Iowa's vehicle-carry rules differ for handguns and long guns, and they have shifted significantly with HF 756 (2021) (permitless carry) and SF 106...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Iowa's vehicle-carry rules differ for handguns and long guns, and they have shifted significantly with HF 756 (2021) (permitless carry) and SF 106 (2025) (repeal of Iowa Code Section 483A.36, which had restricted long-gun vehicle transport on public highways). The current rules favor lawful carriers and permit substantial flexibility.
A qualifying permitless carrier under Iowa Code Section 724.4C or a holder of a Nonprofessional or Professional Permit to Carry Weapons (Iowa Code Sections 724.6 and 724.7) may transport a handgun in a vehicle:
The handgun may be accessible to the driver or passengers. There is no Iowa requirement to case or unload a handgun in a passenger vehicle for a lawful carrier.
With the repeal of Iowa Code Section 483A.36 effective July 1, 2025 (SF 106), long guns may be transported in a motor vehicle on a public highway in any condition:
Hunting-specific restrictions in Iowa Code Chapter 481A and Iowa DNR rules continue to apply: a person may not, for example, shoot from a vehicle, shoot across a public highway, or load a firearm in a vehicle for the purpose of hunting in violation of Iowa DNR rules. See your current Iowa DNR Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
A person who is prohibited from possessing firearms - under Iowa Code Section 724.26, federal law (18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)), or other authority - cannot lawfully transport a firearm in a vehicle, with limited exceptions in some narrow cases (e.g., immediate flight to a place of safekeeping after an emergency seizure event, subject to careful legal advice).
Iowa Code Section 724.22 governs the possession of pistols and revolvers by persons under 21. HF 924 (2025) lowered the age for handgun carry and permits to 18. A minor under 18 may not carry a handgun in a vehicle except under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or qualified instructor as provided in Iowa Code Section 724.22(3).
Iowa does not specify a statutory standard for securing firearms in unattended vehicles, but best practices include:
Firearm theft from vehicles is a recurring problem; lawful carriers should not leave firearms visible in unattended vehicles.
Iowa Code Section 724.4D prohibits carrying a loaded firearm on a person or accessible in a vehicle while the person is intoxicated. The same operating-while-intoxicated thresholds apply: 0.08 percent BAC, under the influence of alcohol or another drug, or having a controlled-substance metabolite in the system. See UNDER_INFLUENCE.
Common carriers (taxis, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, intercity buses) typically impose their own no-firearms policies as a private business decision. Iowa preemption does not override private-business policies, and violating a rideshare policy may result in account termination. Always check the company's policy before booking.
Carrying or storing firearms in vehicles parked at certain prohibited locations raises additional questions:
When transporting a firearm in a vehicle across state lines, 18 U.S.C. Section 926A protects the carrier provided the firearm is unloaded and stored in a locked container not directly accessible from the passenger compartment, the ammunition is similarly secured, and possession is lawful at both origin and destination. The federal protection is narrow; consult counsel before relying on it for non-direct routes.
This page covers one part of our Iowa concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Iowa guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.