Important Tips You Need to Know to Carry in Iowa

When you carry concealed, it is important to be aware of the laws in your own state and states that you may decide to visit. Iowa honors concealed carry licenses issued by other states for all Iowa non-residents – so if you’re visiting Iowa, as long as you have a permit it’s fine to continue to carry as always. When you’re in Iowa, keep the following points in mind in order to protect your own safety and preserve your right to carry your gun.

When you can carry in Iowa

In order to legally carry your gun as an Iowa resident, you need to have a permit issued by the state. As a visitor, you need a permit issued by your own state. For a non-professional permit (for citizens who are not carrying for their job), you must be 21 years old. In order to get the permit, you must complete a handgun safety training course or show that you completed small arms training with the armed forces. The course online here at https://feltonacademy.com/ has been proven and guaranteed to satisfy the requirements for every county in Iowa. The Iowa concealed carry permit is valid for five years, and then can be renewed by retaking the course and applying for a renewal at your county sheriff’s office.

Where you can carry in Iowa

As long as you have your permit, you can carry your gun anywhere that it’s not expressly prohibited. You can conceal carry your gun in most places in Iowa. Individual business owners can’t legally bar you from concealed carrying (although private owners can forbid you from entering their property.) It’s legal to carry your gun in state parks, state and national forests, state preserves and roadside rest areas. You should keep your permit with you, as under Iowa state law, you should be ready to present your permit to the police if requested. You can carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, although your permit is invalidated by consuming alcohol or drugs.

Keep in mind where you can’t carry!

Avoid carrying your gun in the state capitol complex, or on city or county property where local ordinances ban the concealed carry of guns. Iowa has so far upheld the right of cities and counties to pass their own regulations on the buildings they own or directly control, so stay safe and avoid carrying in these circumstances. You also can’t carry your weapon in a “weapons free zone,” the property of a school or a public park and the 1000 feet surrounding it. Similarly, you can’t carry your gun on a school bus, or on the campuses of any of the three state universities. Carrying your weapon is also prohibited in a casino or on the grounds of the Iowa State Fair.

If you keep in mind these guidelines, you’ll be well placed to protect yourself by carrying your gun and staying within the bounds of the law in Iowa, ensuring that you can continue to carry successfully.