State Gun Laws

Even if the abuser does not have a protective order issued against him/her and s/he has not been convicted of a crime, there are other reasons that gun possession can be illegal.

For example, Iowa law says that a person cannot get a handgun if s/he is:

• under age 21, unless s/he is a peace officer, correctional officer, security guard, or a member of the military; or
• intoxicated.¹

It might also not be legal to carry a gun, even if it’s legal to own one. In Iowa, a person cannot get an optional permit to carry a gun if s/he:

• is under age 18 and applying for a professional permit;
• is under age 21 and applying for a nonprofessional permit;
• is addicted to alcohol; or
• has done something specific within the last two years which shows that s/he is likely to use a weapon unlawfully, or likely to harm him/herself or others. Note: The person’s actions must be documented.²

A person is not allowed to carry a gun if s/he doesn’t qualify for a permit, even if s/he doesn’t apply for one.³

In addition, there are federal laws which may restrict an abuser’s right to have a gun under other circumstances. Federal laws apply to all states. Go to our Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.

If these situations do not apply, you can still plan for your safety. See our Safety Planning page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for help in making a personalized plan. See our IA Places that Help page to find a local domestic violence organization near you.

For a summary of the laws addressing criminal convictions and restraining orders, go to I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal? For more information on gun laws in Iowa, you can go to the Giffords Law Center website.

¹ Iowa Code § 724.15(2)
² Iowa Code § 724.8
³ Iowa Code § 724.8B