Main Content:
Weapon Permits
Department of Public Safety information regarding Frequently Asked Questions relative to the new gun laws that become effective January 1, 2011.
- November 16, 2010 Iowa Weapons Permit Law Changes (28.0 KB)

- Excerpts from Iowa Weapons Law (22.1 KB)

- Iowa Application for Permit to Carry Weapons (92.0 KB)

- New vs Renewal (26.5 KB)

- SF 2379 of 2010 Frequently Asked Questions (34.4 KB)

Permits must be issued in person at the Scott County Sheriff’s office from M-F 8 to 4:30. A valid Drivers License with correct Scott County address is required. A permit to purchase is $10. In the event a person is denied a permit based on a background check, the fee is non-refundable. You must be 21 years of age and be a current resident of Scott County.
Please Note: Any person who has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence (or misdemeanor crime resulting from domestic violence) will not be issued a permit.Obtaining Weapon Permits
The Sheriff of your county of residence is the only person who is authorized to issue permits unless you are a non-resident of Iowa or require a permit as a result of your employment by the State of Iowa, in which case the Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety can issue permits to carry. You may contact the Iowa Department of Public Safety by email: wpinfo@dps.state.ia.us or by telephone: 515-725-6230
The Sheriff may issue both a professional and a non-professional permit to the same individual if circumstances warrant.
A permit may be issued to a temporary resident of Iowa (i.e.; a student residing in Iowa but whose permanent home is another state or a person in the armed services working at Rock Island Arsenal).
You will be required to bring in:
- Current photo ID
- 3 consecutive months of bills (i.e.; electric, water or gas) addressed to person applying with correct Scott County address
Types of Permits Available:
Annual Permit to Acquire Pistols or Revolvers
A permit to acquire authorizes the holder to acquire (purchase) pistols and revolvers and long guns; however, this does not authorize the holder to carry a weapon. An Iowa permit to acquire pistols and revolvers shall be valid three days after the date of application and is valid for one year after the date of application (Code of Iowa, section 724.20). It is valid only in the State of Iowa.
You will need the following:
- Valid ID issued from the Iowa Department of Transportation with a correct Scott County address or valid proof of residency if your current Scott County address is not listed on your ID (ie. Utility bill, phone bill, etc)
- Completed application here or from: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapon_permits.shtml
- Payment of the permit $10-Cash or check
- A nationwide background check through NICS is required and applicant must clear
Permit to Carry Weapons (Non-Professional)
A Nonprofessional permit to carry authorizes the permit holder to carry weapons.
Fill out the State of Iowa Application for Permit to Carry Weapons found on the Scott County Website. Go to: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapon_permits.shtmlor in the Sheriff’s Office. Turn application into the Sheriff’s Office IN PERSON. Bring a current state ID/drivers license and valid proof of residency if your current Scott County address is not listed on your ID (ie. Utility bill, phone bill, etc.) as well as recent proof of taking an NRA certified firearms safety course. A DD214 with honorable discharge is accepted in lieu of an NRA certified firearms safety course.
Other information
All permits are valid for 5 years. The cost is $50.00 cash or check. You need to renew 30 days before it expires. Do not carry after your permit has expired. You can use your Permit to Carry as a Purchase Permit.
Permit to Carry Weapons (Professional)
A professional permit to carry authorizes the permit holder to carry weapons in connection with their employment. A professional permit is only valid while going to and from work and while actually engaged in the employment for which it was issued.
You will need the following:
- Valid ID issued from the Iowa Department of Transportation with a current address or valid proof of residency if your current Scott County address is not listed on your ID (ie. Utility bill, phone bill, etc.)
- Completed application from: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapon_permits.shtml
- Your employer’s authorization on the application
- A letter from your employer (on company letterhead) stating you are employed with that company and requesting you carry while on-duty
- Provide recent proof of taking a firearms safety class
- Payment of the permit $50 cash or check
Other information
There is no registration in the State of Iowa for handguns. Keep the paperwork (bill of sale) if you buy/sell from an individual or gun shop.
Please call the Sheriff's Office at 326-8625 ext 6 with any questions.
- Visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety at:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapon_permits.shtml
Suggestions
Please consider the following suggestions:
- Permit holders are STRONGLY encouraged to safely conceal their weapon versus carrying it in plain view.
- At the onset of any contact with law enforcement, IMMEDIATELY notify the officer(s) that you have a permit to carry and are armed.
- ALWAYS carry your permit when armed.
- Prior to traveling across state lines, familiarize yourself with the laws of the state you intend to enter. Iowa recognizes and honors weapon permits from other states, but in many other states there is no such reciprocity.
- Weapon possession/use is prohibited while a person is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
- Permit holders can possess weapons in motor vehicles but not while riding on an ATV or snowmobile.
- Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for specific inquiries regarding hunting.
- Private establishments can post signage prohibiting weapons on their premises.
- Permit holders are STRONGLY encouraged to gain proficiency with the weapon they carry (to include shooting accuracy, weapon safety and justification in the use of deadly force).
Firearm Safety Classes:
Local businesses that provide firearm safety classes.
- Dynamic Shooting Systems LLC
Shawn Claussen
(563) 357-8494
www.dynamicshootingsystems.com
- F.I.E.R.C.E. TRAINING
Mike Sieverding
(319) 629-5559
www.fiercetraining.org
- F.I.R.S.T of Iowa
Larry Krug
(515) 720-5724
larry@firstofiowa.com
- Gun Safety Group
Ron Farkas
(563) 723-2770
www.GunSafetyGroup.com
- Illowa Practical Training Instructor
Chris Smith
(563) 505-8949
illowapracticaltraining@gmail.com
- Iowa Firearms Training
Ken Weideman
(563) 650-2283
qca2005@aol.com
- Midwest Training Group
Robert L Houzenga
(563) 259-2123
www.midwesttraininggroup.net
- QCI Firearms Training
Darin Oberhart
(563) 823-5775
www.qcifirearmstraining.com
- Shooting Sports Pistol Range
Jim, Joy and Steve Bartels
(309) 797-2222
www.shootingsportsmoline.com
- Training Specialists
Steven and Renee Anderson
(515) 264-1331 or (888) 486-8764
www.TrainingIowa.com



