Iowa Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

When purchasing a handgun from a private seller in Iowa, what is required?

1. A Permit to Acquire

2. A background check by the Iowa Department of Public Safety

3. A waiting period of 3 days

4. No requirements are necessary

The correct answer is: A Permit to Acquire

The requirement to have a Permit to Acquire when purchasing a handgun from a private seller in Iowa is correct. In Iowa, the law mandates that individuals must possess a valid Permit to Acquire a pistol or revolver when buying handguns, even in private transactions. This serves as a mechanism to ensure that the purchaser has undergone the necessary checks to determine eligibility for gun ownership, contributing to public safety and responsible firearm transactions. While background checks and waiting periods may be common practices in some jurisdictions, Iowa does not enforce these requirements for private sales if a Permit to Acquire is presented. Therefore, possessing a valid Permit to Acquire is the crucial aspect of the transaction to legally complete the purchase of a handgun from a private seller.