Firearms and Pardons

An individual convicted of a felony in Iowa may apply five years after they discharge their sentence.

An individual convicted of a criminal offense in Iowa may apply for restoration of his/her firearm rights. 

An individual convicted of a crime in Iowa may apply ten years after they discharge their sentence.

Fill out the Streamlined Application for Restoration of Citizenship Rights Application on the Governor's website. 

No. Individuals who are currently incarcerated for a Class A felony may apply for a Commutation of a Life Sentence.

If you submit an incomplete application, you will be notified to complete the missing portions. Letters of recommendation from the required individuals may be difficult to obtain. If the application is not complete, the Board will process it, but it could reduce the likelihood for a positive recommendation to the Governor.

Yes. But one factor the Board considers is if the applicant has paid off all fines, fees and restitution. 

No. A pardon will not erase or expunge the record of conviction.

No. Individuals convicted of a federal offense may apply for a Presidential Pardon. Contact the Pardon Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, 500 First Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20530.

No. Contact the State of the conviction for information about restoration of firearm rights or a pardon.  

The process may take up to two years.

Yes. But the application must be for a full pardon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm by a person who has been convicted of a “Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence”. Therefore, an individual may only receive firearm rights back if he or she is pardoned.

No. A deferred judgment is not a conviction. The Governor does not have the power to grant a pardon to an individual who received a deferred judgment.

You cannot possess a firearm while serving the terms of your deferred judgment. After you complete your sentence, your firearm rights will be restored.

Iowa law prohibits an individual who was convicted of a forcible felony or some crimes involving firearms from having their firearm rights restored by the Governor.

Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault from having their firearm rights restored by the Governor.

1.  Under Iowa Law, an individual convicted of a forcible felony involving a firearm may not have the right to receive, transport or possess firearms, restored. These crimes include:

                    - Felonious child endangerment
                    - Assault
                    - Murder
                    - Sexual abuse
                    - Kidnapping
                    - Robbery
                    - Human trafficking
                    - Arson in the first degree
                    - Burglary in the first degree

2.   An individual convicted of a felony in violation of certain weapons.

3.   An individual convicted of a felony in violation of controlled substances involving a firearm.

4.   A minor who committed a public offense involving a firearm.

What is the chance my application will be approved?

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

Iowa Code References

Iowa Code § 124 for violation of certain weapons.

Iowa Code § 724 for violation of controlled substances involving a firearm.

Iowa Code § 702.11 for forcible felonies.

Federal Code References

18 USC § 922(g)(9).

18 USC § 921(a)(33).