Iowa takes a broad recognition approach to out-of-state concealed-carry permits. Under Iowa Code Section 724.11A, Iowa recognizes a "valid permit to...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Iowa takes a broad recognition approach to out-of-state concealed-carry permits. Under Iowa Code Section 724.11A, Iowa recognizes a "valid permit to carry weapons issued by another state" so long as the permit and the carrier meet baseline conditions. Iowa does not maintain a state-by-state list of "recognized" permits; instead, the statute provides general recognition subject to a few statutory limits.
Under Iowa Code Section 724.11A:
A valid permit or license issued by another state to any nonresident of this state shall be considered to be a valid permit or license to carry weapons within this state.
In practical terms, if your home state issued you a valid permit to carry, Iowa recognizes it. This applies to both resident and nonresident permits and does not require Iowa to have entered a formal reciprocity agreement with the issuing state.
To carry in Iowa under an out-of-state permit:
Iowa Nonprofessional and Professional Permits to Carry Weapons are recognized by many other states. Reciprocity is asymmetric: Iowa's broad recognition under Iowa Code Section 724.11A does not require other states to reciprocate. Iowa permits are typically recognized in:
Common states that recognize the Iowa PCW (always verify current status before traveling): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont (no permit required), Virginia (resident PCW), West Virginia, Wisconsin (resident PCW), and Wyoming.
States that have not typically recognized Iowa permits include: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Some of these may recognize certain Iowa Professional Permits or impose additional requirements.
Iowa's permitless carry (Iowa Code Section 724.4C) does not extend to other states. An Iowan who carries within Iowa without a permit must obtain a recognized permit before carrying in any state that does not also recognize permitless carriers. If you travel out of Iowa, carry your Iowa PCW.
Similarly, when permitless carriers from other states enter Iowa, Iowa Code Section 724.11A recognizes a "valid permit." A nonresident who has no permit from any state but is a permitless carrier in their home state may carry in Iowa only under Iowa's own permitless carry rule (Iowa Code Section 724.4C) if they meet Iowa's qualifications (age 18+, not federally or state-prohibited, not intoxicated).
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 926B (active officers) and 18 U.S.C. Section 926C (qualified retired officers), preempts state law and allows qualified active and retired peace officers to carry concealed in any state. LEOSA applies in Iowa independent of Iowa Code Section 724.11A.
State-to-state recognition changes when laws or attorney-general interpretations change. Before traveling, verify:
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.