WEAPONS PERMIT
INFORMATION AND FORMS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding weapons permit law changes in 2017. This FAQ provides answers to common questions about law changes enacted in 2017, and the process of transition from prior law to new law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons.  CAUTION: This FAQ was prepared prior to changes in law that took effect April 13, 2017 and July 1, 2017.   Much of the information in this document remains valid, but some of the information needs to be updated.  A revised FAQ will soon be posted.

IOWA LAW AND DPS ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Chapter 724 of the Iowa Code and Administrative Rules, 661, Chapter 91 contain information on Iowa’s weapon laws and the issuance of weapon permits in Iowa.

FORMS

APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL PERMIT TO ACQUIRE PISTOLS/REVOLVERS
Form WP3 Rev.2011.1 10/29/2010 (Iowa Residents Only) - For permits to be issued in or after 2011. Applications MUST be filed with the Sheriff of the county of residence. NOTE: Effective July 1, 2017, a newly issued Permit to Acquire will have a five year period of validity instead of being an annual permit.  A new application form is being developed, but the current form can still be used until the new one is published.

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS
Form WP5 Rev. 2011.1 10/29/2010 - For permits to be issued in or after 2011. Applications MUST be filed with the Sheriff of the county of residence (except applications for a Nonresident Professional Permit and applications for a Professional Permit for a state employee whose need to go armed is employment based, which are filed with the Iowa Department of Public Safety).

Further information about weapon permits in Iowa may be obtained by contacting the Program Services Bureau of the Department in one of the following ways:

U.S. Mail:

Weapon Permits
Program Services Bureau
Administrative Services Division
Iowa Department of Public Safety
Department of Public Safety Building
215 East 7th Street, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0045

 

Electronic Mail:

wpinfo@dps.state.ia.us
Telephone:  (515) 725-6230
Fax: (515) 725-6264

 

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