Effective January of 2011, Weapons Permit Law will be changing. Please familiarize yourself with the statute here --> SF2379.
There is also a FAQ Document located on the Iowa Department of Safety Website HERE-->FAQ.
(In order to view the FAQ, you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer. Please Download Adobe Reader ---> HERE)
Obtaining Weapon Permits
The Sheriff of your county of residence is the only person who is authorized to issue permits unless you are a non-resident of Iowa or require a permit as a result of your employment by the State of Iowa, in which case the Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety can issue permits to carry.
Iowa Sheriffs and the Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety may impose additional requirements for permits to carry. These permits are generally valid statewide unless restricted by the issuing officer.
The process begins by obtaining the proper application (see "Types of Permits" below) to meet your needs. Once you have completed the form, further instructions will be given to you based on the type of permit you request.
Regardless of permit requested, the Sheriff's Office staff is required to submit a NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) on you which typically takes 3 days. They may also submit a request for medical/mental health adjudication details with the Clerk of Court.
For Professional and Non-Professional Permits to Carry Weapons, you may be required to meet with and interview with the Sheriff for determination of need/justification, and for further details on the abilities, laws, and restrictions these permits may have associated with them.
For Professional and Non-Professional Permits to Carry Weapons, you are also required to attend a Concealed Weapons Permit class. This class provides further details on Iowa law, related restrictions, and applicable Federal weapons laws, a written examination, as well as a proficiency examination for the weapon you intend to carry. This is an 8 hour course.
Weapons Permits Business Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (excludes holidays)
Types of Permits Available
Annual Permit to Acquire Pistols or Revolvers -
A permit to acquire authorizes the holder to acquire pistols or revolvers; however, this does not authorize the holder to carry a weapon. An Iowa permit to acquire pistols or revolvers shall be valid three days after the date of application and is valid for one year after the date of application (Iowa Code, section 724.20). It is valid throughout the state.
Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons -
A nonprofessional permit to carry authorizes the permit holder to carry weapons within the restrictions set by the issuing officer.
Professional Permit to Carry Weapons -
A professional permit to carry authorizes the permit holder to carry weapons in connection with their employment. A professional permit is only valid while going to and from work and while actually engaged in the employment for which it was issued.
A valid professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons authorizes an Iowa resident to acquire firearms in the same manner as a permit to acquire.
More Information:
For more information contact the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office at 319-291-2587 or the Iowa Department of Public Safety by e-mail: wpinfo@dps.state.ia.us or by telephone: 515-725-6230.
Forms:
permit to acquire weapons.pdf
permit to carry.pdf