The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office front lobby is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. After 4 pm and on weekends, the direct line to the Sheriff’s Office is answered by the dispatch center.
Walk-in traffic can enter the building through the front Lobby. The Algona Police Department is the window on the right and the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office is the window on the left. AFTER 4 pm and on weekends, the front lobby is locked and monitored by camera and an intercom system. Entry to the lobby area can be accessed after contact is made with the dispatch center by intercom.
Under Iowa law, purchasing and carrying a long gun-like a shotgun or rifle-does not require a permit. (other laws apply to transporting, etc.)
As of July 1st, 2021 the State of Iowa will be a Constitutional Carry state. This means you are no longer required to have a permit to carry or purchase a handgun. It is optional if you want to obtain a permit after July 1st, 2021.
After July 1st, 2021 Iowans will no longer have to obtain a permit before acquiring a handgun through sales between private citizens. (see Note #1 below) . However, when buying a gun from a federally licensed dealer, Iowans will either have to pass a background check or present a permit to carry or acquire.
If you have a current permit to carry or acquire, it is valid until the expiration date. You may continue to renew or apply for a permit to carry or acquire through the Sheriff’s Office on Monday-Friday from 8am to 3pm. (we have to download the system every day so applications are not accepted after 3 pm)
It is now a Citizen of Iowa’s decision if they wish to continue their current permits or apply for a permit after July 1st, 2021. Two advantages of continuing your permit or applying for a permit is if you travel through states that recognize the Iowa permit you would still be valid to carry and it will be easier to purchase from a Federal Licensed dealer if you hold a valid permit.
There are other changes to Chapter 724, including a section for “Duty to Cooperate” (see Note #2 below)
The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office would suggest you research Chapter 724 or call us for clarification if you have any questions or concerns.
The Kossuth County Jail will offer public fingerprinting for persons required to be fingerprinted for employment or background checks. All public fingerprinting services are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the jail staff at 515-295-9277 between the hours of 8am and 5pm on Monday through Friday. There is a $10.00 charge (cash or check) for public fingerprinting.
*Bring your photo ID and your fingerprint card(s) to your appointment.
*Court ordered fingerprints can be arranged through the same process and there is no charge for court ordered fingerprinting.
NOTE #1: It is a Class D Felony to sell, rent, give, or loan a gun to a person that the seller “knows or reasonably should know” is prohibited from owning firearms, punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted.
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Kossuth County is Iowa’s largest county by land area, offering a unique blend of rural beauty, community pride, and economic opportunity. Anchored by agriculture and enriched by local culture, it’s a place where tradition and progress live side by side.
