Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Iowa Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: January 3, 2024

Iowa is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a CCW license. 

In Iowa, constitutional carry became legal in 2021 allowing anyone over the age of 21 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to conceal carry without needing to obtain a permit. 

In order to qualify for an Iowa concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old, successfully complete a firearms training course, and meet all federal requirements. There are also a number of factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a license. 

Iowa honors CCW licenses from every other U.S. state and offers resident and non-resident concealed carry permits, as well as professional concealed carry permits to those whose job reasonably justifies them to be armed. 

Open carry is also legal in Iowa for anyone over 21 and legally permitted to possess a handgun.   

To learn more about Iowa concealed carry law, review Iowa Code Chapter 724, visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s website, or contact state authorities. 

*Disclaimer: This Iowa CCW reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney.

Iowa Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Iowa Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States’ Permits Does Iowa Honor? 

Iowa allows permitless carry, meaning anyone 21 years or older can conceal carry in the state with or without a license – regardless of their state of residence – so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. 

States that Accept Iowa Concealed Carry Permit

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states have a reciprocity agreement with Iowa. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Iowa concealed carry permit reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

Can I Conceal Carry in Iowa Without a License?

Yes. Iowa became a constitutional carry state on July 1, 2021, allowing anyone 21 years of age or older to conceal carry without a permit so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. 

What is an Iowa Professional Permit to Carry?

Iowa issues a professional permit to carry to individuals at least 18 years or older whose job reasonably justifies them to be armed. Non-resident professional permits are also issued to state employees who need to carry a weapon. 

What are the Requirements for a Concealed Carry Permit in Iowa?

To obtain an Iowa concealed carry permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

• Be at least 21 years of age.

• Complete a firearms training course.

• Meet all federal requirements.

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to conceal carry or obtain an Iowa concealed weapons license: 

• A drug or alcohol addiction. 

• Having pending criminal charges. 

• A felony conviction. 

• An outstanding warrant. 

• Being subject to firearm possession, receipt, transportation, or control prohibitions. 

• A serious or aggravated misdemeanor conviction involving firearms or explosives within the past three years. 

• Intent to use a weapon unlawfully or in a way that would endanger oneself or others based on prior actions in the last two years. 

For a full, detailed list of concealed carry eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s website. 

Can Non-residents Conceal Carry in Iowa?

Yes. Iowa offers non-resident concealed carry permits and non-resident professional permits to qualifying individuals, and honors permits from every U.S. state. However, regardless of your CCL status, non-residents may conceal carry in the state of Iowa under the state’s constitutional carry laws as long as they are legally eligible to do so. 

What are Iowa Open Carry Laws?

In Iowa, open carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who is legally permitted to possess a handgun. No permit is required for open carry in Iowa. 

Where CAN’T You Conceal Carry in Iowa? 

Even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits to concealed carry in the state of Iowa, including anywhere within 1,000 feet of school property; school buses; university campuses or events; courtrooms, courthouses, and court offices; public buildings that are posted and have security guards; casinos; the Iowa State Fair; anywhere while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and anywhere firearms are federally prohibited. 

Where Can I Learn More About Iowa CCW Laws? 

You can visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit eligibility or to apply for an Iowa carry license. For the official laws regarding Iowa concealed carry reciprocity and regulations, you can read state statutes here.