Iowans are no longer required to have a permit to carry firearms or purchase handguns, but there are still benefits to applying for or renewing a permit.

As of July 1st those attempting to purchase a handgun through a Federal Firearms Licensee in Iowa without presenting a permit to acquire or carry will be required to undergo a check through the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider says these background checks can sometimes take a few days if something pops up in the NIC system. Schneider shares another reason to get a permit, “One of the main I think benefits of getting a permit is if you travel a lot, if you travel outside the state of Iowa there’s a lot of states out there that do recognize the Iowa permit. So in those situations I’m going to recommend that people renew their permit to carry or get their permit to carry to give them that added benefit when they travel.”

Schneider also advises checking that a state does have reciprocity with Iowa’s gun permit before traveling there. A person has to be at least 21 years old in order to carry with or without a permit in Iowa, unless they are working in an occupation that requires the carrying of a firearm and are in possession of a professional permit to carry. Washington County residents who are looking to get a permit or renew should contact the sheriff’s office, which you can contact them at 319-653-2107.