Firearms Law Change

DUBUQUE, Iowa – On April 2, 2021, Governor Reynolds signed House File 756 into law.  The law states a Permit to Purchase will no longer be required to purchase a handgun nor will a Permit to Carry Weapons be required to carry a firearm in the State of Iowa.
 
Effective July 1, 2021, a person 21 or older can open carry or conceal a firearm in public places without a permit if the individual is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from carrying or possessing firearms. 
 
Persons prohibited from possessing or carrying firearms include:

• Convicted felons
• Domestic Abuse conviction and/or prohibited due to a No Contact Order
• Drug possessor/user
• Alcohol and/or drug-impaired

 
Effective July 1, 2021, a permit will no longer be required to purchase handguns in the State of Iowa. A Federal Firearms Licensed dealer may choose to require a permit to complete a sale, but it will not be a state requirement.
 
A person who is unsure if they are eligible to possess a firearm could contact their attorney or complete the application process for a permit to acquire or a permit to carry through the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office 770 Iowa Street, Dubuque or online at www.dubuquecountyiowa.gov/469/Sheriff. The issuance of either one of these permits would ensure a person can lawfully possess or carry a firearm in the State of Iowa.
 
Any private business can still prohibit firearms on their property.
 
Recommendations from the Dubuque Police Department for residents who choose to carry a firearm:
 
Concealed carry- is encouraged as it reduces the attention drawn to the firearm.
Use a holster- a holster allows the gun to be safely carried and protects the trigger.
Be respectful of people around you- Open carry may draw some attention. If confronted by someone with a different view calmly walk away.
Take a gun safety course- education on safely handling and firing a gun is in the best interest of everyone. 
Storage- store your gun away from children in a locked compartment.

# # #