Weapons

Acquiring and Possessing Firearms

 

Both Federal and State laws regulate the acquisition and possession of firearms in Iowa.

 

Federal Regulations state that you may not acquire or possess a firearm if you:

    → Are under indictment for or have been convicted of a felony.

    → Are a fugitive from justice.

    → Are an unlawful user of or are addicted to any controlled substance.

    → Have been adjudicated as a mental defective or have been committed to a metal institution.

    → Are an illegal alien.

    → Have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.

    → Have denounced your US citizenship.

    → Are subject to a court order that restrains you from harassing, stalking, or threatening your intimate partner, your child, or

         the child of your intimate partner.

    → Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

 

Iowa Regulation contain additional minimum requirements for permits to carry and permits to acquire:

    → Are under the age of 18 for permits to carry or under the age of 21 for permit to acquire.
    → Are addicted to the use of alcohol or any controlled substance.

    → Have a history or repeated acts of violence.

    → Constitute a danger to any person as determined by the issuing officer

    → Have ever been convicted of any of the following:

         • domestic abuse,

         • hate crime,

         • assault on a peace officer, jailer, correctional staff member, fire fighter or health care provider,

         • setting a spring gun or trap,

         • hazing,

         • stalking

 

What are the types of weapon permits available?

 

    ♦ Annual Permit to Acquire Pistols or Revolvers - A permit to acquire authorizes the holder to purchase pistols and

       revolvers, however this does not authorize the holder to carry a weapon.

 

Application for Annual Permit to Acquire Pistols/Revolvers

 

    ♦ Nonprofessional Permit to Carry Weapons - A nonprofessional permit to carry weapons authorizes the permit holder to

       carry weapons other than in connection with their employment and to purchase handguns.  Permit to Carry Applicants

       must complete a Safety Education Course prior to submitting an application.  The Sheriff of the county of residence

       may also request an applicant submit two completed fingerprint cards and display identification of Iowa residency.

 

Application for Permit to Carry Weapons

 

    ♦ Professional Permit to Carry Weapons - A professional permit to carry weapons authorizes the permit holder to both

       carry weapons and to purchase handguns in connection with their employment.  A professional permit is only valid while

       going to and from work and while engaged in the employment for which it was issued.  Permit to Carry Applicants

       must complete a Safety Education Course prior to submitting an application. 

 

The Sheriff of your county of residence is the only person who is authorized to issue permits unless you are a non-resident of Iowa or require a permit as a result of your employment by the State of Iowa in which case the Commissioner of Public Safety can issue permits to carry.  Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.  Osceola County applicant fees for Permits to Acquire or Permits to Carry is $10.00 for both new and renewal permits. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa conduct both the classroom  and range qualification for the Firearm Safety course for Osceola County.  This course is generally offered through the summer months.  The class is roughly 4 hours in length and there is a separate fee for this course.  Prepayment and pre-registration is required.  For pre-registration, call 1-800-352-4907 or 1- 712-324-5061 and ask for the Continuing Education Coordinator to obtain more information for class schedules and fees.

 

Handgun owners must take the Firearm Safety course and pass the weapons qualification portion of the program to be eligible to Carry a Concealed Weapon.

  • This permit must be requested from your County Sheriff, in the county you reside in prior to taking the course.

  • Residents of Osceola County need to pre-register for the class at NCC and then contact us with the enrollment date. 

  • Applicants must pick up a Firearms Safety Training Program Enrollment Permit to take with them to the class for the Firearms Instructor to sign upon successful completion of the firearms safety training requirement.  The applicant may then apply for the Permit to Carry permit once we receive our copy of the Enrollment Permit showing completion and signed by a certified Firearms Instructor.

  • Attendees must bring their own handgun along with a minimum of 50 rounds of ammunition and ear protection for the range qualification portion of the program.  The range portion of the class will be conducted at the Sanborn Gun Club.

 

 

Can I carry a weapon on school grounds?

 

No, a person who goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm, of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a public or nonpublic school commits a class "D" felony.  This does not apply to a person who has been specifically authorized under the Iowa Code or by the school to go armed, carry, or transport a firearm on the school grounds, including for the purpose of conducting an instructional program regarding weapons. 

 

 

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