Open Carry in Iowa
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Iowa allows open carry without a permit; concealed carry requires a permit.
How Iowa treats Open Carry
Iowa permits open carry of firearms without a license or permit for law-abiding adults. Concealed carry, however, requires a permit issued by the county sheriff. Open carry is treated as a default right, while concealed carry is regulated. Iowa distinguishes between visible and hidden firearm carry in its licensing scheme.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.