How do I know if I am eligible for a Permit to Carry?

When a person applies for a Permit to Carry, we will run a NICS background check to determine if the applicant is eligible. The applicant must also complete an application that asks questions pertaining to eligibility. Falsification of an application is a criminal offense that could result in prosecution, so an applicant should take great care in completing the application. This is a SIMPLIFIED list of prohibitors and is not considered a complete list:

  • Federal firearm prohibitors:
    • Felony conviction (a conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year, excluding a crime classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years)
    • Fugitive from justice (active warrant)
    • Unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance
    • Adjudicated incompetent or committed to mental institution by a lawful authority, such as a District Court (includes committal for substance abuse)
    • Certain aliens (unlawful aliens and nonimmigrant aliens admitted under a visa)
    • Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces
    • Person who has renounced US Citizenship
    • Subject to a qualifying domestic protection order/restraining order
    • Conviction for a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence” (MCDV)
    • Under indictment or information for a felony
  • State firearm prohibitors:
    • Felony conviction (includes aggravated misdemeanor involving a firearm or explosive)
    • Juvenile adjudication for a felony
    • Conviction for a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence” (MCDV)
    • Subject to a qualifying domestic protection order/restraining order
  • Additional prohibitors for the Permit to Carry Weapons:
    • Alcohol addiction
    • Any serious or aggravated misdemeanor conviction under Iowa Code Chapter 708 (assault, harassment, stalking, etc...) not involving a firearm or explosive within the last three years
    • Probable cause exists to believe, based upon documented specific actions of the person, where at least one of the actions occurred within two years immediately preceding the date of the permit application, that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person’s self or others.
  • A person must be 21 years of age or older to obtain a Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons, and 18 years of age or older to obtain a Professional Permit to Carry Weapons.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS:

  • Permit holders are encouraged to safely conceal their weapons versus carrying in the open or plain view.
  • At the onset of any contact with law enforcement, IMMEDIATELY notify the deputy/officer(s) that you have a permit to carry and you are armed.
  • A permit holder is required by law to carry their permit while armed by State Code of Iowa 724.5
  • Prior to traveling across state lines, familiarize yourself with the laws of the state you intend to pass through and enter. Iowa recognizes and honors weapon permits from other states, but in many other states there is no such reciprocity.
  • Weapon possession/use is prohibited while a person is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs by State Code of Iowa 724.4C.
  • Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for specific inquiries regarding hunting.
  • Private establishments may post signs prohibiting weapons on their premises.
  • Permit holders may not carry on school grounds.
  • Permit holders are encouraged to gain proficiency with the weapon they carry (to include shooting accuracy, weapon safety, and justification in the use of deadly force.)

Show All Answers

1. What times do you take applications?
2. What is the criteria for a NEW Permit to Carry?
3. What is the criteria for a RENEWAL of a Permit to Carry?
4. What is the criteria for a NEW of a Permit to Acquire?
5. What is the criteria for a DUPLICATE Permit? (for carry or acquire)
6. Can I transfer my permit from another county?
7. How long does it take to get my permit?
8. Uniform Permit Style
9. Where can I get an application?
10. What are the fees?
11. What form of payment may I use to purchase my permit?
12. I am moving to Iowa from another state. Can I transfer my permit from another state to Iowa?
13. I lost my permit or I damaged my permit and it needs replaced.
14. I recently had a change in marital status and my legal name changed. Do I need to change my name on my permit?
15. I recently moved WITHIN the county. Do I need to change my address on my permit?
16. Can you recommend a place to take a certification class?
17. I leave the state during winter months and my renewal date falls outside the 60 day renewal window, what do I do?
18. How do I know if I am eligible for a Permit to Carry?