Iowa is a constitutional carry state, which means law-abiding adults 18 years and older who can legally possess a firearm under federal and state law may carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit. This right extends to concealed carry in a private vehicle.
Permits
Permits are not required but may be useful for reciprocity with other states. Iowa recognizes valid permits from any other state. Permits to Carry Weapons (PCW) are issued by local county sheriffs’ departments. Both professional and non-professional permits are available.
Other weapons
No weapons other than handguns may be concealed carried in Iowa.
Permitted non-lethal weapons include:
- Stun guns/tasers (with restrictions)
- Pepper spray
- Tear gas
- Bear spray (legal for self-defense against wildlife)
- Bludgeons/batons
- Brass knuckles
- Less-lethal launchers
Duty to inform
There is no duty to inform in Iowa.
Employee parking lots
The issue of concealed weapons in a privately-owned vehicle in an employer parking lot is not addressed in Iowa state law.
Citations
- Iowa Code Chapter 724 - Weapons
- 18 USC 926A – Firearms Owners’ Protection Act
