Business : Permit to Carry class offered

In January 2011, Iowa became a “shall issue” state and the number of Permits to Carry increased drastically that year. Those permits will expire in 2016.

A Permit to Carry is valid for five years and the time frame in which you renew is important. Iowa Code 724.11 (3) it states that the cost to renew a permit for an additional five years is $25. To renew a permit the applicant must apply for that renewal 30 days or more BEFORE expiration of their current permit. If you do NOT apply at least 30 days or more prior to your permit expiration date, then you cannot actually renew. Any application less than 30 days before a permit expires will be considered an application for a NEW Permit and the cost will be $50

Iowa Code 724.11 (1) says that in order to apply for renewal permit, an applicant needs to have met the training requirements in Iowa Code 724.9, meaning demonstrating knowledge of firearms safety (taking a class), or qualifying on the range. Your original training certificate will not work for a renewal permit due to the one year time frame as to when the training requirements must be met in order to renew. A permit holder has one year before their permit expires to meet the training requirements (take a class or qualify on the range) to be able to apply for a renewal. Your original proof of training will not work here, again due to the time frame.

To RENEW a permit a person needs to:

1. Show proof of training in the form of a class or shooting test that occurred one year (or less) from their current permit expiring.

2. Apply for the renewal permit AT LEAST 30 days before their current permit expires.

3. Pay $25 for an additional 5 years.

Two classes have been scheduled in Benton County for persons to RENEW or APPLY for a new permit.

Sunday, January 25 from 1 to 6 at the Vinton Fire Station

Tuesday, February 24 from 6 to 10 at the Vinton Fire Station

Cost of the class is $60 which includes one year membership in the NRA ($35 value). Show your current NRA membership card and save $10. Pre-registration is requested to assure adequate course materials.

The four hour course covers handgun safety, gun handling, carry options, situational awareness, interaction with law enforcement, use of force, and state and federal laws. The course teaches students how to be safe and efficient with a firearm for personal protection. There is no exam or range qualification. Upon completion, attendees will be eligible to apply for their Iowa and Arizona (non-resident) permits which will allow them to legally carry in 38 states.

For more information and to register for the class, go to www.IAFirearmsTraining.com or call (319) 310-4724.