The laws governing the legal use, storage and carrying of firearms are constantly changing. Below are the applicable laws in the State of Iowa as of March 8, 2015. The below information is designed to be a guide and not the final word. If you have specific questions, please refer to the Iowa State Police Web Site. Another great resource is the Iowa Firearms Coalition, a non-partisan group dedicated to preserving the gun rights of Iowans.

A valid professional permit to carry authorizes Iowa citizens to carry a firearm as a part of their job duties, including travel to and from work.  While Iowa law allows those with a non-professional permit to do the same, some places of employment may require a professional permit.  Our course, Introduction to Pistol Safety, will qualify you to apply for this permit, and the process is identical to that of the nonprofessional permit, however the permit expires in 12 months rather than 5 years.  To get started, successfully complete Introduction to Pistol Safety and print out your certificate.  Then print and fill out the Iowa permit application form, and submit both documents, along with payment, to your local sheriff's department.  This can be done online in many localities, so make sure to check with them to save you the trip.

1.  Complete the online course, Introduction to Pistol Safety.  To get started, click the green button on the top right of this page.

2.  Pay for, and print out your course completion certificate.

3.  Print out and complete the Iowa Handgun Permit Application, checking the box at the top for a professional permit.

4.  Take the completion certificate and completed application down to the Sheriff's Office for the city or county you live in and submit them. 

*Permits can take up to 30 days to process and cost $50 for a new one, or $25 for a renewal.  Permits are valid for one year.

Specific laws regarding Iowa Professional Permits can be found on the Iowa Gun Law Page.