The Greene County Sheriff’s office has been inundated with calls about the permit to carry renewal process for firearms.
Sheriff Steve Haupert says the five-year permit started in 2011 and they’ve received several phone calls about renewing them. There are some options for people to follow before the Sheriff’s office will renew your permit. Haupert says the applicant can either show their proficiency on a range with a certified Iowa Law Enforcement Academy instructor or a certified National Rifle Association instructor, or take a class. Plus, you can use previous certification to count toward a renewal, but Haupert strongly urges everyone to shoot on the range.
“I’m a big advocate of range time for people. Besides, most people like to shoot anyway, so it’s enjoyable, as long as it’s done safely. I would rather see that proficiency on the range.”
About 900 people in Greene County have a permit to carry. Once you pass the range or class, you can bring in your certificate to your local Sheriff’s office and receive your new five-year permit. You have until 30 days before your expiration date and no sooner than 12 months from your expiration date to renew. As for those who served in the military, Haupert adds you can use your DD214 certification to obtain a permit.
“State law now says, if they used it the first time to get their original permit, they cannot use that on a renewal. They need to either take a course or they can shoot on range for a renewal.”
Those applying for their first permit must be 21 years-old, be a U.S. Citizen, have no prior felony or domestic abuse convictions and reside in the county that they are applying for the permit. New permits are $50 and renewals are $25, plus an extra $10 for a hard copy of the permit.
All Greene County residents must go to the Greene County Sheriff’s office at the Law Enforcement Center in Jefferson to renew or purchase a permit to carry. The LEC is located at 204 South Chestnut Street and the non-emergency number is 386-2136.
Sheriff Haupert will share more about the topic on today’s Let’s Talk Greene County program that airs during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on KG98.