YOU MUST BE IN LINE PRIOR TO 4:30 p.m. AS IT WILLTAKE ANYWHERE FROM 20-30 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS. IT WILL TAKE A FEW DAYS TO COMPLETE THE REST OF THE PROCESS BEFORE THE PERMIT CAN BE ISSUED.

To apply for a permit to carry a weapon (Professional or Non-Professional) Applicants must show a valid ID (See FAQ for Identification Required for Permits to Purchase or Carry). Address on ID must be current.

Applicants must show proof that they have met the requirements set forth in Iowa Code Chapter 724, before receiving a permit. To see the entire code section go to: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/index.html

To summarize this code;

1. Applicants must show proper Identification (see required identification FAQ).

2. Applicants must apply for a permit to the Sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides.

3. Applicant must have completed required training (see Training Requirements FAQ)

4. Applicant will pay required fee at time of application. $55 cash for new permits and $30 for Renewals. The Linn County Sheriff's Office provides permits on hard plastic ID cards which results in an additional $5 charge to cover the cost of the card. *If you don't want the plastic ID card you can opt for a paper permit and avoid the $5 added fee.

A professional permit also requires an employer's authorization on the application, along with a letter on company letterhead stating they are employed with that company and requests the individual to carry a weapon while on duty.

What defines a NEW APPLICATION and a RENEWAL APPLICATION?

A “new application” means an application for an Iowa professional permit to carry weapons filed when the applicant does not currently hold an Iowa permit to carry weapons OR when the applicant does not file the application at least thirty days prior to the expiration of a currently held Iowa permit to carry weapons.
“Renewal application” means an application for an Iowa professional permit to carry weapons filed at least thirty days prior to the expiration of a currently held permit to carry weapons.
The NEW vs. RENEWAL issue has caused some confusion so read the NEW vs. RENEWAL word document below for further clarification on this issue.

Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?
A: Contact the Criminal Division of the Linn County Sheriff's Office at:
310 2nd Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-2003
(319) 892-6250 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)

Click here to view the Iowa Weapons Code (section 724)

SEE BELOW FOR NEW FORMS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS WEBSITE:

1. WEAPON CODE SECTION: Contains copies of a few code sections from the Weapons Chapter (724) of the State of Iowa Code. This covers sections that are relevant to the new changes in the law taking effect January 1, 2011 and other sections that we get asked questions about most often.

2. Instructors List: A list of firearms instructors that are providing information that in our opinion is vital to your safety and the safety of the general public.

3. NEW vs. RENEWAL: Clarifies and gives examples of when an application qualifies as either a NEW application or a RENEWAL application and the training necessary for each. This form provided by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

4. SF2379 FAQ's: Answers to frequently asked questions on the new weapons law. This form from provided by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

5. 2011 Application for Permit to Carry Weapons: New application for permits that will be issued under the new law after 1/1/11. (A carry permit can also be used as a permit to purchase... you do not need both, if you have a carry permit).