Procedures for Iowa Weapons Permits

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm, excluding holidays.

A Non-Professional Permit to Carry authorizes the permit holder to carry weapons with no restrictions as set by the Iowa Code.  A Non-Professional Permit to Carry is valid for five years from the issuing date.

How to apply for a New Non-Professional Permit to Carry a weapon:

1. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Apply to the Sheriff in the county of their residence.
3. Submit a completed application form in person to the Sheriff's Office.
4. Submit a handgun safety training corse certificate or military DD-214 form.
5. Provide a U.S. Government issued photo ID (such as a driver's license).
6. Must meet all applicable requirements in Iowa Code Chapter 724.
7. Pay the required fee of $50.00 (payment must be made by cash or check).

How to renew a Non-Professional Permit to Carry a weapon:

1. Apply for renewal within the 60 day windows of the date your weapons permit expires (the window beings 30 days prior to expiration and ends 30 days after expiration).  You will not be notified when your permit is about to expire.
2. Submit a completed application form in person to the Sheriff's Office.
3. Provide a U.S. Government issued photo ID (such as a driver's license).
4. Provide your weapons permit ID card which about to expire or has expired.
5. Must meet all applicable requirements in Iowa Code Chapter 724.
6. Pay the required fee of $25.00 (payment must be made by cash or check).

To purchase a handgun, an Iowa resident must obtain an Iowa Permit to Acquire if the resident does not already have a Permit to Carry.  A Permit to Acquire authorizes the holder to acquire pistols/revolvers; however, this does not authorize the holder to carry a weapon.  An Iowa Permit to Acquire is valid for five years after the date of application and is valid throughout the state of Iowa.

How to apply for a Permit to Acquire pistols or revolvers:

1. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Apply to the Sheriff in the county of their residence.
3. Submit a completed application form in person to the Sheriff's Office.
4. Provide a U.S. Government issued photo ID (such as a driver's license).
5. Must meet all applicable requirements in Iowa Code Chapter 724.
6. Pay the required fee of $25.00 (payment must be made by cash or check).