An Iowa Firearm Bill of Sale is a document a gun seller uses to document a sale with a buyer.
The bill of sale proves a valid transaction and change of ownership. It is an important form to minimize risk in a delicate transaction.
A bill of sale is not required for a gun sale between private parties. However, buyers and sellers may want to use a bill of sale to protect their legal rights and document the transfer.
Firearm laws: Iowa Code § 724.16, Iowa Code § 724.8, IA Code § 724.11
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: No
Registration of firearm: No
License to own: No
Assault weapon law: No
Magazine capacity restriction: No
Permit for concealed carry: No
Permit for open carry: No
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
There are no restrictions on private sales or transfers of firearms between individuals in Iowa.
Requirements
Note that Iowa Code § 724.16 prohibits the transferring or loaning of a firearm (for temporary use during lawful activities) to anyone ineligible to possess a gun.
Additionally, it prohibits transferring or loaning a firearm to someone known or reasonably believed to be intoxicated or who is not permitted to receive or possess a gun.
Restrictions
Iowa uses the federal baseline for those without purchasing or possessing firearms. According to Iowa Code § 724.8, guns may not be purchased by anyone:
- Under the age of 18 (rifles and shotguns) or 21 (pistols and revolvers)
- Convicted of a felony or adjudicated as a juvenile for a felonious offense
- Convicted of domestic violence
- Convicted of a serious or aggravated misdemeanor within the past three years
- Addicted to the use of alcohol
Iowa has a stringent “red flag” law requiring the subject of an ex parte restraining order to be notified that they may be required to immediately surrender all firearms upon issuing the final injunction.
A finding of domestic abuse or violence may result in further orders that prevent the subject from owning, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearm or ammunition (Iowa Code § 236.5(1)(b)(2)).
Firearm Inheritance Laws
Iowa prohibits individuals under 21 years of age (Iowa Code § 724.22) from owning handguns (pistol or revolver) and minors under 18 from owning long guns (rifle or shotgun) without the express consent of a parent or guardian.
There are exceptions for individuals working in law enforcement or military service.
Iowa law does not regulate the inheritance of firearms by minors. But the state does allow minors under 18 to possess or use rifles and shotguns under the direct supervision of an adult over 18.
Registration
Iowa does not require registration for any firearm per IA Code § 724.11.
Concealed Carry Permit
Iowa does not prohibit the open carry of any firearm except in the state capitol building and grounds.
Any qualified Iowa resident over 21 may carry a firearm, openly or concealed (Iowa Code § 724.5), as long as the resident is permitted by state and federal law to carry and possess the firearm.
How to Apply
Iowa is a “shall-issue” state.
The state will permit any qualified individual to acquire or carry a handgun. A resident of Iowa is eligible if they:
- Are at least 18 years old for a professional permit (working in law enforcement) or 21 years old for a nonprofessional permit
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have not been the subject of a domestic violence restraining order
- Complete a handgun safety course as required
Step 1 – Get Trained
Complete a firearm safety course recognized by IA Code § 724.9 or a course from an organization approved by the department of public safety per IA Code § 724.9A.
Step 2 – Apply
Submit an Application for Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons to your local Sheriff’s office.
Step 3 – Submit to Background Check
All applicants must pass a background check before getting a concealed carry permit.
Gun Reciprocity
Iowa recognizes all licenses issued by other states unless the holder is a resident of Iowa as stated in IA Code § 724.11A.
Iowa has concealed carry reciprocity with states that recognize Iowa concealed carry permits.
Currently, 35 states have reciprocity with Iowa:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas, Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Iowa Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what an Iowa firearm bill of sale looks like:
