Restrictions | Iowa Concealed Carry

Iowa Weapon Restrictions for Concealed Carry

Carrying Under the Influence

Permits (and permitless carry authorization) are not valid when a person is:

• Under the influence or intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
• Has any drugs in their system (note: many drugs remain in the body up to 30 days after ingestion)

Prohibited Locations

Carrying a weapon is not authorized in the following locations, even with a valid permit:

• School property
• State and Federal parks
• All federal buildings
• Most state and local government buildings and property
• Airports
• Any place where the owner/operator forbids the possession of a weapon

Private Property Restrictions

• A private property owner or business is entitled to ban weapons from their premises
• Property owners may legally ask you to remove a weapon from their premises even if you have a valid permit
• Bringing a weapon into certain businesses (e.g., convenience stores, banks) may invite a police response due to the nature of the business or employee/patron safety concerns

Permitless Carry Eligibility Requirements

As of Iowa law, a person may carry without a permit if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be eligible to possess a handgun
• Not have probable cause to use a weapon unlawfully or endanger others
• Not be a convicted felon
• Not have a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence

Recent Changes (Effective July 1, 2025)

• HF 924 (signed by Gov. Reynolds): Lowers the minimum age for an Iowa Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons to 18 years old. Those 18 to 20 years old are now eligible to acquire a handgun from a private party within the state. Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) are still restricted from selling/transferring handguns to those under 21. The minimum age for a Permit to Acquire Pistols and Revolvers remains 21.

• SF 106: Removes various restrictions on riding a snowmobile or ATV with a loaded firearm. Specifically:

  • Removes restrictions on riding an ATV or snowmobile with a firearm loaded and uncased
  • Repeals Iowa Code § 483A.36, which previously restricted carrying a long gun in or on a vehicle on a public highway unless the gun was taken down or totally contained in a securely fastened case with barrels and attached magazines unloaded