Iowa permits concealed carry of a handgun by any qualifying adult, with or without a state-issued permit, subject to Iowa Code Chapter 724 and the...
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Iowa permits concealed carry of a handgun by any qualifying adult, with or without a state-issued permit, subject to Iowa Code Chapter 724 and the use-of-force rules in Iowa Code Chapter 704.
Under Iowa Code Section 724.4C and HF 756 (2021), a person who is at least 18 years old (as of July 1, 2025 under HF 924; previously 21) and not federally or state-law prohibited may carry a handgun concealed on or about the person without a permit. See CONSTITUTIONAL_CARRY.
Under Iowa Code Section 724.7 (Nonprofessional) or Iowa Code Section 724.6 (Professional), the permittee may carry handguns concealed statewide and benefits from reciprocity with other states. See PERMIT_BASICS.
Iowa statutes do not provide a precise definition of "concealed." Iowa courts have interpreted concealment as carrying a weapon in a manner where it is hidden from ordinary observation, such as under a coat, in a pocket, in a holster covered by an untucked shirt, or in a closed bag carried on the person. Carrying in an exposed holster on a belt without covering is typically "open carry."
Iowa Code Section 724.4 historically defined the carrying-weapons offense in terms of pistols, revolvers, and "any dangerous weapon" concealed on or about the person. Long guns (rifles and shotguns) are not typically subject to concealment restrictions in the manner of handguns because of their size, though a concealable short-barreled rifle or shotgun would implicate federal National Firearms Act rules (see NFA_ITEMS).
Federal law continues to bar concealed carry by:
These prohibitions apply regardless of Iowa state law and regardless of whether the person holds a PCW.
Concealed carry, whether by permit or under permitless carry, does not authorize carrying in any of the prohibited places listed in Iowa Code Section 724.4B (school grounds), 18 U.S.C. Section 922(q) (federal Gun-Free School Zones Act), 18 U.S.C. Section 930 (federal buildings), and 49 U.S.C. Section 46505 (secure areas of airports). See PROHIBITED_PLACES.
A private property owner may prohibit firearms on their premises. While Iowa does not have a specific signage statute that criminalizes mere entry while armed with a posted sign, an armed person who refuses to leave when asked may be charged with criminal trespass under Iowa Code Section 716.7 or a related offense. Many Iowa businesses post "No Weapons" signs as notice. See PROHIBITED_PLACES for further detail.
Loaded handguns may be carried in a vehicle by anyone authorized to carry under permitless carry or with a PCW, concealed or openly. Long guns transported in vehicles are subject to different rules; SF 106 (2025) repealed Iowa Code Section 483A.36 (which had restricted carrying a loaded uncased long gun in or on a vehicle on a public highway). See TRANSPORT and VEHICLE_CARRY.
Iowa does not impose a statutory duty to proactively inform a peace officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon during an encounter such as a traffic stop. A permittee must produce the permit on demand under Iowa Code Section 724.11(3). See DUTY_TO_INFORM.
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.