Gun Permits

When applying for a gun permit with the Linn County Sheriff's Office, you must be in line prior to 4:30 p.m. as it will take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to complete the application process. If you arrive after 4:30 p.m. you will be asked to return the next business day. The process for the permit to carry can take up to 30 days before the permit is mailed to you. The information will be reviewed and a background check is conducted before the permit is issued. The Sheriff’s Office process for the purchase permit can take up to five days.

All applications for a Permit to Carry Weapons, whether new or renewal, must be made in person, per code, at the Sheriff’s Office.

Iowa Code Requirements

Applicants must show proof that they have met the requirements set forth in Iowa Code Chapter 724 before receiving a permit.

Applying for a Permit to Acquire

The application process must be done in person. Applications will not be accepted by fax, mail, or email. To apply for a Permit to Acquire (PDF) a weapon, applicants must be 21 years of age and show a valid ID, on which the address must be current and in Linn County, Iowa. If address is not current on ID, you will need to bring with you a recent utility bill in your name. Training is not required for a Permit to Acquire. A Permit to Acquire costs $25.

Applying for a Permit to Carry

The application process must be done in person. Applications will not be accepted by fax, mail, or email. To apply for a Permit to Carry (PDF) a weapon (professional or nonprofessional), applicants must be 21 years of age and show a valid ID, on which the address must be current and in Linn County, Iowa. If address is not current on ID, you will need to bring with you a recent utility bill in your name. If you have not had a Permit to Carry since 1/1/2011, you will be required to provide proof of completion of National Rifle Association (NRA) handgun safety training or a handgun safety training course utilizing an instructor certified by an Iowa Department of Public Safety approved training organization, which must have been completed within the last two years to your application date. For a list of certified instructors through approved training organizations visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety website. We will also accept proof of an Honorable Discharge from activity duty or an Armed Forces small arms training certificate for those still on active duty. See Iowa Code Section 724.9 for training requirements. A new Permit to Carry costs $50.

If you apply for a Permit to Carry, you do not need to apply for a Permit to Acquire; the Permit to Carry covers this.

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.

Renewal Applications for Permit to Carry

A person wishing to renew a Permit to Carry Weapons must apply, in person, within 30 days before the permit expires, or within 30 days after the permit expires, otherwise the higher NEW permit fee must be charged. A renewal of a Permit to Carry costs $25. All applications, whether new or renewal, must be made in person, per code, at the Sheriff’s Office.

** Please note that while a permit can be renewed within 30 days after it expires, a person whose permit has expired should not go armed in a fashion that requires a permit until a person has renewed their permit. 

Training for Renewals

A person who holds (or held) a permit issued on or after 1/1/2011 is not required to complete another training course to renew or obtain a new permit to carry weapons; however, please note that even though re‐training is not required, completing another training course or taking other steps to learn about law changes could be highly beneficial to a person who intends to go armed.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office does not endorse any firearms training class or instructor, but we do believe that good quality training is vitally important to your safety and the safety of the general public. You may take the handgun safety training class from any certified instructor, as defined in Iowa Code Section 724.9. For a list of certified instructors through approved training organizations see the Iowa Department of Public Safety website.

Duplicate Permit

A person who requires a duplicate permit for either the Permit to Acquire or Permit to Carry must complete the appropriate application and mark the duplicate box located at the top of the application. A duplicate of your permit costs $25.

Fees

New Permit to Carry$50
Renewal of Permit to Carry$25
Permit to Acquire$25
Duplicate Permit$25


*ALL PERMITS ARE VALID FOR 5 YEARS AND FEES MUST BE PAID IN CASH OR MASTERCARD, VISA, or DISCOVER. CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Uniform Permit Cards

The weapons permit cards are now uniform in appearance, size, and content across the State of Iowa. These cards can no longer be used for identification purposes.

Forms/Helpful Links