Click Here to view the FAQ from the Department of Public Safety on changes to Iowa Code Chapter 724 following SF 2379.
1. What is the purpose of Iowa Carry?
Iowa Carry was first created unofficially in 2005, and incorporated in 2007, to organize a body of Iowa residents who wished to see changes made in Iowa law concerning the manner in which the Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons is issued. Permits are currently issued by the county Sheriff and each Sheriff has total control over the issuance or denial of permits. Currently, roughly half of Iowa’s Sheriffs issue unrestricted permits, while the others issue permits with such severe restrictions as to make them nearly useless or do not issue permits at all. Training is also haphazard from one county to the next. Iowa Carry's mission is to introduce and support legislation that would unify the training and manner of issuing permits thoughout the state.
2. How does Iowa Carry propose to bring about change in Iowa law?
Iowa Carry works to introduce legislation in the Iowa Assembly through Representatives and Senators who are supporters of the Second Amendment. Changing a law such as that controlling concealed carry of firearms is difficult due to resistance from the anti-gun supporters in the Assembly. We continue to fine tune our legislative bills in an attempt to overcome this resistance. Change does not come about quickly but we do have many supporters in the Assembly.
3. How many members does Iowa Carry have?
As of February 2009, Iowa Carry has approximately 200 supporting members and approximately 600 subscribers to the e-newsletter.
4. How do I join Iowa Carry?
Basic membership in Iowa Carry is free. It is simply a matter of registering to use our forums or signing up for our e-mail newsletters. This will provide you access to many of the forums (some on a read only basis) and regular updates of what is happening with Iowa Carry. The advantage to becoming a paid member of Iowa Carry to support our goal to protect your right to defend yourself. While you will get access to more of the forums by becoming a paid member, the most important reason to join is the support of our effort to effect a change in Iowa's firearms training and laws, fund tables at gun shows, printing brochures, supporting pro-Second Amendment representatives, etc. All of this takes monetary support, and we cannot do that without the help of our members in the community.
5. Are there any paid officers of Iowa Carry?
No. All members of Iowa Carry from the County Coordinators to t
_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js" type="text/javascript"> he President serve on a volunteer basis and accept no payment of any kind.
6. Is Iowa Carry a not-for-profit organization?
Not yet. It is being worked on, and we hope to have that in place by mid-2009.
7. How can I find out if my county Sheriff issues Permits to Carry Weapons?
The best way is to call or visit your county Sheriff. This should be done before you spend the money on the required training program only to find out your Sheriff does not issue permits.
8. If my Sheriff does issue permits, how do I obtain one?
Again, the best source of information is your Sheriff’s office. Often someone in the Sheriff’s office can tell you what training programs are accepted and the cost of the permit. Some counties offer training through the Sheriff’s office itself while others depend on independent companies such as Iowa Training Specialists and Central Academy of Practical Shooting (C.A.P.S). Once you have passed the firearms training program, you take your certificate to the Sheriff’s office where the normal course is to have an F.B.I. background check run. Some Sheriffs require fingerprints to be taken as well as photographs. Each county policy differs to some degree but most follow the above procedure.
9. Do I get a refund if I don’t pass the firearm course or background check?
No. The training company did the work you paid them to do and the Sheriff’s office performed the tasks they are required to do. Should you fail the course or the background check, don’t expect a refund from either.
10. Do I need to give a reason to the Sheriff for wanting to obtain a permit?
This is a sticky question. Some Sheriffs do require a reason they consider valid such as carrying large sums of money, a history of recorded assaults. or the potential of assault from someone who has reason to harm you or a member of your family. Other county Sheriffs such as the Polk County Sheriff, for example, simply require you to fill in the reason on the application as ‘Demonstrated Responsibility’. Again, until legislation is passed making Iowa a ‘Shall Issue’ state, each Sheriff can require what ever they consider to be a valid reason for issuing a permit to carry weapons.
11. Once I have a permit to carry weapons, does my firearm have to remain concealed?
Though ‘open carry’ is permitted in some municipalities in Iowa, it is not wise to alarm fellow shoppers at the local grocery store by carrying a weapon in the open. There is an excellent chance that someone will call law enforcement officials who will respond quickly to a report of a ‘person with gun’. Though it may be legal, you may lose your permit for not using good judgment in the carrying of a weapon. You also defeat the purpose of concealed carry when you allow the ‘bad guys’ to know that you are armed.
12. What happens if my shirt tail blows up and exposes my firearm?
It depends on who has seen it and is concerned enough to phone law enforcement personnel. If it is a quick flash and police do arrive in response to a concerned citizen’s phone call, you may be able to explain the situation to the officer after showing them that you do possess a permit to carry and get off with a warning. It’s your responsibility to make sure that these types of incidents don’t happen.
13. What happens if there is a visible bulge in my shirt or coat due to me carrying a firearm?
This is less of a concern than full exposure. As long as you don’t intentionally wear a skin tight shirt with the intent of showing off your firearm, most people won’t be able to tell if you have a gun, a cell phone, or a Leatherman pocket knife attached to your belt.
14 What is ‘brandishing’?
Brandishing is the intentional and deliberate exposure of a firearm that is supposed to remain concealed unless the reason for it’s exposure is to eliminate the threat of bodily harm to yourself, a member of your family, or someone else under attack. If brandishing (showing you have a gun) eliminates the threat, you should immediately call 911 and explain the situation. It’s possible that someone other than the threat has seen you expose a firearm and they are also on the phone to the authorities.
15. If my Sheriff refuses to give me a permit is there any appeals process?
No. Currently the Sheriff’s word is final. Hopefully we will get Iowa law changed so that a denial can be appealed but at this time, no means no.
16. If I did have to use my firearm to eliminate an immediate threat, would I be arrested?
This is up to the county attorney who will make a determination by considering all of the circumstances involved. If you are the one who instigated an argument which escalated into a physical fight and you used a firearm to ‘defend’ yourself, you would very likely go before a grand jury which would most likely make the determination to bind you over for trial. You can not be involved in instigating a confrontation and expect to claim self defense. On the other hand, if you are in your home and a burglar enters your home brandishing a weapon and you are in fear of serious bodily injury, there is a good chance that the county or state prosecutor would determine your case to be one of legitimate self defense and no charges would be filed against you. You will probably be sued by the intruder or his next of kin for ‘wrongful death’ though. As unfair as it seems, it’s a fact of life –and death. The case may be thrown out or it may go to trial but either way it will cost you lawyer fees until Iowa adopts a ‘Castle Doctrine’ which protects innocent citizens from civil suits when defending themselves.
17. How often do I have to renew my permit?
Currently, your permit must be renewed yearly. Most counties will simply perform another background check and collect a fee but some may require you to retest also.
18. If I get a permit in Polk County, for example, is it good in all other Iowa counties?
Yes. A permit issued in any county in Iowa is valid in every other county, even counties that don’t issue.
19. If I am stopped while driving do I have to tell the officer that I have a gun?
Not in Iowa, but if you are concerned that you are going to be asked to leave your car it might be wise to tell the officer that you have a permit to carry weapons. Do not blurt out that you have a gun! Again, inform the officer that you have a permit and let him ask you if you have a firearm in your possession.
20. Are there places in Iowa were a concealed carry permit is not valid?
Yes. Government buildings are all off limits as well as schools. Also, any business can post a ‘No Firearms Allowed’ sign. If you are caught with a firearm in one of these businesses, in the best case you will be asked to leave. In the worst case, the proprietor will call the police to have you escorted out. Depending on your Sheriff, this could cost you your permit.
21. What other states honor Iowa concealed carry permits?
Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan (resident permits only), Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Vermont.
22. What other states permits are honored by Iowa?
None. Iowa does not share reciprocity with any other states. Future legislation may change this.
23. What is the minimum age for a permit to carry weapons?
A non-professional permit requires the holder to be 21 years of age to carry a firearm. A professional permit allows someone aged 18 to 20 to carry a firearm such as a member of law enforcement.
24. Some counties issue plastic cards and others issue paper forms. What’s the difference?
There is no difference except the cost to the county and you. For example, Warren county issues paper forms because of the number of times a permit has to be shown to law enforcement officers which is rare. If a county issues both a paper and a plastic card, the paper form is a backup that is kept in a safe place while you carry the card.
25. What is the best way to carry a firearm?
That is totally a matter of opinion. The type of clothes you normally wear and the weather will dictate how you carry a firearm. It’s also dependent on what type and size of firearm you are going to carry. There are many different means of carrying a firearm from a light weight tee shirt that has pockets sewn in under the arms, a bra type affair that surrounds the chest, fastens with Velcro in front and has pockets on the sides, a nylon or leather holster that your belt goes through, a standard detective movie type shoulder holster to the simplicity of a fanny pack. Many holders of carry permits have several types of concealed carry rigs so they can choose one based on what clothes they will be wearing and how active they will be. The main issue is to find something that is comfortable, doesn’t allow the gun to stick out, and is quickly accessible. Of great importance is making sure that if you carry a revolver or firearm without a safety such as a Glock, that the trigger is covered to protect it from an accidental pull.
26. What can I do for Iowa Carry?
Iowa Carry is always looking for volunteers to spread our message! We are a small organization due mostly to a lack of knowledge among gun owners in Iowa. Handing out brochures, talking to people at gun shows and gun shops, telling friends and relatives about Iowa Carry and what it is trying to do is one of the most important tasks we have to do. Our strength comes from dedicated members who are willing to simply talk about Iowa Carry or write letters to the editor, Sheriffs and politicians. If you believe that the Second Amendment is an individual right that the government has no authority to infringe upon, then you should belong to Iowa Carry and any number of national organizations such as the NRA, Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms or others too numerous to mention. In spite of the Supreme Court ruling of July 26, 2008, our rights are still under attack on both the local and federal level. It’s our responsibility to make sure our children’s children will have the same rights we have today.
27. Who is fighting Shall Issue in Iowa?
There are several groups who would rather not have Iowa a Shall Issue state. Some sheriffs believe that Shall Issue will not allow them to deny giving permits out to anyone including the mentally disturbed, those with a criminal record, and those with a history of domestic dispute. Also, anti-gun members of the public and Iowa Assembly have come to believe the false rhetoric that is published by the Brady Campaign and Violence Policy Center, to name just a few, that make the claims that there will be shoot outs over parking spaces, highway rage, etc. 40 other states with Shall Issue have shown no demonstrations of this kind of violence. On the contrary, reports from the FBI and other sources have shown that crime decreases when law abiding members of the public carry concealed firearms. Shall Issue in Iowa will not take away the sheriff’s responsibility in issuing permits. Iowa Carry is simply asking that if a permit is denied, the sheriff must provide a reason to deny that permit instead of the arbitrary and capricious manner we have today.
28. What is Iowa Carry doing to change the law?
For the last several years Iowa Carry has introduced bills that, if passed, would provide Shall Issue in Iowa. Though no legislation has made it to the Governors desk yet, each year we get a little closer. We stay in contact with our representatives during their out of session periods as well as working with the groups who are resistant to Shall Issue. It is important to educate the sheriffs, the lawmakers, and the public on the benefits of Shall Issue and the lack of risk involved since background checks are still performed. Shall Issue will actually make individuals carrying safer since our legislation requires a uniform training program instead of the haphazard system that exists now. Currently, each county Sheriff decides what training is sufficient. Courses can vary from 48 hours to 4 hours. Iowa Carry wants training unified.
29. How long will Iowa Carry continue to push Shall Issue bills in the Iowa Assembly?
Iowa Carry will continue to push bills every year until one is finally passed that meets our requirements and meet our ability to utilize our right to keep and bear arms. We believe that our negotiations and persistence will eventually pay off for residents in all 99 Iowa counties.
30.Cost of Training
Training costs vary from one company to another or one Sheriffs’ office to another (if the Sheriff provides training). You can expect to pay approximately $75 to $100 for training and $10 to $35 for background checks, finger prints, and photos at the sheriff’s office. One thing to remember, check to make sure your sheriff will issue an unrestricted permit or one that you can use before spending this money. If the sheriff says no to your application, there are no refunds and no place to appeal.
31. Can I take training in Iowa that will allow me to apply for a concealed carry permit in other states?
Yes. Classes are available through members of Iowa Carry that will permit an applicant that passes the class and state requirements for a permit that is valid for Utah and Florida. These two states have reciprocity with a many other states. Always check local laws for acceptance on non-residence permits.
32. Do I have to carry the same gun that I take my range training with?
This is up to the sheriff, but usually, once you have completed training you are permitted to carry any handgun. Keep in mind that most training programs require range qualification to be done with a handgun that holds a minimum of six rounds and a caliber of at least .32 while some require a minimum of 9 millimeter.
33. I am not a member and I haven’t registered my name or email address yet. I used to be able to read the forum posts but I can’t do that any more. What has changed?
You are required to enter a name and email address to post in the forums. Simply entering your name and email address will allow you to read and post to many of the forums. There is no charge to visit the site and read the forums. Becoming a paying member will allow you to read and post to all forums except those restricted to the Moderators, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.
34. What does it cost to become a member of Iowa Carry?
You can become a supporting member and be able to read and post to all forums except Board level forums for $25. If you sign up at an Iowa Carry event such as a gun show, you receive a $5 discount on the annual membership.
35. Do you sell or give away email addresses?
Absolutely not. We do send out email updates that cover that most recent activities of Iowa Carry but you can even opt out of that mailing if you wish.