Iowa Concealed Carry Reciprocity

You can whiz through the Hawkeye State on I-80 secure in the knowledge that we'll honor your CCW, even if you're using it to cover that souvenir switchblade you haggled for down in Tampico back in '72. 


The  Iowa DPS FAQ on the new shall-issue law (effective Jan 1, 2011) says:

Iowa will honor any valid carry permit issued by any other state and will grant all privileges to such permit holders as those 

granted to Iowa residents including the concealed or open carrying of a firearm (excluding those classified by Iowa law as offensive 

weapons (federal NFA or Class 3)) and the concealed carrying of other non-firearm dangerous weapons such as knives with blades in 

excess of five inches, switchblade knives, Tasers/stun guns, or any other dangerous weapon. Non-firearm dangerous weapons may be 

carried openly without a permit. Non-firearm dangerous weapons may also be regulated by local ordinance that is more stringent than 

Iowa law. You do not have to be a resident of the state from which your permit was issued. However, an Iowa resident may only carry 

with an Iowa issued permit. 


Now,suppose you get nabbed by a cop charged with assessing the speed tax. You are not required to tell him you are armed, but the DPS thinks you should:

QUESTION: If I am stopped by a law enforcement officer in Iowa, am I required to declare that I am carrying a loaded firearm? 

ANSWER: No, but it is really good idea. Iowa law does not require such a declaration; however, as a safety measure for both the 

permit holder and the officer, making such a declaration voluntarily is recommended and encouraged. 

You handle it your way. Personally I would would make damned sure I was talking to an actual officer rather than a costume shop customer then tell him or her if I had a weapon on my person. If the gun was tucked away in the glove box I probably wouldn't bother. Why extend a conversation you didn't want in the first place?