More and more, Iowans are taking advantage of the right to carry a gun for self defense, after former governor Chet Culver signed into law a relaxed conceal and carry permit statute on January 1st, 2011.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette has reported that after Iowa became a “shall issue” state instead of a “may issue” state, about 103,000 permits were issued in that first year. An additional 37,000 permits were issued in the first 11 months of 2012, according to sources interviewed by the Gazette.
The new, relaxed conceal and carry law gives Iowa sheriffs less discretion when issuing permits and created a standard for sheriffs in all 99 counties on how permits are issued.
According to the Register, Iowa sheriffs remain concerned that potentially dangerous persons will be able to acquire firearms legally.
Also according to law, Iowa honors non-resident permits/licenses from the states they honor.
If you have an interest in obtaining a conceal and carry permit in Iowa, a permit to carry a weapon is issued by the Sheriff of the county the resident resides in. Applicants must appear in person at the County Sheriff s Office with a picture ID reflecting a county address. The applicant must then complete the application for a permit to carry a weapon application. Permits are valid for 5 years. Fingerprints are not required. The issuing authority can’t make you supply additional documentation or place restrictions on the permit.