Weapons Permits
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 3:30pm
The Patrol Division manages the issuance of Weapons Permits. The Sheriff's Office issues personalized plastic photo ID cards for individuals issued Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons and paper cards for individuals who only receive an Annual Permit To Acquire.
How do I obtain a Permit to Carry?
The State of Iowa application form must be submitted to the Polk County Sheriff. The form is available here. The submitted application must include the training documentation required by the State of Iowa.
You must apply in person at Patrol Headquarters, 6023 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
A new permit to carry requires a fee of $55 (cash only) and a valid driver's license or non-operator I.D. that contains your photograph and current address issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The permits are valid for five years from the date of issue. If the permit is denied, $35.00 will be reimbursed to the applicant. The Sheriff's Office will retain $20.00 for the processing and handling of the application.
Renewing your current permit to carry requires a fee of $30 (cash only) and a valid driver's license or non-operator I.D. that contains your photograph and current address issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The permits are valid for five years from date of issue. If the renewal is denied, $10.00 will be reimbursed to the applicant. The Sheriff's Office will retain $20.00 for the processing and handling of the application.
Renewal applications must be received by the Sheriff's Office no later than thirty days prior to the expiration date. Failure to do so may leave the permit holder without a valid permit and will require a new application.
How do I obtain an Annual Permit to Acquire Weapons?
The State of Iowa application form must be submitted to the Polk County Sheriff. The form is available here.
You must apply in person at Patrol Headquarters, 6023 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
A permit to acquire weapons requires a fee of $11 (cash only) and a valid driver's license or non-operator I.D. that contains your photograph and current address issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation. A permit to acquire is valid for one year from the date of issue. If the permit is denied, $5.00 will be reimbursed to the applicant. The Sheriff's Office will retain $6.00 for the processing and handling of the application.
Complete information regarding the new law effective January 1, 2011 including training requirements, can be found on the following link. State information on obtaining and carrying permits.
For more information, please call 515-286-3306.