Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons - Renewal Process

The Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons (Iowa Code Section 724.7) is valid for five years under Iowa Code Section 724.11(4). The Professional Permit (Iowa Code Section 724.6) is valid for one year. Both must be renewed before expiration through the same sheriff (or, for the Professional Permit, through the Iowa Department of Public Safety) that issued the original permit.

Statutory Authority

• Iowa Code Section 724.11(4) - Permit term
• Iowa Code Section 724.11(2) - Issuance procedure (applies to renewals)
• Iowa Code Section 724.8 - Eligibility criteria (applies at renewal)
• Iowa Code Section 724.20 - Fees

Renewal Window

Iowa permits a 60-day renewal window for the Nonprofessional PCW:

• Within 30 days before the permit expiration date, or
• Within 30 days after the permit expiration date

This window has been in effect since July 1, 2017. The Professional Permit (one-year term) follows the same proportionally shorter pre-expiration approach in practice; check with the issuing authority before the expiration date.

Critical Limitation on Carry After Expiration

Although a permit may be renewed at the reduced fee within 30 days after the printed expiration date, the permit itself is expired during that 30-day post-expiration period. A holder whose permit has expired:

• Should not carry under the authority of the permit until the renewal is issued (carry under Iowa Code Section 724.4C permitless carry remains lawful if the carrier qualifies)
• Cannot use the expired permit for reciprocity in other states
• Cannot use the expired permit as a NICS-check alternate when buying a firearm from an FFL

Late Renewal Outside the Window

A renewal application submitted more than 30 days after the permit's expiration date must be processed as a new application under Iowa Code Section 724.11 and charged the higher new-issuance fee under Iowa Code Section 724.20. The applicant may also be required to re-submit proof of completion of an approved training course under Iowa Code Section 724.9 if the sheriff requires it.

Where to Apply

Renewal applications are submitted to the Sheriff of the applicant's county of residence. Many Iowa sheriffs publish renewal forms and detailed procedures on their official websites. Confirm:

• Office hours and required appointment scheduling
• Forms of payment accepted (many sheriffs do not accept personal checks)
• Whether fingerprinting is required for renewals (typically not, but check)
• Whether a new photograph is required

For the Professional Permit, the renewal application goes to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Eligibility at Renewal

The Iowa Code Section 724.8 eligibility criteria apply at renewal:

• Continued absence of felony conviction
• Continued absence of any disqualifying serious or aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa Code Chapter 708 in the prior three years
• No federal firearms disability under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) or 18 U.S.C. Section 922(n)
• No qualifying domestic-abuse protective order
• Continued mental and physical capacity to handle a firearm safely

The sheriff conducts a background investigation comparable to the original issuance.

Training Requirements at Renewal

A person whose permit was originally issued on or after January 1, 2011 is not required to complete another approved training course to renew the Nonprofessional Permit. The original training certificate establishes eligibility for renewal purposes. The sheriff retains discretion to require additional training if there is articulable concern.

Although re-training is not legally required, completing a refresher course every five years is strongly recommended given evolving statutory and case-law developments (for example, the 2017 Stand Your Ground changes, the 2021 permitless carry adoption, and the 2025 age and long-gun changes).

Fees

Under Iowa Code Section 724.20:

• Renewal fee: $25 (Nonprofessional or Professional)
• New-issuance fee (applied to late renewals outside the window): $50

Fingerprint or other administrative costs, if any, are separate. See FEES_COSTS.

Suspended or Revoked Permits

A permit that has been suspended or revoked under Iowa Code Section 724.21 cannot be renewed. The holder must wait until the underlying disqualifying condition (e.g., a conviction, a protective order, a federal disability) is resolved, then apply for a new permit.

Documents to Bring to a Renewal Appointment

Typical requirements:

• Current Iowa driver's license or ID
• Expiring permit card
• Proof of prior training (a copy of the original certificate may suffice)
• Payment for the renewal fee
• Updated address or employer information if changed

Address Changes

A permit holder who moves within Iowa should notify the issuing sheriff of the new address. The PCW itself remains valid statewide; changes typically do not require a new permit unless the move is to a new county where the prior sheriff requests a courtesy transfer of the file.

Renewal Timeline

The sheriff has up to 30 days under Iowa Code Section 724.11(2) to issue or deny the renewal. In practice, renewals submitted in advance of expiration are typically processed within two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

• Five-year term for the Nonprofessional PCW; one-year for the Professional PPCW
• 60-day renewal window: 30 days before + 30 days after expiration
• Do not carry under the expired permit during the post-expiration grace period
• No new training course required for renewal of permits issued on or after January 1, 2011
• Late renewals outside the window are treated as new applications and charged the higher fee