Can a felon own a gun in Iowa?

Iowa prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions and certain aggravated misdemeanors. The Governor may restore firearm rights through a pardon or a specific Restoration of Firearm Rights. Iowa has a separate application specifically for firearm rights restoration apart from a full pardon.

How can a felon restore gun rights in Iowa?

Apply to the Governor's Office for Restoration of Firearm Rights (separate from a full pardon), or seek a full gubernatorial pardon.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Iowa?

5 years after sentence completion for firearm rights restoration application. 10 years for a full pardon application.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Iowa?

Persons convicted of a 'forcible felony' (including murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, and arson) face stricter review and are less likely to be approved.

Can a felon get gun rights back in Iowa?

Yes, if your conviction is for a non-forcible felony. You may apply to the Governor for Restoration of Firearm Rights after at least 5 years from sentence discharge. The process goes through the Iowa Board of Parole and takes up to 2 years. However, persons convicted of forcible felonies (murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, arson I, burglary I, etc.) are permanently ineligible for restoration.

How long does the Iowa gun rights restoration process take?

The entire process typically takes up to approximately 2 years from the date the application is submitted. This includes administrative review by the Board of Parole, investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation, Board review and recommendation, and the Governor's final decision. The timeline can vary depending on caseload and the complexity of your case.

Where do I get the application form?

Download the joint 'Application for Pardon and/or Restoration of Firearm Rights' from the Iowa Governor's website at governor.iowa.gov/services/pardons-commutations, or from the Iowa Board of Parole website at bop.iowa.gov. You can also request a form by calling the Executive Clemency Coordinator at (515) 725-5758.

Can I possess a firearm while my application is pending?

No. Until the Governor officially grants your Restoration of Firearm Rights, you remain prohibited from possessing any firearm under Iowa Code § 724.26. Possession during the application period is still a class 'D' felony. Do not acquire or possess firearms until you have received the official certificate from the Governor.

What happens if my application is denied?

If the Governor denies your application, there is no formal appeal process. You may reapply after a reasonable period, typically 2 or more years. Use the intervening time to strengthen your case: maintain a clean record, achieve stable employment, contribute to your community, and gather additional character references.

Does Iowa have a separate process for aggravated misdemeanors?

Iowa Code § 724.26 also restricts firearm possession for persons convicted of certain aggravated misdemeanors. The same Restoration of Firearm Rights process applies. However, the specific waiting period and eligibility may differ. Consult the Governor's office or the Board of Parole for guidance on misdemeanor-based restrictions.

What is the penalty for a felon possessing a firearm in Iowa?

Violation of Iowa Code § 724.26 is a class 'D' felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,245. Federal prosecution under 18 USC 922(g)(1) can result in up to 15 years in federal prison. Both state and federal charges can be brought for the same conduct.

Felon Gun Rights in Iowa

Must petition for restoration

It depends. If your felony conviction is for a non-forcible offense, you may apply to the Governor for Restoration of Firearm Rights after waiting at least 5 years from sentence discharge. The Governor reviews the application with a recommendation from the Iowa Board of Parole. However, if your conviction is for a 'forcible felony' (murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, arson, or burglary in the first degree), you are permanently ineligible for firearm rights restoration. In all cases, the federal ban under 18 USC 922(g)(1) also applies.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Iowa prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions and certain aggravated misdemeanors under Iowa Code § 724.26. The Governor is the sole authority who can restore firearm rights, either through a full pardon or through a specific Restoration of Firearm Rights (a separate, more accessible process than a full pardon). Iowa has a dedicated joint application for pardon and/or firearm rights restoration, administered through the Iowa Board of Parole. The Governor's general policy requires at least 5 years after sentence discharge before considering firearm rights restoration, and 10 years for a full pardon. Persons convicted of 'forcible felonies' are permanently ineligible for firearm rights restoration.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), all persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year are prohibited from possessing firearms. If the Iowa Governor restores firearm rights, this may satisfy the federal 'restoration of civil rights' exception under 18 USC 921(a)(20), potentially lifting the federal ban — provided the restoration does not expressly exclude firearms. However, the interaction between Iowa's firearm-specific restoration and the federal standard has been subject to litigation. A full gubernatorial pardon provides clearer federal relief. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process may also provide a separate pathway for federal relief.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons convicted of non-forcible felonies who wait at least 5 years after sentence discharge — may apply to the Governor for Restoration of Firearm Rights
✓Persons who receive a full gubernatorial pardon (10-year waiting period policy)
✓Persons whose conviction is reversed, vacated, or expunged
✓Persons eligible for the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) petition process

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons convicted of a 'forcible felony' — permanently ineligible for firearm rights restoration (Iowa Code § 724.26)
✗Forcible felonies include: felonious child endangerment, assault, murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, arson in the first degree, and burglary in the first degree
✗Persons convicted of aggravated misdemeanors involving firearms or domestic violence — prohibited under Iowa Code § 724.26
✗Persons whose crime occurred outside Iowa — the Governor generally does not consider applications for out-of-state or federal convictions
✗Persons who have not completed all sentence terms including fines and restitution
✗Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence — prohibited under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(9))

Step-by-Step Process

Determine your eligibility

Verify that your conviction is NOT for a 'forcible felony' under Iowa law. Forcible felonies include: felonious child endangerment, assault, murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, arson in the first degree, and burglary in the first degree. If your conviction is for a forcible felony, you are permanently ineligible for firearm rights restoration in Iowa. Also confirm the conviction occurred in Iowa state courts — the Governor generally does not consider out-of-state or federal convictions.

Complete your sentence and wait the required period

You must fully discharge your sentence, including all incarceration, probation, parole, and supervised release. All fines and restitution must be paid in full. Then wait at least 5 years from the date of sentence discharge for firearm rights restoration, or 10 years for a full pardon.

Obtain and complete the application

Download the joint 'Application for Pardon and/or Restoration of Firearm Rights' from the Governor's website (governor.iowa.gov) or the Iowa Board of Parole website (bop.iowa.gov). The application covers both pardon and firearm rights restoration — you can apply for one or both. Complete all sections including personal information, conviction details, employment history, and a statement explaining why restoration is warranted.

Submit the application to the Iowa Board of Parole

Submit the completed application to the Iowa Board of Parole. The Board's administrative staff reviews the application for completeness. The application may then be forwarded to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for a full background review.

Investigation and Board review

The DCI conducts a background investigation, which may include contacting you and your references. The full Iowa Board of Parole then reviews your application, the investigation results, and any other relevant information. The Board prepares a recommendation to the Governor.

Governor's decision

The Governor reviews the completed application and the Board of Parole's recommendation. The Governor has sole discretion on whether to grant or deny the application. There is no hearing or appeal. If granted, the Governor issues a certificate of Restoration of Firearm Rights and/or Pardon. If denied, you may reapply after a reasonable period (typically 2+ years).

Confirm your status and address federal law

If the Governor grants restoration, keep the certificate as proof. Consult an attorney about whether the Iowa restoration satisfies the federal exception under 18 USC 921(a)(20). A full pardon provides clearer federal relief than firearm-specific restoration alone. Consider the revived 18 USC 925(c) federal process for additional protection.

Waiting Period

The Governor's general policy requires at least 5 years to pass from the date of sentence discharge before considering an application for Restoration of Firearm Rights, and at least 10 years for a full pardon. The application process itself typically takes up to 2 years from submission to decision, due to investigation and Board review timelines. There is no guarantee of approval at any point.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Iowa Code § 724.26 — Possession, Receipt, Transportation of Firearms by Felons and Others	1978 (amended multiple times)	Prohibits any person convicted of a felony (in state or federal court) or certain aggravated misdemeanors from knowingly possessing, receiving, or transporting a firearm. Violation is a class 'D' felony. Contains an exception for persons whose civil rights regarding firearms have been restored, but this exception does NOT apply to persons convicted of a forcible felony.
Iowa Code § 702.11 — Definition of 'Forcible Felony'	1978 (amended)	Defines 'forcible felony' as any felonious child endangerment, assault, murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, arson in the first degree, or burglary in the first degree. Persons convicted of forcible felonies cannot have their firearm rights restored, even by the Governor.
Governor's Executive Clemency Policy — Firearm Rights Restoration	Current executive policy	Establishes the Governor's general policy requiring at least 5 years from sentence discharge for firearm rights restoration applications and 10 years for full pardon applications. The policy is set by executive practice and may change with different governors.
Iowa Constitution, Article IV, § 16 — Governor's Clemency Power	1857	Grants the Governor the power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, after conviction, for all offenses except treason. This constitutional authority is the basis for the Governor's ability to restore firearm rights.

Edge Cases

I was convicted of robbery — can I ever get my gun rights back in Iowa?

No, not through the Iowa process. Robbery is classified as a 'forcible felony' under Iowa Code § 702.11, and persons convicted of forcible felonies are permanently ineligible for firearm rights restoration, even by the Governor. Your only options are: (1) have the conviction reversed or vacated on legal grounds, or (2) seek federal relief through the revived 18 USC 925(c) process or a presidential pardon. Even a full gubernatorial pardon may not be available for forcible felonies in practice.

Can the Governor restore my gun rights for a federal conviction?

Generally no. The Governor's office does not consider applications for firearm rights restoration when the conviction stems from federal court. Federal convictions require federal remedies — either a presidential pardon or the revived 18 USC 925(c) process. If you have both state and federal convictions, the Governor may address the Iowa state conviction, but the federal conviction would remain a separate barrier.

What is the difference between Restoration of Firearm Rights and a full pardon in Iowa?

A Restoration of Firearm Rights specifically addresses only the firearms disability — it restores your right to possess, receive, and transport firearms. It does not erase the conviction or restore other rights. A full pardon is broader — it forgives the offense and may restore all civil rights. For federal law purposes, a full pardon provides clearer relief from the federal firearms disability under 18 USC 921(a)(20) than a firearms-specific restoration alone.

I was convicted of drug possession (not dealing) — is that a 'forcible felony'?

Simple drug possession is generally not a 'forcible felony' under Iowa Code § 702.11 (the list specifically includes child endangerment, assault, murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, arson I, and burglary I). However, if the drug offense involved a firearm or violence, additional prohibitions may apply. Non-forcible drug felony convictions may be eligible for firearm rights restoration after the 5-year waiting period.

Does Iowa's Restoration of Firearm Rights lift the federal ban?

This is a complex legal question. Under 18 USC 921(a)(20), a conviction is not counted if the person has had civil rights restored — unless the restoration expressly limits firearms. Iowa's firearm-specific restoration does restore the firearms right, but whether it constitutes a 'restoration of civil rights' for federal purposes has been debated. The 8th Circuit has examined related issues. A full pardon provides more certain federal relief. Consult an attorney.

I completed my sentence 4 years ago — can I apply early?

The 5-year waiting period is the Governor's general policy, not a statutory requirement. In theory, you could submit an application before the 5-year mark, but it would almost certainly be denied or not considered. The Board of Parole screens applications for compliance with the Governor's policy guidelines before forwarding them. It is strongly recommended to wait the full 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon get gun rights back in Iowa?: Yes, if your conviction is for a non-forcible felony. You may apply to the Governor for Restoration of Firearm Rights after at least 5 years from sentence discharge. The process goes through the Iowa Board of Parole and takes up to 2 years. However, persons convicted of forcible felonies (murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, arson I, burglary I, etc.) are permanently ineligible for restoration.
How long does the Iowa gun rights restoration process take?: The entire process typically takes up to approximately 2 years from the date the application is submitted. This includes administrative review by the Board of Parole, investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation, Board review and recommendation, and the Governor's final decision. The timeline can vary depending on caseload and the complexity of your case.
Where do I get the application form?: Download the joint 'Application for Pardon and/or Restoration of Firearm Rights' from the Iowa Governor's website at governor.iowa.gov/services/pardons-commutations, or from the Iowa Board of Parole website at bop.iowa.gov. You can also request a form by calling the Executive Clemency Coordinator at (515) 725-5758.
What is a 'forcible felony' in Iowa?: Under Iowa Code § 702.11, a forcible felony includes: felonious child endangerment, assault (felony-level), murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery, human trafficking, arson in the first degree, and burglary in the first degree. If your conviction is for any of these offenses, you are permanently barred from firearm rights restoration under Iowa law.
Can I possess a firearm while my application is pending?: No. Until the Governor officially grants your Restoration of Firearm Rights, you remain prohibited from possessing any firearm under Iowa Code § 724.26. Possession during the application period is still a class 'D' felony. Do not acquire or possess firearms until you have received the official certificate from the Governor.
What happens if my application is denied?: If the Governor denies your application, there is no formal appeal process. You may reapply after a reasonable period, typically 2 or more years. Use the intervening time to strengthen your case: maintain a clean record, achieve stable employment, contribute to your community, and gather additional character references.
Does Iowa have a separate process for aggravated misdemeanors?: Iowa Code § 724.26 also restricts firearm possession for persons convicted of certain aggravated misdemeanors. The same Restoration of Firearm Rights process applies. However, the specific waiting period and eligibility may differ. Consult the Governor's office or the Board of Parole for guidance on misdemeanor-based restrictions.
What is the penalty for a felon possessing a firearm in Iowa?: Violation of Iowa Code § 724.26 is a class 'D' felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,245. Federal prosecution under 18 USC 922(g)(1) can result in up to 15 years in federal prison. Both state and federal charges can be brought for the same conduct.

Take Action — Direct Links

Iowa Governor's Office — Pardons & Commutations
Official Governor's page covering the pardon and firearm rights restoration processes, including eligibility requirements and general policy.
Iowa Board of Parole — Firearms and Pardons
Official Board of Parole page with information on the firearm rights restoration and pardon application process.
Application for Pardon and/or Restoration of Firearm Rights (PDF)
Official joint application form for requesting a gubernatorial pardon and/or restoration of firearm rights.
Iowa Code § 724.26 — Full Statute Text
Full text of Iowa's felon-in-possession statute, including the forcible felony exception and aggravated misdemeanor provisions.
Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Iowa Profile
Comprehensive guide to Iowa restoration of rights, pardon, expungement, and sealing, including gun rights restoration.
DOJ Office of the Pardon Attorney — Federal Firearm Rights Restoration
Information on the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) firearm rights restoration process, relevant for Iowa felons especially those with forcible felony convictions or federal convictions.