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Iowa Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Conditional: At 18 or older, you may carry or transport a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit, loaded or unloaded, openly or concealed, unless Iowa law bars you from carrying.
At 18 or older, you may carry or transport a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit, loaded or unloaded, openly or concealed, unless Iowa law bars you from carrying. Having a weapon within reach in a vehicle while intoxicated is a serious misdemeanor. Under 18, carrying a pistol or revolver in a vehicle is a serious misdemeanor. On school grounds, any firearm is a class D felony unless it is unloaded and either in a closed, fastened case too large to conceal or in a cargo or luggage area riders cannot readily reach.
Official source: legis.iowa.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering Iowa
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IllinoisRestricted
Without an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), a handgun in a vehicle must be broken down, not immediately accessible, or unloaded and in a case, and residents need a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: isp.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
- MinnesotaConditional
With no Minnesota permit or recognized out-of-state permit, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and fully enclosed in a closed, fastened case made for firearms. The handgun statute does not list a closed trunk by itself, so use the case even in the trunk. A permit holder may carry it in the vehicle under the permit.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
- MissouriPermitted
Anyone 19 or older, or 18 or older if in or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, may carry a lawfully possessed handgun in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle without a permit. Younger people must keep the firearm unloaded with ammunition not readily accessible, or keep the firearm itself not readily accessible.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- NebraskaPermitted
In Nebraska, a person 21 or older who is not a prohibited person may carry a concealed handgun, including in a vehicle, with no permit. People under 21 may not carry concealed, except those 18 or older who are armed forces members or peace officers. You must inform an officer on contact unless the handgun is unloaded, kept separate from ammunition, and in a case. The State Patrol also asks travelers from states Nebraska does not recognize to transport guns unloaded, encased and inaccessible to passengers.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: statepatrol.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
- South DakotaPermitted
No permit is needed to carry a pistol in a private vehicle in South Dakota, concealed or not, if you are 18 or older and may lawfully possess it. Residents and visitors are treated alike. On public elementary or secondary school premises, only someone holding a South Dakota concealed pistol permit may keep a pistol in a vehicle. Without one, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
- WisconsinConditional
A handgun may be carried loaded and uncased in a vehicle without a license. It may not be hidden and within reach, which counts as carrying concealed (a Class A misdemeanor). A handgun in a glove box or on a seat can count as concealed. Without a license Wisconsin recognizes, keep it out of reach. A licensee, including a visitor with a recognized permit, may carry it concealed.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: wisdoj.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →
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