Gun Laws in Iowa
Explore comprehensive information on Iowa gun laws, including permits to purchase, firearm registration, assault weapon laws, and more. Stay informed and practice responsible gun ownership.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | 724.15 | Iowa law provides for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers but it is not required to purchase firearms. The permit has a three-day waiting period before taking effect. |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | 724.11 | "Neither the sheriff nor the commissioner shall require an applicant for a permit to carry weapons to provide information identifying a particular weapon in the application including the make, model, or serial number of the weapon or any ammunition used in that particular weapon." |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | 724.5
724.7 | Iowa is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older.
Permitless carry took effect on July 1, 2021. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | 724.5 | May carry openly without permit. |
| Castle Doctrine? | Yes | Yes | 704
707.6 | Civil immunity for use of "reasonable force" in self defense |
| Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | 704
707.6 | "A person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat from any place where the person is lawfully present before using force..." |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | 724.28 | "A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the ownership, possession, carrying, legal transfer, lawful transportation, modification, registration, or licensing of firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons when the ownership, possession, carrying, transfer, transportation, or modification is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state." |
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | 724.1 | Machine guns and destructive devices illegal.
Suppressors legal as of March 31, 2016.[68] Short barreled rifles and shotguns legal as of April 13, 2017.[69] |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | 724.1A | Shall certify within 30 days (suppressors only). |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
Understanding Gun Laws in Iowa
Gun laws vary significantly from state to state in the United States. In this article, we'll be focusing on the gun laws in the state of Iowa. We'll cover everything from permits to purchase, firearm registration, assault weapon laws, and more. Let's dive in!
Permits to Purchase
In Iowa, there is no requirement for a state permit to purchase either long guns or handguns. According to Iowa Code 724.15, while a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers is available, it is not mandatory for purchasing firearms. However, it's important to note that this permit has a three-day waiting period before it becomes effective.
Firearm Registration
There is no firearm registration requirement in Iowa for either long guns or handguns. As per Iowa Code 724.11, neither the sheriff nor the commissioner can require an applicant for a permit to carry weapons to provide information identifying a particular weapon in the application.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity Restrictions
Iowa does not have any laws specifically addressing assault weapons or magazine capacity for either long guns or handguns.
Owner License and Carry Permits
There is no requirement for an owner license in Iowa. As for carrying firearms, Iowa is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. This means that permits are not required for concealed carry or open carry of handguns. According to Iowa Code 724.5 and Iowa Code 724.7, permitless carry took effect on July 1, 2021, and you may carry openly without a permit.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Law
The Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws are in effect in Iowa. According to Iowa Code 704 and Iowa Code 707.6, a person has the right to use "reasonable force" in self-defense without the duty to retreat, as long as they are not engaged in illegal activity and are lawfully present at the location.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Iowa has state preemption of local restrictions. As per Iowa Code 724.28, a political subdivision of the state cannot enact an ordinance or policy regulating the ownership, possession, carrying, legal transfer, transportation, or modification of firearms when it is otherwise lawful under the laws of the state.
NFA Weapons Restrictions
NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons are restricted in Iowa. According to Iowa Code 724.1, machine guns and destructive devices are illegal. However, suppressors became legal as of March 31, 2016, and short-barreled rifles and shotguns became legal as of April 13, 2017.
Shall Certify
Iowa law states that it shall certify within 30 days for suppressors only, according to Iowa Code 724.1A.
Peaceable Journey Laws and Background Checks for Private Sales
There are no Peaceable Journey laws in Iowa, and background checks are not required for private sales of firearms.
Understanding the gun laws in your state is crucial for responsible gun ownership. Always make sure to stay updated with the latest laws and regulations. Remember, owning a firearm is a right, but it also comes with the responsibility of knowing and following the laws.
