WEAPONS

724.1

Offensive weapons.

1. An offensive weapon is any device or instrumentality of the following types:

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. A destructive device as defined in section 101A.1.

d. 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.

e. Any part or combination of parts either designed or intended to be used to convert any device into an offensive weapon as described in paragraphs “a” through “d”, 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.

f. 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.

2. 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 fixed 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; 2014 Acts, ch 1092, §148; 2015 Acts, ch 30, §194; 2016 Acts, ch 1044, §1, 4; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §1; 2023 Acts, ch 12, §6, 8

Referred to in §123.56, 124.401, 657.12, 724.2, 809.21, 809A.17

724.1A

Firearm suppressors — certification.

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

a. “Certification” means the participation and assent of the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the applicant resides or maintains an address of record, that is necessary under federal law for the approval of an application to make or transfer a firearm suppressor.

b. “Chief law enforcement officer” means the county sheriff, chief of police, or the designee of such official, that the federal bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, or any successor agency, has identified by regulation or has determined is otherwise eligible to provide any required certification for making or transferring a firearm suppressor.

c. “Firearm suppressor” means a mechanical device specifically constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm it silences, muffles, or suppresses the sound when fired and that is considered a “firearm silencer” or “firearm muffler” as defined in 18 U.S.C. §921.

2. a. A chief law enforcement officer is not required to make any certification under this section the chief law enforcement officer knows to be false, but the chief law enforcement officer shall not refuse, based on a generalized objection, to issue a certification to make or transfer a firearm suppressor.

b. When the certification of the chief law enforcement officer is required by federal law or regulation for making or transferring a firearm suppressor, the chief law enforcement officer shall, within thirty days of receipt of a request for certification, issue such certification if the applicant is not prohibited by law from making or transferring a firearm suppressor or is not the subject of a proceeding that could result in the applicant being prohibited by law from making or transferring the firearm suppressor. If the chief law enforcement officer does not issue a certification as required by this section, the chief law enforcement officer shall provide the applicant with a written notification of the denial and the reason for the denial.

c. A certification that has been approved under this section grants the person the authority to make or transfer a firearm suppressor as provided by state and federal law.

3. An applicant whose request for certification is denied may appeal the decision of the chief law enforcement officer to the district court for the county in which the applicant resides or maintains an address of record. The court shall review the decision of the chief law enforcement officer to deny the certification de novo. If the court finds that the applicant is not prohibited by law from making or transferring the firearm suppressor, and is not the subject of a proceeding that could result in such prohibition, or that no substantial evidence supports the decision of the chief law enforcement officer, the court shall order the chief law enforcement officer to issue the certification and award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the applicant. If the court determines the applicant is not eligible to be issued a certification, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the political subdivision of the state representing the chief law enforcement officer.

4. In making a determination about whether to issue a certification under subsection 2, a chief law enforcement officer may conduct a criminal background check, including an inquiry of the national instant criminal background check system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency, but shall only require the applicant to provide as much information as is necessary to identify the applicant for this purpose or to determine the disposition of an arrest or proceeding relevant to the eligibility of the applicant to lawfully possess or receive a firearm suppressor. A chief law enforcement officer shall not require access to or consent to inspect any private premises as a condition of providing a certification under this section.

5. A chief law enforcement officer and employees of the chief law enforcement officer who act in good faith are immune from liability arising from any act or omission in making a certification as required by this section.

2016 Acts, ch 1044, §2, 4

724.1B

Firearm suppressors — penalty.

1. A person shall not knowingly possess a firearm suppressor in this state in violation of federal law.

2. A person who possesses a firearm suppressor in violation of subsection 1 commits a class “D” felony.

2016 Acts, ch 1044, §3, 4

724.1C

Short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun — penalty.

1. For purposes of this section, “short-barreled rifle” or “short-barreled shotgun” means the same as defined in 18 U.S.C. §921.

2. A person shall not knowingly possess a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun in violation of federal law.

3. A person who possesses a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun in violation of subsection 2 commits a class “D” felony.

2017 Acts, ch 69, §2

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

724.2A

Peace officer — defined — reserved peace officer included.

As used in sections 724.4B, 724.6, and 724.11, “peace officer” includes a reserve peace officer as defined in section 80D.1A.

96 Acts, ch 1078, §1; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §5; 2017 Acts, ch 170, §46; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §8

Referred to in §708.12, 708.13

724.3

Unauthorized possession of offensive weapons.

Any person, other than a person authorized in this chapter, 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]

2018 Acts, ch 1026, §176

724.4

Use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime.

A person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon on or about the person, and who uses the dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, commits an aggravated misdemeanor, except as provided in section 708.8.

[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; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §6; 2018 Acts, ch 1058, §5; 2018 Acts, ch 1117, §1, 2; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §9

Referred to in §232.52

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 firearms 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 who has been specifically authorized by the school to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the school grounds for any lawful purpose.

b. A peace officer including a peace officer who has not been certified and a federal officer when the officer’s employment requires going armed, whether or not the peace officer or federal officer is acting in the performance of official duties.

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 firearm is carried in connection with the person’s duties as such.

d. A correctional officer, when the officer’s duties require the officer to carry a firearm, 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 firearm inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package that is too large to be concealed on the person.

f. A person who for any lawful purpose carries or transports an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm in a vehicle or common carrier inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package that is too large to be concealed on the person or carries or transports an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm 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 law enforcement officer from another state when the officer’s duties require the officer to carry a firearm 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.

h. A licensee under chapter 80A or an employee of such a licensee, while the licensee or employee is engaged in the performance of duties, and if the licensee or employee possesses a valid professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons issued pursuant to this chapter.

95 Acts, ch 191, §53; 2013 Acts, ch 90, §207; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §7; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §10

Referred to in §232.52, 724.2A

724.4C

Possession or carrying of dangerous weapons while under the influence.

1. Except as provided in subsection 2, a person commits a serious misdemeanor if the person is intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, paragraph “a”, “b”, or “c”, and the person does any of the following:

a. Carries a dangerous weapon on or about the person.

b. Carries a dangerous weapon within the person’s immediate access or reach while in a vehicle.

2. This section shall not apply to any of the following:

a. A person who carries or possesses a dangerous weapon while in the person’s own dwelling, place of business, or on land owned or lawfully possessed by the person.

b. The transitory possession or use of a dangerous weapon during an act of justified self-defense or justified defense of another, provided that the possession lasts no longer than is immediately necessary to resolve the emergency.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §4, 19; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §8; 2017 Acts, ch 170, §47

724.4D

Carrying of dangerous weapons — duty to cooperate — reasonable suspicion.

A person carrying a dangerous weapon whose behavior creates a reasonable suspicion that the person presents a danger to the person’s self or others shall cooperate with an investigating officer.

2021 Acts, ch 35, §11

724.4E

Possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors.

1. A minor who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person commits a serious misdemeanor.

2. A minor who carries, transports, or possesses a loaded firearm of any kind within the limits of a city or knowingly carries or transports a pistol or revolver in a vehicle commits a serious misdemeanor.

3. A minor who goes armed with a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person, whether concealed or not, commits a simple misdemeanor.

2021 Acts, ch 35, §12

Referred to in §232.2

724.5

Availability of permit not to be construed as prohibition on unlicensed carrying of weapons.

The availability of a professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons under this chapter shall not be construed to impose a general prohibition on the otherwise lawful unlicensed carrying or transport, whether openly or concealed, of a dangerous weapon, including a loaded firearm.

[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; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §9; 2018 Acts, ch 1026, §177; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §13

724.6

Professional permit to carry weapons.

1. a. (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, county attorney, assistant county attorney, security guard, bank messenger or other person transporting property of a value requiring security, or in police work, reasonably justifies that person going armed.

(2) A person may be issued a permit to carry weapons if the person is an emergency medical care provider who is designated and attached to a law enforcement tactical team by the authorities having jurisdiction. A person issued a permit to carry weapons under this paragraph shall train with the law enforcement tactical team the person is designated and attached to, complete a prescribed firearm safety training course offered pursuant to section 724.9, subsection 1, paragraph “e”, complete any additional training as prescribed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and not be disqualified under section 724.8.

(3) A person may be issued a permit to carry weapons if the person is a school employee of a school district, a private school, or an institution of higher education as defined in section 722.11. The person shall complete a prescribed firearm safety training course offered pursuant to section 724.9, subsection 1, prior to being issued a permit, and not be disqualified under section 724.8. A person issued a permit to carry weapons under this subparagraph shall receive one-time, in-person legal training, including training on qualified immunity, annual emergency medical training, and annual communication training that is approved by the department of public safety. A person issued a permit to carry weapons under this subparagraph shall complete annual live scenario training and quarterly live firearm training approved by the department of public safety for school employees of a school district, a private school, or an institution of higher education that has opted into participating in the professional permitting of school employees. A school employee issued a professional permit to carry by the department of public safety who is up to date with all required training, and the school district that employs the school employee, shall be entitled to qualified immunity from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred pursuant to the application of reasonable force at the place of employment. The identity of a person who has been issued a permit pursuant to this subparagraph shall be confidential and shall not be a public record subject to disclosure under chapter 22. The department of public safety shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this subparagraph.

(4) A person may be issued a permit to carry weapons if the person is a county attorney or an assistant county attorney. An application for a permit by an assistant county attorney must be approved by the county attorney of each county in which the applicant serves prior to a permit to carry weapons being issued. The sheriff of the issuing county may require the applicant to complete a proficiency examination prior to issuing the permit to carry weapons. The standards for a proficiency examination for a county attorney or assistant county attorney shall not exceed the standards required of a peace officer. The applicant shall pay the reasonable costs associated with completing a proficiency examination.

b. 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, county attorney, or assistant county attorney, 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.

c. A permit issued to a certified peace officer, county attorney, or assistant county attorney shall authorize that peace officer, county attorney, or assistant county attorney to go armed anywhere in the state at all times, including on the grounds of a school.

d. Permits shall expire twelve months after the date when issued except that permits issued to peace officers, county attorneys, assistant county attorneys, and correctional officers are valid through the holder of the permit’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 11, airport fire fighters included under section 97B.49B, school employees, and emergency medical care providers other than emergency medical care providers specified in subsection 1, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (2), 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.

3. For purposes of this section, “emergency medical care provider” means the same as defined in section 147A.1.

[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; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §10; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §14 – 16; 2024 Acts, ch 1084, §2 – 4; 2024 Acts, ch 1119, §1 – 3; 2024 Acts, ch 1179, §11, 13

Referred to in §29C.25, 80A.13, 279.84, 724.2A, 724.11

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

Referred to in §29C.25, 80A.13, 724.11

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.

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; 2025 Acts, ch 27, §1

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.6, 724.7, 724.8B, 724.10, 724.11, 724.27

Subsection 1 amended

724.8A

Limitation on authority — nonprojectile high-voltage pulse weapons designed to immobilize — public universities and community colleges.

1. The governing board of a university under the control of the state board of regents as provided in chapter 262 or a community college under the jurisdiction of a board of directors for a merged area as provided in chapter 260C shall not adopt or enforce any policy or rule that prohibits the carrying, transportation, or possession of a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person in the buildings or on the grounds of such a college or university, as long as such a dangerous weapon does not generate a projectile that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person, and such a dangerous weapon is not used in the commission of a public offense.

2. This section shall not apply to any policy or rule adopted or enforced by the governing board of a university under the control of the state board of regents as provided in chapter 262 or a community college under the jurisdiction of a board of directors for a merged area as provided in chapter 260C that prohibits persons who have been convicted of a felony from carrying, transporting, or possessing a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person in the buildings or on the grounds of such a university or community college.

3. This section shall not apply to any policy or rule adopted or enforced by the governing board of a university under the control of the state board of regents as provided in chapter 262 that prohibits the carrying, transportation, or possession of a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person inside the buildings or physical structures of any stadium or hospital associated with an institution governed by the state board of regents.

2019 Acts, ch 94, §3; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §376

Referred to in §80A.13, 260C.14A, 262.9D, 724.11

724.8B

Persons ineligible to carry dangerous weapons.

A person determined to be ineligible to receive a permit to carry weapons under section 724.8, subsection 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, a person who illegally possesses a controlled substance included in chapter 124, subchapter II, or a person who is committing an indictable offense is prohibited from carrying dangerous weapons. Unless otherwise provided by law, a person who violates this section commits a serious misdemeanor.

2021 Acts, ch 35, §17

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.11, 724.15, 724.16

724.9

Firearm safety training.

1. An applicant for an initial permit to carry weapons shall demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety by any of the following means:

a. Completion of any national rifle association handgun safety training course or a handgun safety training course offered by an instructor certified by an organization approved by the department of public safety pursuant to section 724.9A.

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 an organization approved by the department of public safety pursuant to section 724.9A 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.

e. Completion of a law enforcement agency firearm safety training course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of the peace officer’s duties.

f. Completion of a hunter education program approved by the natural resource commission pursuant to section 483A.27, if the program includes handgun safety training and completion of the handgun safety training is included on the certificate of completion.

2. The handgun safety training course required in subsection 1 may be conducted over the internet in a live or web-based format, if completion of the course is verified by the instructor or provider of the course.

3. Firearm safety training shall not be required for renewals of permits issued after December 31, 2010.

4. If firearm safety training is required under this section, evidence of such training 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 that was completed within twenty-four months prior to the date of the application.

b. An affidavit from the instructor, school, organization, or group that conducted or taught a course or class identified in subsection 1 that was completed within twenty-four months prior to the date of the application attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant.

c. For personnel released or retired from active duty in the armed forces of the United States, possession of an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions issued any time prior to the date of the application.

d. 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 issued prior to the date of the application, or any other official documentation satisfactory to the issuing officer issued prior to the date of the application.

5. 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.

6. If an applicant applies after expiration of the time periods specified for renewal in section 724.11, firearm safety training shall not be required for a renewal permit under this section.

[C79, 81, §724.9]

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §7, 19; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §12; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §19

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.6, 724.7, 724.9A, 724.10, 724.11

724.9A

Approval of organizations that may certify handgun safety training instructors.

The department of public safety shall adopt rules to approve organizations that may certify individuals as handgun safety training instructors eligible to offer a handgun safety training course under section 724.9, subsection 1, paragraphs “a” and “b”.

2021 Acts, ch 35, §20

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.9, 724.11

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 color 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; 2016 Acts, ch 1011, §116

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.7, 724.11

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 through 724.10 have been satisfied. A renewal applicant shall apply within thirty days prior to the expiration of the permit, or within thirty days after the expiration of the permit; otherwise the applicant shall be considered an applicant for an initial permit for purposes of renewal fees under subsection 3.

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 for an initial permit, 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 within thirty days prior to the expiration of the applicant’s current permit or within thirty days after 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.

5. An initial or renewal permit shall have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The permit shall contain the name of the permittee and the effective date of the permit, but shall not contain the permittee’s social security number. The permit shall also include a designation that the permit is invalid when the permittee is intoxicated. Such a permit 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.

[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; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §13, 14; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §377

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.2A, 724.9

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 deemed to satisfy the requirements of section 724.15.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §10, 19; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §17; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §1

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

Referred to in §29C.25, 724.14

724.14

Nonprofessional permit — change of residence to another county.

If a permit holder of a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons changes residences from one county to another county after the issuance of the permit, the department of public safety shall by rule specify the procedure to transfer the regulation of the holder’s permit to another sheriff for the purposes of issuing a renewal or duplicate permit, or complying with section 724.13.

2017 Acts, ch 69, §15

724.15

Acquiring pistols or revolvers.

1. It is the intent of this section to satisfy federal requirements of 18 U.S.C. §922(t)(3) in order to acquire pistols or revolvers. In order to acquire a pistol or revolver from a federally licensed firearms dealer, an unlicensed person is required to have a valid permit to acquire or a valid permit to carry weapons issued in accordance with this chapter or the person must complete a satisfactory national instant criminal background check pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §922(t). A person under the age of twenty-one shall not be issued a permit to acquire a pistol or revolver, nor shall a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons held by a person who has not reached the age of twenty-one be valid for the transfer of a pistol or revolver from a federally licensed firearms dealer.

2. A person shall not acquire a pistol or revolver if the person is any of the following:

a. Under eighteen years of age.

b. Prohibited by section 724.26 or federal law from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving a firearm.

c. Prohibited by court order from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving a firearm.

d. Ineligible to possess dangerous weapons pursuant to section 724.8B.

e. Intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1.

3. 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 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 whom 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; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §18 – 20; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §2; 2021 Acts, ch 174, §29; 2025 Acts, ch 27, §2, 3

Referred to in §724.11A, 724.17, 724.19, 724.27

Subsection 1 amended

Subsection 2, paragraph a amended

724.16

Prohibited transfers of firearms.

1. A person shall not transfer a firearm to another person if the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is ineligible to possess dangerous weapons pursuant to section 724.8B, is intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, or is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm under section 724.26 or federal law.

2. A person shall not loan or rent a firearm to another person for temporary use during lawful activities if the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is ineligible to possess dangerous weapons pursuant to section 724.8B, is intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, or is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm under section 724.26 or federal law.

3. A person who transfers, loans, or rents a firearm in violation of this section commits a class “D” felony.

[C79, 81, §724.16]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §4; 94 Acts, ch 1172, §54; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §21; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §3

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

724.17

Permit to acquire — criminal history check.

1. The application for a 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, the date and place of birth of the applicant, and whether the applicant meets the criteria specified in section 724.15. 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 color 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.

2. An issuing officer may conduct an annual criminal history check concerning a person issued a permit to acquire by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety.

[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; 2016 Acts, ch 1011, §117; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §22; 2017 Acts, ch 170, §48

724.18

Procedure for making application for permit to acquire.

A person may personally request the sheriff to mail an application for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and the sheriff shall immediately forward to such person an application for a 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 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]

2017 Acts, ch 69, §23

724.19

Issuance of permit to acquire.

The 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. The permit shall have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The permit shall contain the name of the permittee and the effective date of the permit, but shall not contain the permittee’s social security number. Such a permit shall not be issued for a particular pistol or revolver and shall not contain information about a particular pistol or revolver including the make, model, or serial number of the pistol or revolver, or any ammunition used in that pistol or revolver.

[C79, 81, §724.19]

2002 Acts, ch 1055, §3; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §24

Referred to in §29C.25

724.20

Validity of 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 five years after the date of issuance.

[C79, 81, §724.20]

2017 Acts, ch 69, §25

724.21

Giving false information when acquiring pistol or revolver.

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 a 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, appeals, and licensing 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, appeals, and licensing 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 a 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.

8. If an applicant or permit holder appeals the decision by the sheriff or commissioner to deny an application for or suspend or revoke a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and it is later determined on appeal the applicant or permit holder is eligible to be issued or possess a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, the applicant or permit holder shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees. If the decision of the sheriff or commissioner to deny an application for or suspend or revoke a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers is upheld on appeal, or the applicant or permit holder withdraws or dismisses the appeal, the political subdivision of the state representing the sheriff or the state department representing the commissioner shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §14, 19; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §26, 27; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §2038

Referred to in §724.11, 724.13, 724.15

724.22

Persons under eighteen — 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 subsection 4, 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 eighteen 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. A parent, guardian, or spouse who is eighteen years of age or older, of a person under the age of eighteen may allow the person, while under direct supervision, to possess a pistol or revolver or the ammunition therefor for any lawful purpose, or while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof from an instructor eighteen years of age or older, with the consent of such parent, guardian, or spouse.

b. As used in this section, “direct supervision” means supervision provided by the parent, guardian, spouse, or instructor who is eighteen years of age or older, who maintains a physical presence near the supervised person conducive to hands-on instruction, who maintains visual and verbal contact at all times with the supervised person, and who is not intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, or under the influence of an illegal drug.

5. For the purposes of this section, caliber .22 rimfire ammunition shall be deemed to be rifle ammunition.

6. 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.

7. A parent, guardian, or spouse, who is eighteen years of age or older, of a minor under the age of fourteen years and who allows that minor to possess a pistol or revolver or the ammunition pursuant hereto shall be strictly liable to an injured party for all damages resulting from the possession of the pistol or revolver or ammunition therefor by that minor.

8. A parent, guardian, spouse, or instructor, who knowingly provides direct supervision under subsection 4, of a person while intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, paragraph “a”, “b”, or “c”, commits child endangerment in violation of section 726.6, subsection 1, paragraph “i”.

[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; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §28, 29, 50; 2017 Acts, ch 170, §49, 51, 53, 54; 2025 Acts, ch 27, §4, 5

Referred to in §481A.48, 726.6

Subsection 2 amended

Subsection 4 stricken

Former subsection 5 amended and renumbered as 4

Former subsections 6 and 7 renumbered as 5 and 6

Former subsection 8 amended and renumbered as 7

Former subsection 9 renumbered as 8

724.23

Records kept by commissioner and issuing officers.

1. The commissioner of public safety shall maintain a permanent record of all valid permits to carry weapons and of current permit revocations.

2. a. Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, the commissioner of public safety and any issuing officer shall keep confidential personally identifiable information of holders of professional or nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to acquire pistols or revolvers, including but not limited to the name, social security number, date of birth, residential or business address, and driver’s license or other identification number of the applicant or permit holder.

b. This subsection shall not prohibit the release of statistical information relating to the issuance, denial, revocation, or administration of professional or nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to acquire pistols or revolvers, provided that the release of such information does not reveal the identity of any individual permit holder.

c. This subsection shall not prohibit the release of information to a criminal or juvenile justice agency as defined in section 692.1 for the performance of any lawfully authorized duty or for conducting a lawfully authorized background investigation.

d. This subsection shall not prohibit the release of information relating to the validity of a professional permit to carry weapons to an employer who requires an employee or an agent of the employer to possess a professional permit to carry weapons as part of the duties of the employee or agent.

e. Except as provided in paragraphs “b”, “c”, and “d”, the release of any confidential information under this section shall require a court order or the consent of the person whose personally identifiable information is the subject of the information request.

[C79, 81, §724.23]

83 Acts, ch 7, §4; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §31, 50, 51

724.24

Purchase or sale of firearms in contiguous states.

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; 2016 Acts, ch 1011, §118

724.26

Possession, receipt, transportation, or dominion and control of firearms, offensive weapons, and ammunition by felons and others.

1. a. 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 the following:

(1) A class “D” felony for a first offense, with commitment to the custody of the director of the department of corrections for an indeterminate term not to exceed five years with a mandatory minimum term of confinement of two years.

(2) A class “D” felony for a second offense, with commitment to the custody of the director of the department of corrections for an indeterminate term not to exceed five years with a mandatory minimum term of confinement of four years.

(3) A class “C” felony for a third offense, with commitment to the custody of the director of the department of corrections for an indeterminate term not to exceed ten years with a mandatory minimum term of confinement of seven years.

(4) A class “C” felony for a fourth or subsequent offense, with commitment to the custody of the director of the department of corrections for an indeterminate term not to exceed ten years with a mandatory minimum term of confinement of ten years.

b. The court shall not defer judgment or sentencing, or suspend execution of any mandatory minimum sentence of incarceration imposed by this subsection, except the court may suspend execution of any sentence of incarceration imposed under subparagraph (1) upon the recommendation of the county attorney.

c. Earned time accrued by a person convicted under this subsection shall not be applied to reduce any mandatory minimum sentence imposed. Earned time accrued shall be credited against the person’s indeterminate term of incarceration, but shall not reduce any mandatory minimum sentence imposed.

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; 2025 Acts, ch 104, §1

Referred to in §236.5, 724.8, 724.15, 724.16, 724.25, 724.27, 804.21

Exception; see §724.27

Subsection 1 amended

724.27

Offenders’ rights restored.

1. The provisions of section 724.8, section 724.15, subsection 2, and section 724.26 shall not apply to a person who is eligible to have the person’s civil rights regarding firearms restored 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 and a person not eligible to have the person’s civil rights restored under section 914.7.

[C79, 81, §724.27]

94 Acts, ch 1172, §57; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §16, 19; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §4

Referred to in §724.26

724.28

Prohibition of regulation by political subdivisions — exception.

1. As used in this section, “political subdivision of the state” means a city, county, or township.

2. 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. An ordinance regulating firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons in violation of this section existing on or after April 5, 1990, is void.

3. If a political subdivision of the state, prior to, on, or after July 1, 2020, adopts, makes, enacts, or amends any ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, resolution, motion, or policy 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, modification, registration, or licensing of firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state, a person adversely affected by the ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, resolution, motion, or policy may file suit in the appropriate court for declaratory and injunctive relief and all damages attributable to the violation, including all of the following:

a. A court shall assess against the political subdivision of the state damages in the amount of not more than five hundred dollars and not less than one hundred dollars per day after providing written notice to the political subdivision of the state of the violation, not to exceed five thousand dollars. However, if the political subdivision of the state knowingly participated in such a violation, damages shall be assessed against the political subdivision of the state in the amount of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars and not less than one thousand dollars per day after providing written notice to the political subdivision of the state of the violation, not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars. These damages shall be paid by the political subdivision of the state directly to the adversely affected person.

b. The court shall award the prevailing party in any such lawsuit reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

c. The court, for good cause, may assess damages in excess of the amounts set forth in paragraph “a” against the political subdivision of the state found to be in violation of this subsection.

4. A political subdivision of the state may restrict the carrying, possession, or transportation of firearms or other dangerous weapons in the buildings or physical structures located on property under the political subdivision’s control if adequate arrangements are made by the political subdivision to screen persons for firearms or other dangerous weapons and the political subdivision provides armed security personnel inside the building or physical structure where the restriction is to be in effect.

5. A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the storage of weapons or ammunition. An ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the storage of weapons or ammunition existing on or after July 1, 2020, is void. This subsection shall not be construed to preclude a political subdivision from regulating the storage of explosive materials consistent with chapter 101A.

90 Acts, ch 1147, §9; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §32; 2020 Acts, ch 1099, §3, 4; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §21; 2024 Acts, ch 1118, §1, 2

724.28A

Authority to carry firearm — peace officers.

A peace officer shall not be prohibited from carrying a firearm while engaged in the performance of official duties.

2021 Acts, ch 183, §37, 38

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

724.29A

Fraudulent purchase of firearms or ammunition.

1. For purposes of this section:

a. “Ammunition” means any cartridge, shell, or projectile designed for use in a firearm.

b. “Licensed firearms dealer” means a person who is licensed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §923 to engage in the business of dealing in firearms.

c. “Materially false information” means information that portrays an illegal transaction as legal or a legal transaction as illegal.

d. “Private seller” means a person who sells or offers for sale any firearm or ammunition.

2. A person who knowingly solicits, persuades, encourages, or entices a licensed firearms dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition to transfer a firearm or ammunition under circumstances that the person knows would violate the laws of this state or of the United States commits a class “D” felony.

3. A person who knowingly provides materially false information to a licensed firearms dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition with the intent to deceive the firearms dealer or seller about the legality of a transfer of a firearm or ammunition commits a class “D” felony.

4. A person who willfully procures another to engage in conduct prohibited by this section shall be held accountable as a principal.

5. This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or to a person acting under the direction of such law enforcement officer.

2017 Acts, ch 69, §45

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

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

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 enter the information on the Iowa on-line warrants and articles criminal justice information network and 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 health and 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; 2021 Acts, ch 35, §18; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §1306

Referred to in §229.24, 602.8102(125A)

724.31A

Identifying information — background checks.

Repealed by 2025 Acts, ch 104, §2.

724.32

County courthouse — weapon prohibitions.

A supreme court or judicial branch order that prohibits a person from lawfully carrying, possessing, or transporting a weapon in a county courthouse or other joint-use public facility shall be unenforceable unless the judicial order applies only to a courtroom or a court office, or to a courthouse used only for judicial branch functions.

2020 Acts, ch 1099, §5