Iowa Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

To legally purchase a handgun in Iowa, an individual must pass a background check and obtain a permit. This requirement is in place to ensure that firearms are not sold to individuals who may pose a risk to public safety, such as those with a criminal background or who are otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms. The permit system serves as a way to verify the eligibility of a buyer before they are allowed to complete the purchase, reinforcing responsible gun ownership practices.

While completing a firearms safety course is beneficial and contributes to safer firearm handling and use, it is not a legal requirement for purchasing a handgun in Iowa. The age requirement for purchasing a handgun is set at 21 years old, not 25, which is also a consideration in this context. Lastly, registering with the local police department is not a mandated step in the handgun purchase process, making it unnecessary for legality in this regard.