Monday, June 16, 2025
Starting July 1, new legislation in Iowa will allow individuals who are 18 years old to possess handguns, even if they cannot legally purchase them on their own. This allowance requires that a responsible adult legally acquires the firearm.
As a constitutional carry state, Iowa enables its residents to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit, as defined by Iowa state law.
Consequently, if you observe someone openly carrying a handgun, it is recommended that you do not contact law enforcement, as this may lead to unnecessary expenditure of resources. It is important to understand that the Second Amendment, which protects the right to carry arms, applies to all individuals in Iowa, regardless of their choice to carry openly or concealed.
Those who hold different perspectives on the rights of individuals are equally entitled to those rights, even if they do not support the right to bear arms.
In Iowa, individuals aged 21 and over are generally allowed to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit, following the permitless carry law enacted in 2021. Although a permit is not required, obtaining one may facilitate reciprocity with other states that do require permits for concealed carry. In addition, Iowa has particular restrictions on where firearms may be carried, including specified locations such as schools, courthouses, and publicly designated areas where carrying is prohibited.
