Iowa Open Carry Laws (2026)

Open Carry in states bordering Iowa

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

• IllinoisRestricted

  Open carry of a handgun is prohibited in Illinois. Firearms must be carried concealed under a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: isp.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →

• MinnesotaConditional

  Open carry of a handgun in Minnesota requires a Minnesota Permit to Carry or a recognized out-of-state permit. The same permit covers both open and concealed carry.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dps.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →

• MissouriPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal under state law and needs no permit, but cities and counties may ban it by ordinance. Where banned, you may still carry openly with a Missouri permit, or a recognized out-of-state permit, kept on you and shown when an officer asks. Without a permit, carrying a firearm into a church, government building, polling place on election day or school is a crime. The statutes state no open carry age; treat 19 (18 for military) as the minimum.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →

• NebraskaPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun needs no permit in Nebraska if you are 18 or older and not a prohibited person. A handgun counts as concealed only if it is entirely hidden from view, and the state concealed-carry rules cover only concealed handguns. Firearms are barred at schools, with limited exceptions. Since July 18, 2026, firearms are also barred in the State Capitol unless you have prior State Patrol approval. State law largely bars cities and counties from adding their own firearm rules, but check locally.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: statepatrol.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →

• South DakotaPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal in South Dakota without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →

• WisconsinPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal at 18 or older, with no license, for anyone who may lawfully have one. Without a license it is also illegal in government-owned or leased buildings, in taverns and other places licensed to sell alcohol for drinking on site, and within 1,000 feet of a school. A licensee may not carry in a place licensed to sell alcohol while drinking there. On school grounds it is a felony even with a license. Courthouses, police stations and jails are also off limits, even with a license.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →