealed dangerous weapon commits a serious misdemeanor.

Iowa permit to carry weapons (nonprofessional permit), issued by the sheriff of the applicant's county (shall-issue: any person not disqualified who meets the training requirement and applies 'shall be issued' a permit). Minimum age: eighteen (§ 724.8(1), as amended by 2025 Acts, ch 27). Training: initial applicants must show handgun safety training, e.g., an NRA or DPS-approved handgun safety course, a law-enforcement or security course, military small-arms training, or a hunter education course that includes handgun safety; the course may be taken online if completion is verified; no training is required for renewal. Fee: $50 for an initial permit and $25 for a renewal or duplicate. Valid five years statewide. The sheriff must approve or deny within thirty days. A nonprofessional permit held by someone under 21 is not valid for buying a handgun from a dealer.

All states. A valid permit or license issued by another state to any nonresident of Iowa is considered a valid Iowa permit to carry weapons (but does not satisfy the requirements for buying a handgun from a dealer).

Carrying, going armed with or transporting a firearm, concealed or not, on the grounds of a public or nonpublic school is a class D felony, with exceptions including persons specifically authorized by the school, peace officers, and unloaded firearms in closed containers or vehicle cargo areas. Firearm offenses in a 'weapons free zone' (within 1,000 feet of a school or in a public park, except designated hunting areas) carry double fines. Carrying a dangerous weapon while intoxicated is a serious misdemeanor. Cities, counties and townships may restrict firearms in their buildings only if they screen people for weapons and provide armed security inside. A court order banning weapons in a county courthouse is enforceable only for a courtroom, a court office, or a courthouse used only for judicial functions.

Adults who are not ineligible may carry a firearm, including a loaded firearm, openly or concealed in a vehicle without a permit. It is a serious misdemeanor to carry a dangerous weapon within immediate reach in a vehicle while intoxicated. A minor may not knowingly carry or transport a pistol or revolver in a vehicle. On school grounds, an unloaded firearm may be transported in a vehicle only inside a closed and fastened container or package too large to be concealed on the person, or in a cargo or luggage compartment not readily accessible to occupants.