IN IOWA : I belive all hand guns are registered when bought. But CWW permits are applied for(and you need one). The "Non professional" or the "Professional" CWW permit. A CWW permit allows you carry your weapon.If your employer store owner wants you to have a weapon while working He has to give written permission to proper law inforcement officals.In some sutuations this would allow you to have a "proffessional CWW " permit.Which would allow you to have a weapon at your disposal in their store while working. I highly suggest you check with your local Sheriff Dept before taking any further actions.I am sure they would answer any questions you may have.I also recommend you check with any other state you may carry in about their rules. Not every state allows other state permits legal or not. It is a great idea to take some serious training about the legal use of defense weapons. Once fired for any reason the responabilty of that slug belongs to the person who fired the weapon. Even law enforcement officers have the same rules.This is all covered in the required classes taken for CWW permit holders in Iowa.A extra course in real on range firing is great.Also suggest you read the Encyclopedia on articles lead page of the discription og CWW permits lot of info there.