Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Permits to Carry

How do I apply for a Permit to Carry?
All applicants must be a resident of Hardin County and have photo identification showing they are 21 years of age or older. You will have to fill out an application form and bring with you a certificate or affidavit from an I.L.E.A. or N.R.A. certified instructor. A copy of an Honorable Discharge from Called a DD-214 will also allow you to apply. You will need to pass the NICS check to be approved for an Iowa permit to carry.

What is the cost of a Permit to Carry?
There is a $50 fee for a new Permit to Carry. Checks should be made payable to Hardin County Sheriff's Office the day yo apply for the permit.

How long does the process take for a Permit to Carry?
The law allows 30 days to process the application. Our office usually has the permit in the mail and returned to the applicant within a week, not including weekends or holidays.

Do I have to renew my Permit to Carry?
Yes. A Permit to Carry is good for five year. The expiration date is printed directly on the permit.

When can I come in to renew my Permit to Carry?
You have to come in more than thirty (30) days before the permit expires and take another class in the eleven (11) months prior to you may choose to qualify on the range instead. The fee is $25.

If you come in less than thirty (30) days before the permit expires, the fee returns to $50 and is treated like a new application.

What happens if I move into Hardin County with an existing Permit to Carry issued from another county?
When you move into Hardin County, as long as your permit was issued in the State of Iowa, it will be honored the same as if we had issued it.

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