A list of forms and resources that may be helpful for applicants.
If any portion of the State of Iowa applications for carry or purchase are incorrectly filled out or left blank, the process will be terminated, and the applicant will be required to re-apply. This will include any missing or incorrect information, to include legible copies of training certificates and identification. Please read the following information carefully.
Applicants must show proof that they have met the requirements set forth in Iowa Code Chapter 724, before receiving a permit.
Summary of Iowa Code Chapter 724
- Applicants must show proper identification.
- Applicants must apply for a permit to the Sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides.
- Applicants must have completed required training. (See permit to carry application for accepted forms of training)
- Applicants will pay the required fee at the time the application is made.
- Payment can be made with exact change in cash or a check or money order payable to Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office.
Permits to Carry are $50 for new permits and $25 for renewals. Permits to Acquire are $30. Duplicate Permits are $25.
Application Procedure
- Download, print, and fill out the appropriate application listed below. Fill in all blanks thoroughly. Please include any other names you have used, including but not limited to maiden name and any other married names. Failure to complete the form will result in termination of the application process.
- Attach a legible copy of your firearms training certification (for carry permits only).
- Attach a legible copy of your Iowa Driver's License or Iowa Non-Driver Identification. The address on the DL or Non-Driver ID must have your current address.
- Bring the application, copy of your firearms training certification, Iowa Driver's License or Iowa Non-Driver I.D. copy and payment to the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office OR mail the application, copy of your firearms training certification, copy of Iowa Driver's License or Iowa Non-Driver I.D. and payment with check or money order payable to PCSO. Please do not send cash through the mail with applications.
- Applications with checks can be mailed to: Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office 1400 Big Lake Road Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Renewal applications must be received within 30 days prior to the expiration of the applicant’s current permit or within 30 days after the expiration of the applicant’s prior permit. If you apply outside of this timeframe, it will be considered a new permit.
Please allow thirty (30) days for permits to process. The permit will be mailed to the address provided on the application.
Permit to Carry
Permit for Acquire
A professional permit to carry also requires an employer's authorization on the application, along with a photocopy of applicant’s security identification card issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
When applying for a permit to carry, it is not necessary to apply for a permit to acquire. The permit to carry acts as the permit to acquire.
Tips for Possessing/Carrying a Weapon
- Permit holders are strongly encouraged to safely conceal their weapons versus carrying in the open or plain view.
- At the onset of any contact with law enforcement, immediately notify the deputy/officer(s) that you have a permit to carry and you are armed.
- Prior to traveling across state lines, familiarize yourself with the laws of the state you intend to pass through and 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 by State Code of Iowa 724.4C.
- Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for specific inquiries regarding hunting.
- Private establishments may post signs prohibiting weapons on their premises.
- Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for specific inquiries regarding hunting.
- Private establishments may post signs prohibiting weapons on their premises.
- Permit holders may not carry on school grounds.
- 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.)
For additional information and frequently asked questions about the recent changes in the laws, please visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety website.
