April 23, 2024

Renewal requirements for weapon permits

Iowa law governing non-professional permits to carry weapons changed Jan. 1, 2011. One major change was that Iowa went from a “may issue” state to a “shall issue” state.

Before 2011, individual county sheriffs had discretion to deny permit applications for any reason or for no reason. After the law change, sheriffs are required to issue permits to qualified applicants who have met the training requirements and passed a background check, unless that applicant is disqualified by law.

Another important change was that permits were now issued for a five-year period, rather than for one year, as formerly.

Permit holders whose five-year permit expires in 2016 face some changes in renewal requirements.

To renew a current permit, the applicant must provide evidence of completion of handgun safety training or certain other firearm training, or the applicant may choose to qualify in a regular course of live fire under the supervision of a certified instructor.

A typical course of fire for qualification is 10 rounds at 21 to 25 feet.  Many gun clubs will be holding qualifications this fall to accommodate permit holders who need to renew in 2016.

Iowa permit law requires that an application for the renewal of a current permit must be received by the sheriff’s office at least 30 days before the expiration date to be eligible for the statutory $25 renewal fee.

Permit holders who choose to qualify should present their signed qualification certificates at the time of renewal application. Certificates are good for 12 months.

Applications received later than 30 days before the permit expiration date will be considered new applications and the statutory new permit issuance fee is $50.

For dates and locations of qualifications in the area, call 641-203-5296.  For more answers to frequently asked questions, go online at dps.state.ia.us./SF2379/FAQ.