Questions

You need to apply in the county you reside in.

No. Permits issued after January 1, 2011, are valid statewide and cannot be further restricted by the issuing officer. All carry permits and permits to acquire pistols or revolvers are invalid when the permit holder is intoxicated. This is defined as any one of the following: 1) while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or other drug or a combination of such substances, 2) while having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, or 3) while any amount of a controlled substance is present in the person, as measured in the person’s blood or urine.

No, but it is really good idea. Iowa law does not require such a declaration; however, as a safety measure for both the permit holder and the police officer, making such a declaration voluntarily is recommended and encouraged.

Yes, all of 10-8 Firearms Instruction’s courses are honored by ALL Iowa Sheriffs. Whether it is a face-to-face or online class, I guarantee all of MY classes will be honored. If any student ever has a problem with a sheriff honoring any of my courses, I will call and speak directly with the sheriff. I will get it resolved right then and the training will then be honored or I will issue a refund. In the 5 years I have been teaching classes, I have never had a sheriff even question whether my class would meet their training expectations. Iowa Sheriffs know that me being a police officer, I will put out an informative class, whether online or face-to-face.

When a person applies for a Permit to Carry Weapons, the issuing officer will run a NICS check to determine if the applicant is eligible for a Permit to Carry Weapons. The applicant must also complete an application that asks questions pertaining to eligibility. Falsification of an application is a criminal offense that could result in prosecution, so an applicant should take great care in completing the application. This FAQ does NOT attempt to describe in all necessary detail each and every type of firearm and weapons permit prohibitor, but a simplified description of circumstances that result in ineligibility for a Permit to Carry Weapons is as follows:

• Federal firearm prohibitors:

•  Felony conviction (a conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year, excluding a crime classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years)

• Fugitive from justice (active warrant)

• Unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance

• Adjudicated incompetent or committed to mental institution by a lawful authority, such as a District Court (includes committal for substance abuse)

• Certain aliens (unlawful aliens and nonimmigrant aliens admitted under a visa)

• Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces

• Person who has renounced US Citizenship

• Subject to a qualifying domestic protection order/restraining order

• Conviction for a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence” (MCDV)

• Under indictment or information for a felony

• State firearm prohibitors:

• Felony conviction (includes aggravated misdemeanor involving a firearm or explosive)

• Juvenile adjudication for a felony

• Conviction for a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence” (MCDV)

• Subject to a qualifying domestic protection order/restraining order

Additional prohibitors for the Permit to Carry Weapons:

• Alcohol addiction

• Any serious or aggravated misdemeanor conviction under Iowa Code Chapter 708 (assault, harassment, stalking, etc…) not involving a firearm or explosive within the last three years

• Probable cause exists to believe, based upon documented specific actions of the person, where at least one of the actions occurred within two years immediately preceding the date of the permit application, that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person’s self or others.

A person must be 21 years of age or older to obtain a Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons, and 18 years of age or older to obtain a Professional Permit to Carry Weapons

A good practice would be call your local Sheriff’s Office to make sure someone will be there and able to assist you when you do come in. If your told to come in then bring:

1. Bring a copy of your handgun training certification or for a renewal you may bring in the certificate from my online renewal course.

2. Bring your drivers license or other state issued identification.

3. The $50.00 that the permit costs. Your county might issue a plastic permit to carry card to go with your paper permit to carry. If they do it might be an extra $10 for it, but the permit is good for 5 years and it would be a wise choice to get the plastic card if it’s offered.