Iowa Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam 2026 – Your Complete Guide to Mastering Firearms Safety and Compliance

To purchase a handgun from a private seller in Iowa, the correct requirement is obtaining a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers. This permit is a specific authorization issued by the local sheriff and demonstrates that the individual has met the necessary criteria to legally purchase a handgun.

The other options do have relevance in Iowa's gun laws but do not apply directly to the scenario of purchasing from a private seller. For instance, while a permit to carry weapons allows an individual to carry a handgun and provides a similar level of vetting, it is distinct from the permit required for acquiring handguns. The requirement for background checks primarily applies to sales conducted through licensed dealers, not private transactions, and while “no documentation is required” may seem convenient, it does not align with the legal procedures established in Iowa regarding the purchase of handguns.