CHAPTER 724
WEAPONS

 
Restrictions on shooting over public waters or roads; §481A.54

  724.1  Offensive weapons.
  An offensive weapon is any device or instrumentality of the following types:
  1.  A machine gun. A machine gun is a firearm which shoots or is designed to shoot more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
  2.  A short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun. A short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun is a rifle with a barrel or barrels less than sixteen inches in length or a shotgun with a barrel or barrels less than eighteen inches in length, as measured from the face of the closed bolt or standing breech to the muzzle, or any rifle or shotgun with an overall length less than twenty-six inches.
  3.  Any weapon other than a shotgun or muzzle loading rifle, cannon, pistol, revolver or musket, which fires or can be made to fire a projectile by the explosion of a propellant charge, which has a barrel or tube with the bore of more than six-tenths of an inch in diameter, or the ammunition or projectile therefor, but not including antique weapons kept for display or lawful shooting.
  4.  A bomb, grenade, or mine, whether explosive, incendiary, or poison gas; any rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces; any missile having an explosive charge of more than one-quarter ounce; or any device similar to any of these.
  5.  A ballistic knife. A ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade which is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism, elastic material, or compressed gas.
  6.  Any part or combination of parts either designed or intended to be used to convert any device into an offensive weapon as described in subsections 1 to 5 of this section, or to assemble into such an offensive weapon, except magazines or other parts, ammunition, or ammunition components used in common with lawful sporting firearms or parts including but not limited to barrels suitable for refitting to sporting firearms.
  7.  Any bullet or projectile containing any explosive mixture or chemical compound capable of exploding or detonating prior to or upon impact, or any shotshell or cartridge containing exothermic pyrophoric misch metal as a projectile which is designed to throw or project a flame or fireball to simulate a flamethrower.
  8.  Any mechanical device specifically constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm silences, muffles, or suppresses the sound when fired. However, this subsection does not apply to a mechanical device possessed and used by a person solely for the purpose of shooting a deer pursuant to an approved city special deer population control plan if the person has a valid federal permit to possess and use the mechanical device.
  9.  An offensive weapon or part or combination of parts therefor shall not include the following:
  a.  An antique firearm. An antique firearm is any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898 or any firearm which is a replica of such a firearm if such replica is not designed or redesigned for using conventional rimfire or centerfire ammunition or which uses only rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
  b.  A collector’s item. A collector’s item is any firearm other than a machine gun that by reason of its date of manufacture, value, design, and other characteristics is not likely to be used as a weapon. The commissioner of public safety shall designate by rule firearms which the commissioner determines to be collector’s items and shall revise or update the list of firearms at least annually.
  c.  Any device which is not designed or redesigned for use as a weapon; any device which is designed solely for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety, or similar device; or any firearm which is unserviceable by reason of being unable to discharge a shot by means of an explosive and is incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition.
[C27, 31, 35, §12960-b1; C39, §12960.01; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, §696.1; C71, 73, 75, 77, §696.1, 697.10, 697.11; C79, 81, §724.1]
83 Acts, ch 7, §1; 88 Acts, ch 1164, §2, 3; 92 Acts, ch 1004, §1, 2; 2000 Acts, ch 1116, §7; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §205

Subsection 7, unnumbered paragraph 2 stricken

  724.2  Authority to possess offensive weapons.
  1.  Any of the following persons or entities is authorized to possess an offensive weapon when the person’s or entity’s duties or lawful activities require or permit such possession:
  a.  Any peace officer.
  b.  Any member of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard.
  c.  Any person in the service of the United States.
  d.  A correctional officer, serving in an institution under the authority of the Iowa department of corrections.
  e.  Any person who under the laws of this state and the United States, is lawfully engaged in the business of supplying those authorized to possess such devices.
  f.  Any person, firm or corporation who under the laws of this state and the United States is lawfully engaged in the improvement, invention or manufacture of firearms.
  g.  Any museum or similar place which possesses, solely as relics, offensive weapons which are rendered permanently unfit for use.
  h.  A resident of this state who possesses an offensive weapon which is a curio or relic firearm under the federal Firearms Act, 18 U.S.C. ch. 44, solely for use in the official functions of a historical reenactment organization of which the person is a member, if the offensive weapon has been permanently rendered unfit for the firing of live ammunition. The offensive weapon may, however, be adapted for the firing of blank ammunition.
  i.  A nonresident who possesses an offensive weapon which is a curio or relic firearm under the federal Firearms Act, 18 U.S.C. ch. 44, solely for use in official functions in this state of a historical reenactment organization of which the person is a member, if the offensive weapon is legally possessed by the person in the person’s state of residence and the offensive weapon is at all times while in this state rendered incapable of firing live ammunition. A nonresident who possesses an offensive weapon under this paragraph while in this state shall not have in the person’s possession live ammunition. The offensive weapon may, however, be adapted for the firing of blank ammunition.
  2.  Notwithstanding subsection 1, a person is not authorized to possess in this state a shotshell or cartridge intended to project a flame or fireball of the type described in section 724.1.
[C27, 31, 35, §12960-b4, 12960-b5, 12960-b7; C39, §12960.04, 12960.05, 12960.07; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §696.4 – 696.7; C79, 81, §724.2]
83 Acts, ch 96, §122, 159; 97 Acts, ch 166, §3; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §206; 2013 Acts, ch 140, §78
Section amended

  724.2A  Peace officer defined.
  As used in sections 724.6 and 724.11 regarding obtaining or renewing a permit for the carrying of weapons, “peace officer” includes a reserve peace officer as defined in section 80D.1A.
96 Acts, ch 1078, §1

  724.3  Unauthorized possession of offensive weapons.
  Any person, other than a person authorized herein, who knowingly possesses an offensive weapon commits a class “D” felony.
[C27, 31, 35, §12960-b3; C39, §12960.03; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, §696.3; C71, 73, 75, 77, §696.3, 697.11; C79, 81, §724.3]

  724.4  Carrying weapons.
  1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
  2.  A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person uses the knife in the commission of a crime, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
  3.  A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person does not use the knife in the commission of a crime:
  a.  If the knife has a blade exceeding eight inches in length, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
  b.  If the knife has a blade exceeding five inches but not exceeding eight inches in length, commits a serious misdemeanor.
  4.  Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the following:
  a.  A person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon in the person’s own dwelling or place of business, or on land owned or possessed by the person.
  b.  A peace officer, when the officer’s duties require the person to carry such weapons.
  c.  A member of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or person in the service of the United States, when the weapons are carried in connection with the person’s duties as such.
  d.  A correctional officer, when the officer’s duties require, serving under the authority of the Iowa department of corrections.
  e.  A person who for any lawful purpose carries an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other dangerous weapon inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person.
  f.  A person who for any lawful purpose carries or transports an unloaded pistol or revolver in a vehicle inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person or inside a cargo or luggage compartment where the pistol or revolver will not be readily accessible to any person riding in the vehicle or common carrier.
  g.  A person while the person is lawfully engaged in target practice on a range designed for that purpose or while actually engaged in lawful hunting.
  h.  A person who carries a knife used in hunting or fishing, while actually engaged in lawful hunting or fishing.
  i.  A person who has in the person’s possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit. A person shall not be convicted of a violation of this section if the person produces at the person’s trial a permit to carry weapons which was valid at the time of the alleged offense and which would have brought the person’s conduct within this exception if the permit had been produced at the time of the alleged offense.
  j.  A law enforcement officer from another state when the officer’s duties require the officer to carry the weapon and the officer is in this state for any of the following reasons:
  (1)  The extradition or other lawful removal of a prisoner from this state.
  (2)  Pursuit of a suspect in compliance with chapter 806.
  (3)  Activities in the capacity of a law enforcement officer with the knowledge and consent of the chief of police of the city or the sheriff of the county in which the activities occur or of the commissioner of public safety.
  k.  A person engaged in the business of transporting prisoners under a contract with the Iowa department of corrections or a county sheriff, a similar agency from another state, or the federal government.
[S13, §4775-1a, -3a, -4a, -7a, -11a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12936 – 12939; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.2 – 695.5; C79, 81, §724.4]
83 Acts, ch 7, §2; 83 Acts, ch 96, §123, 159; 87 Acts, ch 13, §5; 88 Acts, ch 1164, §4; 98 Acts, ch 1131, §3

  724.4A  Weapons free zones — enhanced penalties.
  1.  As used in this section, “weapons free zone” means the area in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or in or on the real property comprising a public park. A weapons free zone shall not include that portion of a public park designated as a hunting area under section 461A.42.
  2.  Notwithstanding sections 902.9 and 903.1, a person who commits a public offense involving a firearm or offensive weapon, within a weapons free zone, in violation of this or any other chapter shall be subject to a fine of twice the maximum amount which may otherwise be imposed for the public offense.
94 Acts, ch 1172, §53

  724.4B  Carrying weapons on school grounds — penalty — exceptions.
  1.  A person who goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school commits a class “D” felony. For the purposes of this section, “school” means a public or nonpublic school as defined in section 280.2.
  2.  Subsection 1 does not apply to the following:
  a.  A person listed under section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraphs “b” through “f” or “j”.
  b.  A person who has been specifically authorized by the school to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the school grounds, including for purposes of conducting an instructional program regarding firearms.
95 Acts, ch 191, §53; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §207

Subsection 2, paragraph b amended

  724.4C  Possession or carrying of firearms while under the influence.
  A permit issued under this chapter is invalid if the person to whom the permit is issued is intoxicated as provided in section 321J.2, subsection 1.
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §4, 19

  724.5  Duty to carry permit to carry weapons.
  A person armed with a revolver, pistol, or pocket billy concealed upon the person shall have in the person’s immediate possession the permit provided for in section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraph “i”, and shall produce the permit for inspection at the request of a peace officer. Failure to so produce a permit is a simple misdemeanor.
[S13, §4775-8a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12947; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.15; C79, 81, §724.5]
90 Acts, ch 1168, §60

  724.6  Professional permit to carry weapons.
  1.  A person may be issued a permit to carry weapons when the person’s employment in a private investigation business or private security business licensed under chapter 80A, or a person’s employment as a peace officer, correctional officer, security guard, bank messenger or other person transporting property of a value requiring security, or in police work, reasonably justifies that person going armed. The permit shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety, shall identify the holder, and shall state the nature of the employment requiring the holder to go armed. A permit so issued, other than to a peace officer, shall authorize the person to whom it is issued to go armed anywhere in the state, only while engaged in the employment, and while going to and from the place of the employment. A permit issued to a certified peace officer shall authorize that peace officer to go armed anywhere in the state at all times. Permits shall expire twelve months after the date when issued except that permits issued to peace officers and correctional officers are valid through the officer’s period of employment unless otherwise canceled. When the employment is terminated, the holder of the permit shall surrender it to the issuing officer for cancellation.
  2.  Notwithstanding subsection 1, fire fighters, as defined in section 411.1, subsection 10, airport fire fighters included under section 97B.49B, and emergency medical care providers, as defined in section 147A.1, shall not, as a condition of employment, be required to obtain a permit under this section. However, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person designated as an arson investigator by the chief fire officer of a political subdivision.
[S13, §4775-4a, -7a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12939, 12943 – 12945; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.5, 695.11 – 695.13; C79, 81, §724.6]
83 Acts, ch 7, §3; 84 Acts, ch 1235, §17; 93 Acts, ch 31, §1; 94 Acts, ch 1183, §87; 95 Acts, ch 41, §26; 98 Acts, ch 1183, §74; 2004 Acts, ch 1103, §58; 2010 Acts, ch 1149, §18

  724.7  Nonprofessional permit to carry weapons.
  1.  Any person who is not disqualified under section 724.8, who satisfies the training requirements of section 724.9, and who files an application in accordance with section 724.10 shall be issued a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons. Such permits shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety, which shall be readily distinguishable from the professional permit, and shall identify the holder of the permit. Such permits shall not be issued for a particular weapon and shall not contain information about a particular weapon including the make, model, or serial number of the weapon or any ammunition used in that weapon. All permits so issued shall be for a period of five years and shall be valid throughout the state except where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law.
  2.  The commissioner of public safety shall develop a process to allow service members deployed for military service to submit a renewal of a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons early and by mail. In addition, a permit issued to a service member who is deployed for military service, as defined in section 29A.1, subsection 3, 8, or 12, that would otherwise expire during the period of deployment shall remain valid for ninety days after the end of the service member’s deployment.
[S13, §4775-3a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12938, 12945; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.4, 695.13; C79, 81, §724.7]
2010 Acts, ch 1170, §6; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §5, 19; 2011 Acts, ch 47, §12; 2012 Acts, ch 1072, §40

For transition provisions relating to permits issued under this chapter prior to January 1, 2011, see 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §18

  724.8  Persons ineligible for permit to carry weapons.
  No professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons shall be issued to a person who is subject to any of the following:
  1.  Is less than eighteen years of age for a professional permit or less than twenty-one years of age for a nonprofessional permit.
  2.  Is addicted to the use of alcohol.
  3.  Probable cause exists to believe, based upon documented specific actions of the person, where at least one of the actions occurred within two years immediately preceding the date of the permit application, that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person’s self or others.
  4.  Is subject to the provisions of section 724.26.
  5.  Has, within the previous three years, been convicted of any serious or aggravated misdemeanor defined in chapter 708 not involving the use of a firearm or explosive.
  6.  Is prohibited by federal law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm.
[C79, 81, §724.8]
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §6, 19

  724.9  Firearm training program.
  1.  An applicant shall demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety by any of the following means:
  a.  Completion of any national rifle association handgun safety training course.
  b.  Completion of any handgun safety training course available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, community college, college, private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the national rifle association or the department of public safety or another state’s department of public safety, state police department, or similar certifying body.
  c.  Completion of any handgun safety training course offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of a law enforcement or security enforcement agency approved by the department of public safety.
  d.  Completion of small arms training while serving with the armed forces of the United States as evidenced by any of the following:
  (1)  For personnel released or retired from active duty, possession of an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.
  (2)  For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the national guard or reserve components of the armed forces of the United States, possession of a certificate of completion of basic training with a service record of successful completion of small arms training and qualification.
  e.  Completion of a law enforcement agency firearms training course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of the peace officer’s duties.
  2.  Evidence of qualification under this section may be documented by any of the following:
  a.  A photocopy of a certificate of completion or any similar document indicating completion of any course or class identified in subsection 1.
  b.  An affidavit from the instructor, school, organization, or group that conducted or taught a course or class identified in subsection 1 attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant.
  c.  A copy of any document indicating participation in any firearms shooting competition.
  3.  An issuing officer shall not condition the issuance of a permit on training requirements that are not specified in or that exceed the requirements of this section.
[C79, 81, §724.9]
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §7, 19

  724.10  Application for permit to carry weapons — background check required.
  1.  A person shall not be issued a permit to carry weapons unless the person has completed and signed an application on a form to be prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The application shall require only the full name, driver’s license or nonoperator’s identification card number, residence, place of birth, and date of birth of the applicant, and shall state whether the applicant meets the criteria specified in sections 724.8 and 724.9. An applicant may provide the applicant’s social security number if the applicant so chooses. The applicant shall also display an identification card that bears a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, the full name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and a brief description and colored photograph of the cardholder.
  2.  The issuing officer, upon receipt of an initial or renewal application under this section, shall immediately conduct a background check concerning each applicant by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety which shall include an inquiry of the national instant criminal background check system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency.
  3.  A person who makes what the person knows to be a false statement of material fact on an application submitted under this section or who submits what the person knows to be any materially falsified or forged documentation in connection with such an application commits a class “D” felony.
[S13, §4775-4a, -7a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12939, 12940; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.5, 695.6; C79, 81, §724.10]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §1; 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §1; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §8, 19; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §166

Subsection 2 amended

  724.11  Issuance of permit to carry weapons.
  1.  Applications for permits to carry weapons shall be made to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides. Applications for professional permits to carry weapons for persons who are nonresidents of the state, or whose need to go armed arises out of employment by the state, shall be made to the commissioner of public safety. In either case, the sheriff or commissioner, before issuing the permit, shall determine that the requirements of sections 724.6 to 724.10 have been satisfied. However, for renewal of a permit the training program requirements in section 724.9, subsection 1, shall apply or the renewal applicant may choose to qualify on a firing range under the supervision of an instructor certified by the national rifle association or the department of public safety or another state’s department of public safety, state police department, or similar certifying body. Such training or qualification must occur within the twelve-month period prior to the expiration of the applicant’s current permit.
  2.  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.
  3.  The issuing officer shall collect a fee of fifty dollars, except from a duly appointed peace officer or correctional officer, for each permit issued. Renewal permits or duplicate permits shall be issued for a fee of twenty-five dollars, provided the application for such renewal permit is received by the issuing officer at least thirty days prior to the expiration of the applicant’s current permit. The issuing officer shall notify the commissioner of public safety of the issuance of any permit at least monthly and forward to the commissioner an amount equal to ten dollars for each permit issued and five dollars for each renewal or duplicate permit issued. All such fees received by the commissioner shall be paid to the treasurer of state and deposited in the operating account of the department of public safety to offset the cost of administering this chapter. Notwithstanding section 8.33, any unspent balance as of June 30 of each year shall not revert to the general fund of the state.
  4.  The sheriff or commissioner of public safety shall approve or deny an initial or renewal application submitted under this section within thirty days of receipt of the application. A person whose application for a permit under this chapter is denied may seek review of the denial under section 724.21A. The failure to approve or deny an initial or renewal application shall result in a decision of approval.
[S13, §4775-3a; C24, 27, §12941; C31, 35, §12941, 12941-c1, 12941-d1; C39, §12941, 12941.1, 12941.2; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.7 – 695.9; C79, 81, §724.11]
91 Acts, ch 207, §1; 97 Acts, ch 23, §78; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §9, 19

  724.11A  Recognition.
  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 issued pursuant to this chapter, except that such permit or license shall not be considered to be a substitute for an annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers issued pursuant to section 724.15.
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §10, 19

  724.12  Permit to carry weapons not transferable.
  Permits to carry weapons shall be issued to a specific person only, and may not be transferred from one person to another.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12942; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.10; C79, 81, §724.12]

  724.13  Suspension or revocation of permit to carry weapons — criminal history background check.
  1.  An issuing officer who finds that a person issued a permit to carry weapons under this chapter has been arrested for a disqualifying offense or is the subject of proceedings that could lead to the person’s ineligibility for such permit may immediately suspend such permit. An issuing officer proceeding under this section shall immediately notify the permit holder of the suspension by personal service or certified mail on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety and the suspension shall become effective upon the permit holder’s receipt of such notice. If the suspension is based on an arrest or a proceeding that does not result in a disqualifying conviction or finding against the permit holder, the issuing officer shall immediately reinstate the permit upon receipt of proof of the matter’s final disposition. If the arrest leads to a disqualifying conviction or the proceedings to a disqualifying finding, the issuing officer shall revoke the permit. The issuing officer may also revoke the permit of a person whom the issuing officer later finds was not qualified for such a permit at the time of issuance or who the officer finds provided materially false information on the permit application. A person aggrieved by a suspension or revocation under this section may seek review of the decision pursuant to section 724.21A.
  2.  The issuing officer may annually conduct a background check concerning a person issued a permit by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety.
[S13, §4775-6a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12946; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.14; C79, 81, §724.13]
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §11, 19
  724.14  Repealed by 78 Acts, ch 1174, §  19. 

  724.15  Annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers.
  1.  Any person who desires to acquire ownership of any pistol or revolver shall first obtain an annual permit. An annual permit shall be issued upon request to any resident of this state unless the person is subject to any of the following:
  a.  Is less than twenty-one years of age.
  b.  Is subject to the provisions of section 724.26.
  c.  Is prohibited by federal law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm.
  2.  Any person who acquires ownership of a pistol or revolver shall not be required to obtain an annual permit if any of the following apply:
  a.  The person transferring the pistol or revolver and the person acquiring the pistol or revolver are licensed firearms dealers under federal law.
  b.  The pistol or revolver acquired is an antique firearm, a collector’s item, a device which is not designed or redesigned for use as a weapon, a device which is designed solely for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety, or similar device, or a firearm which is unserviceable by reason of being unable to discharge a shot by means of an explosive and is incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition.
  c.  The person acquiring the pistol or revolver is authorized to do so on behalf of a law enforcement agency.
  d.  The person has obtained a valid permit to carry weapons, as provided in section 724.11.
  e.  The person transferring the pistol or revolver and the person acquiring the pistol or revolver are related to one another within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity unless the person transferring the pistol or revolver knows that the person acquiring the pistol or revolver would be disqualified from obtaining a permit.
  3.  The annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers shall authorize the permit holder to acquire one or more pistols or revolvers during the period that the permit remains valid. If the issuing officer determines that the applicant has become disqualified under the provisions of subsection 1, the issuing officer may immediately revoke the permit and shall provide a written statement of the reasons for revocation, and the applicant shall have the right to appeal the revocation as provided in section 724.21A.
  4.  An issuing officer who finds that a person issued a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers under this chapter has been arrested for a disqualifying offense or who is the subject of proceedings that could lead to the person’s ineligibility for such permit may immediately suspend such permit. An issuing officer proceeding under this subsection shall immediately notify the permit holder of the suspension by personal service or certified mail on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety and the suspension shall become effective upon the permit holder’s receipt of such notice. If the suspension is based on an arrest or a proceeding that does not result in a disqualifying conviction or finding against the permit holder, the issuing officer shall immediately reinstate the permit upon receipt of proof of the matter’s final disposition. If the arrest leads to a disqualifying conviction or the proceedings to a disqualifying finding, the issuing officer shall revoke the permit. The issuing officer may also revoke the permit of a person whom the issuing officer later finds was not qualified for such a permit at the time of issuance or who the officer finds provided materially false information on the permit application. A person aggrieved by a suspension or revocation under this subsection may seek review of the decision pursuant to section 724.21A.
[C79, 81, §724.15]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §2, 3; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §12, 19

For transition provisions relating to permits issued under this chapter prior to January 1, 2011, see 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §18

  724.16  Annual permit to acquire required — transfer prohibited.
  1.  Except as otherwise provided in section 724.15, subsection 2, a person who acquires ownership of a pistol or revolver without a valid annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers or a person who transfers ownership of a pistol or revolver to a person who does not have in the person’s possession a valid annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
  2.  A person who transfers ownership of a pistol or revolver to a person that the transferor knows is prohibited by section 724.15 from acquiring ownership of a pistol or revolver commits a class “D” felony.
[C79, 81, §724.16]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §4; 94 Acts, ch 1172, §54

  724.16A  Trafficking in stolen weapons.
  1.  A person who knowingly transfers or acquires possession, or who facilitates the transfer, of a stolen firearm commits:
  a.  A class “D” felony for a first offense.
  b.  A class “C” felony for second and subsequent offenses or if the weapon is used in the commission of a public offense.
  2.  However, this section shall not apply to a person purchasing stolen firearms through a buy-back program sponsored by a law enforcement agency if the firearms are returned to their rightful owners or destroyed.
94 Acts, ch 1172, §55; 97 Acts, ch 119, §1, 3, 4; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §235
Section affirmed and reenacted effective May 6, 1997; legislative findings; 97 Acts, ch 119, §1, 3, 4 
Section amended

  724.17  Application for annual permit to acquire — criminal history check required.
  The application for an annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers may be made to the sheriff of the county of the applicant’s residence and shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The application shall require only the full name of the applicant, the driver’s license or nonoperator’s identification card number of the applicant, the residence of the applicant, and the date and place of birth of the applicant. The applicant shall also display an identification card that bears a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, the full name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and brief description and colored photograph of the cardholder, or other identification as specified by rule of the department of public safety. The sheriff shall conduct a criminal history check concerning each applicant by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety which shall include an inquiry of the national instant criminal background check system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency. A person who makes what the person knows to be a false statement of material fact on an application submitted under this section or who submits what the person knows to be any materially falsified or forged documentation in connection with such an application commits a class “D” felony.
[C79, 81, §724.17]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §5; 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §2; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §13, 19; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §167
Section amended

  724.18  Procedure for making application for annual permit to acquire.
  A person may personally request the sheriff to mail an application for an annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and the sheriff shall immediately forward to such person an application for an annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers. A person shall upon completion of the application personally deliver such application to the sheriff who shall note the period of validity on the application and shall immediately issue the annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers to the applicant. For the purposes of this section the date of application shall be the date on which the sheriff received the completed application.
[C79, 81, §724.18]

  724.19  Issuance of annual permit to acquire.
  The annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers shall be issued to the applicant immediately upon completion of the application unless the applicant is disqualified under the provisions of section 724.15 and shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The permit shall contain the name of the permittee, the residence of the permittee, and the effective date of the permit.
[C79, 81, §724.19]
2002 Acts, ch 1055, §3

  724.20  Validity of annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers.
  The permit shall be valid throughout the state and shall be valid three days after the date of application and shall be invalid one year after the date of application.
[C79, 81, §724.20]

  724.21  Giving false information when acquiring weapon.
  A person who gives a false name or presents false identification, or otherwise knowingly gives false material information to one from whom the person seeks to acquire a pistol or revolver, commits a class “D” felony.
[S13, §4775-10a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12955; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.23; C79, 81, §724.21]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §6

  724.21A  Denial, suspension, or revocation of permit to carry weapons or permit to acquire pistols or revolvers.
  1.  In any case where the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety denies an application for or suspends or revokes a permit to carry weapons or an annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, the sheriff or commissioner shall provide a written statement of the reasons for the denial, suspension, or revocation and the applicant or permit holder shall have the right to appeal the denial, suspension, or revocation to an administrative law judge in the department of inspections and appeals within thirty days of receiving written notice of the denial, suspension, or revocation.
  2.  The applicant or permit holder may file an appeal with an administrative law judge by filing a copy of the denial, suspension, or revocation notice with a written statement that clearly states the applicant’s reasons rebutting the denial, suspension, or revocation along with a fee of ten dollars. Additional supporting information relevant to the proceedings may also be included. 
  3.  The administrative law judge shall, within forty-five days of receipt of the request for an appeal, set a hearing date. The hearing may be held by telephone or video conference at the discretion of the administrative law judge. The administrative law judge shall receive witness testimony and other evidence relevant to the proceedings at the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to chapter 17A.
  4.  Upon conclusion of the hearing, the administrative law judge shall order that the denial, suspension, or revocation of the permit be either rescinded or sustained. An applicant, permit holder, or issuing officer aggrieved by the final judgment of the administrative law judge shall have the right to judicial review in accordance with the terms of the Iowa administrative procedure Act, chapter 17A.
  5.  The standard of review under this section shall be clear and convincing evidence that the issuing officer’s written statement of the reasons for the denial, suspension, or revocation constituted probable cause to deny an application or to suspend or revoke a permit.
  6.  The department of inspections and appeals shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
  7.  In any case where the issuing officer denies an application for, or suspends or revokes a permit to carry weapons or an annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers solely because of an adverse determination by the national instant criminal background check system, the applicant or permit holder shall not seek relief under this section but may pursue relief of the national instant criminal background check system determination pursuant to Pub. L. No. 103-159, sections 103(f) and (g) and 104 and 28 C.F.R. § 25.10, or other applicable law. The outcome of such proceedings shall be binding on the issuing officer.
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §14, 19

  724.22  Persons under twenty-one — sale, loan, gift, making available — possession.
  1.  Except as provided in subsection 3, a person who sells, loans, gives, or makes available a rifle or shotgun or ammunition for a rifle or shotgun to a minor commits a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class “D” felony for second and subsequent offenses.
  2.  Except as provided in subsections 4 and 5, a person who sells, loans, gives, or makes available a pistol or revolver or ammunition for a pistol or revolver to a person below the age of twenty-one commits a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class “D” felony for second and subsequent offenses.
  3.  A parent, guardian, spouse who is eighteen years of age or older, or another with the express consent of the minor’s parent or guardian or spouse who is eighteen years of age or older may allow a minor to possess a rifle or shotgun or the ammunition therefor which may be lawfully used.
  4.  A person eighteen, nineteen, or twenty years of age may possess a firearm and the ammunition therefor while on military duty or while a peace officer, security guard or correctional officer, when such duty requires the possession of such a weapon or while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof from an instructor who is twenty-one years of age or older.
  5.  A parent or guardian or spouse who is twenty-one years of age or older, of a person fourteen years of age but less than twenty-one may allow the person to possess a pistol or revolver or the ammunition therefor for any lawful purpose while under the direct supervision of the parent or guardian or spouse who is twenty-one years of age or older, or while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof from an instructor twenty-one years of age or older, with the consent of such parent, guardian or spouse.
  6.  For the purposes of this section, caliber .22 rimfire ammunition shall be deemed to be rifle ammunition.
  7.  It shall be unlawful for any person to store or leave a loaded firearm which is not secured by a trigger lock mechanism, placed in a securely locked box or container, or placed in some other location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under the age of fourteen years, if such person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of fourteen years is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor’s parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, the minor lawfully gains access to the firearm without the consent of the minor’s parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, and the minor exhibits the firearm in a public place in an unlawful manner, or uses the firearm unlawfully to cause injury or death to a person. This subsection does not apply if the minor obtains the firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person. A violation of this subsection is punishable as a serious misdemeanor.
[C97, §5004; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12958; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.26; C79, 81, §724.22]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §7; 94 Acts, ch 1023, §119; 94 Acts, ch 1172, §56

  724.23  Records kept by commissioner.
  The commissioner of public safety shall maintain a permanent record of all valid permits to carry weapons and of current permit revocations.
[C79, 81, §724.23]
83 Acts, ch 7, §4
  724.24  Repealed by 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §  5. 

  724.25  Felony and antique firearm defined.
  1.  As used in section 724.26, the word “felony” means any offense punishable in the jurisdiction where it occurred by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, but does not include any offense, other than an offense involving a firearm or explosive, classified as a misdemeanor under the laws of the state and punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.
  2.  As used in this chapter an “antique firearm” means any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898. An antique firearm also means a replica of a firearm so described if the replica is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition or if the replica uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
[C79, 81, §724.25]
86 Acts, ch 1065, §1; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §15, 19

  724.26  Possession, receipt, transportation, or dominion and control of firearms, offensive weapons, and ammunition by felons and others.
  1.  A person who is convicted of a felony in a state or federal court, or who is adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult, and who knowingly has under the person’s dominion and control or possession, receives, or transports or causes to be transported a firearm or offensive weapon is guilty of a class “D” felony.
  2.  a.  Except as provided in paragraph “b”, a person who is subject to a protective order under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) and who knowingly possesses, ships, transports, or receives a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition is guilty of a class “D” felony.
  b.  This subsection shall not apply to the possession, shipment, transportation, or receipt of a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition issued by a state department or agency or political subdivision for use in the performance of the official duties of the person who is the subject of a protective order under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8).
  c.  For purposes of this section, “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” means an assault under section 708.1, subsection 2, paragraph “a” or “c”, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
  3.  Upon the issuance of a protective order or entry of a judgment of conviction described in subsection 2, the court shall inform the person who is the subject of such order or conviction that the person shall not possess, ship, transport, or receive a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition while such order is in effect or until such conviction is vacated or until the person’s rights have been restored in accordance with section 724.27.
  4.  Except as provided in section 809A.17, subsection 5, paragraph “b”, a court that issues an order or that enters a judgment of conviction described in subsection 2 and that finds the subject of the order or conviction to be in possession of any firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition shall order that such firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition be sold or transferred by a date certain to the custody of a qualified person in this state, as determined by the court. The qualified person must be able to lawfully possess such firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition in this state. If the court is unable to identify a qualified person to receive such firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition, the court shall order that the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition be transferred by a date certain to the county sheriff or a local law enforcement agency designated by the court for safekeeping until a qualified person is identified to receive the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition, until such order is no longer in effect, until such conviction is vacated, or until the person’s rights have been restored in accordance with section 724.27. If the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition is to be transferred to the sheriff’s office or a local law enforcement agency, the court shall assess the person the reasonable cost of storing the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition, payable to the county sheriff or the local law enforcement agency.
  5.  Upon entry of an order described in subsection 2, the court shall enter the name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, or other identifying information of the person subject to the order into the Iowa criminal justice information system, the reason for the order, and the date by which the person is required to comply with any relinquishment order issued under subsection 4. At the time such order is no longer in effect, such information relating to the prohibition in subsection 3 shall be deleted from the Iowa criminal justice information system.
  6.  If a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition has been transferred to a qualified person pursuant to subsection 4 and the protective order described in subsection 2 is no longer in effect, the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition shall be returned to the person who was subject to the protective order within five days of that person’s request to have the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition returned.
[C79, 81, §724.26]
90 Acts, ch 1147, §8; 97 Acts, ch 126, §47; 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §4; 2002 Acts, ch 1175, §94; 2002 Acts, 2nd Ex, ch 1003, §243, 262; 2010 Acts, ch 1083, §4; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §254

Exception; see §724.27 
Subsection 2, paragraph c amended

  724.27  Offenders’ rights restored.
  1.  The provisions of section 724.8, section 724.15, subsection 1, and section 724.26 shall not apply to a person who is eligible to have the person’s civil rights regarding firearms restored under section 914.7 if any of the following occur:
  a.  The person is pardoned by the President of the United States or the chief executive of a state for a disqualifying conviction.
  b.  The person’s civil rights have been restored after a disqualifying conviction, commitment, or adjudication.
  c.  The person’s conviction for a disqualifying offense has been expunged.
  2.  Subsection 1 shall not apply to a person whose pardon, restoration of civil rights, or expungement of conviction expressly forbids the person to receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices.
[C79, 81, §724.27]
94 Acts, ch 1172, §57; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §16, 19

  724.28  Prohibition of regulation by political subdivisions.
  A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state. An ordinance regulating firearms in violation of this section existing on or after April 5, 1990, is void.
90 Acts, ch 1147, §9

  724.29  Firearm devices.
  A person who sells or offers for sale a manual or power-driven trigger activating device constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm increases the rate of fire of the firearm is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
90 Acts, ch 1147, §10

  724.30  Reckless use of a firearm.
  A person who intentionally discharges a firearm in a reckless manner commits the following:
  1.  A class “C” felony if a serious injury occurs.
  2.  A class “D” felony if a bodily injury which is not a serious injury occurs.
  3.  An aggravated misdemeanor if property damage occurs without a serious injury or bodily injury occurring.
  4.  A simple misdemeanor if no injury to a person or damage to property occurs.
94 Acts, ch 1172, §58

  724.31  Persons subject to firearm disabilities due to mental health commitments or adjudications — relief from disabilities — reports.
  1.  When a court issues an order or judgment under the laws of this state by which a person becomes subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4), the clerk of the district court shall forward only such information as is necessary to identify the person to the department of public safety, which in turn shall forward the information to the federal bureau of investigation or its successor agency for the sole purpose of inclusion in the national instant criminal background check system database. The clerk of the district court shall also notify the person of the prohibitions imposed under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4).
  2.  A person who is subject to the disabilities imposed by 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4) because of an order or judgment that occurred under the laws of this state may petition the court that issued the order or judgment or the court in the county where the person resides for relief from the disabilities imposed under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4). A copy of the petition shall also be served on the director of human services and the county attorney at the county attorney’s office of the county in which the original order occurred, and the director or the county attorney may appear, support, object to, and present evidence relevant to the relief sought by the petitioner.
  3.  The court shall receive and consider evidence in a closed proceeding, including evidence offered by the petitioner, concerning all of the following:
  a.  The circumstances surrounding the original issuance of the order or judgment that resulted in the firearm disabilities imposed by 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4).
  b.  The petitioner’s record, which shall include, at a minimum, the petitioner’s mental health records and criminal history records, if any.
  c.  The petitioner’s reputation, developed, at a minimum, through character witness statements, testimony, and other character evidence.
  d.  Any changes in the petitioner’s condition or circumstances since the issuance of the original order or judgment that are relevant to the relief sought.
  4.  The court shall grant a petition for relief filed pursuant to subsection 2 if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to the public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. A record shall be kept of the proceedings, but the record shall remain confidential and shall be disclosed only to a court in the event of an appeal. The petitioner may appeal a denial of the requested relief, and review on appeal shall be de novo. A person may file a petition for relief under subsection 2 not more than once every two years.
  5.  If a court issues an order granting a petition for relief filed pursuant to subsection 2, the clerk of the court shall immediately notify the department of public safety of the order granting relief under this section. The department of public safety shall, as soon thereafter as is practicable but not later than ten business days thereafter, update, correct, modify, or remove the petitioner’s record in any database that the department of public safety makes available to the national instant criminal background check system and shall notify the United States department of justice that the basis for such record being made available no longer applies.
2010 Acts, ch 1178, §17, 19; 2011 Acts, ch 72, §1 – 3

2011 amendment takes effect April 19, 2011, and also applies to information in an order or judgment specified in subsection 2 issued prior to that date which is determined necessary to identify a person subject to such order or judgment, if such order or judgment is available electronically in the Iowa court information system; department of public safety to notify Code editor upon fulfillment of requirements; 2011 Acts, ch 72, §2, 3; Code editor notified by department of public safety that as of May 7, 2012, information relating to orders or judgments issued prior to April 19, 2011, was not transmitted to the department, and the retroactive reporting requirement imposed by 2011 Acts, ch 72, §3, has not been fulfilled