<P> On January 1, 2011, Iowa became a "shall issue" state for a permit to carry weapons on one's person . Applicants must successfully complete an approved training course . </P> <P> Iowa will honor any valid permit issued by any other state . Persons do not have to be a resident of the state from which the permit was issued . However, an Iowa resident must have an Iowa Permit To Carry in order to lawfully carry a firearm on his or her person in Iowa . </P> <P> A Permit To Acquire (PTA), obtained from the sheriff of the county of the applicant's residence, is required when purchasing or otherwise acquiring a handgun, either from a dealer or from a private party . A Permit To Acquire shall be issued to qualified applicants aged 21 or older . The PTA becomes valid three days after the date of application, and is valid for one year . A PTA is not required when purchasing an antique handgun, defined as one made in or before 1898 and including post-1898 replicas of matchlock, flintlock, or percussion cap pistols . </P> <P> Iowa residents with a Permit To Carry (PTC) can use the PTC in lieu of a PTA when acquiring a handgun . The PTC is valid for 5 years . </P>

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