Firearms AlmanacEst. 2026

Dealer Finder

FFL Transfer Dealers in Des Moines, IA

15 federally licensed firearms dealers are listed in Des Moines, Iowa, including 4 pawnshops. Most listings come from ATF's public license list (October 2026), so it's worth a quick call to confirm a shop accepts transfers and to ask about its fee.

See distances from 50315NFA dealers near Des Moines

Nearby cities

All Iowa cities with FFL dealers →

Buying a gun in Iowa: good to know

Waiting period
None at the state level. Dealers run the federal NICS background check only.
Handgun purchase permit
No. The permit to acquire became optional in 2021. It's still issued, and dealers can accept it in place of a NICS check.
Shipping and online purchases
We found no notable state shipping restrictions. The usual federal rules apply: firearms ship to a licensed dealer, and handguns must go to a dealer in the buyer's home state. Check city and county rules too.
Read the full Iowa gun law guide →

How an FFL transfer works

When you buy a gun online or from someone in another state, it ships to a local licensed dealer (an FFL) instead of your door. The dealer logs it in, you fill out ATF Form 4473 and pass the background check, and then you take it home. Dealers charge a transfer fee for this, often $20 to $75. Call first: ask whether they accept transfers from your seller, what the fee is, and whether they need the seller to email a copy of their license.