Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task armed Americans must undertake. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Idaho gun laws.
Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Gem State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Idaho?
Open and concealed carry are legal in Idaho for anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm.
Idaho Concealed Carry Permit
An Idaho Concealed Weapons License (CWL) covers concealed weapons including any dirk, dirk knife, Bowie knife, dagger, pistol, revolver or any other deadly or dangerous weapon. The minimum age to carry concealed weapons in Idaho is 18. Idaho issues CWLs to residents and non-residents.
Concealed carry permits require a firearms training course that has been state-approved or experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition or military service. There is also an option of obtaining an enhanced CWL, which is intended to allow a permit holder to carry in more states than the standard CWL.
For purposes of reciprocity, an Enhanced CWL is available for those who wish to travel out of state. Some states will only accept the enhanced version of Idaho’s permit.
Stand Your Ground
Idaho is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person may defend himself or herself against intruders who enter the defender’s home, place of business or vehicle unlawfully or by force without the defender having to demonstrate that he or she reasonably feared that the intruder was about to cause death or great bodily harm.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
No permit is required to purchase a firearm. A person must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Idaho. There is no registration or mandatory waiting period for handguns.
There are also no restrictions on magazine capacity or ammunition restrictions. There is no requirement to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm in Idaho.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Pepper spray, stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Carry?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Idaho’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders.
Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Areas where permitless concealed carry is allowed:
- In a vehicle
- In restaurants and bars, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence
- Roadside rest areas
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Places of worship, unless posted
Locations where carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:
- Dormitory, residence hall or public entertainment area of a public college or university, provided that proper signage is conspicuously posted
- Private or public elementary or secondary school or a school-sponsored activity
- On school provided transportation
- Children’s residential care facility
- Children’s therapeutic outdoor program
- State veterans’ home
- Courthouse
- Juvenile detention facility
- Adult correctional facility, prison or jail
- Any private business that prohibits the carrying of weapons on its premises
- Any place while intoxicated or under the influence of an intoxicating drink or drug
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Ready to Master Your Shooting Skills Like a Pro?
Understanding Idaho gun laws is just the first step. Proper training transforms you from a gun owner into a confident protector.
USCCA’s expert-led classes cover everything from firearm fundamentals and accuracy training to legal considerations and conflict avoidance – giving you the confidence and skills to protect what matters most.
Over 1 million students trained nationwide. Find certified instruction in your area and take the next step in your protector journey.
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Idaho?
Anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm may carry a handgun in a vehicle without a permit.
Can You Carry a Gun in a Bar in Idaho?
Yes. There is no statute that makes concealed carry illegal in Idaho bars. However, any private business can post signs prohibiting the carrying of weapons on its premises.
Also, it is illegal to carry a firearm any place while intoxicated or under the influence of an intoxicating drink or drug.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Ready to Learn More About Idaho Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you.
To learn more about Idaho’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Idaho gun laws page now…
Interested in obtaining your Idaho concealed carry permit? Learn how to apply for an Idaho concealed carry permit here with this step-by-step guide.
Find a concealed carry class in Idaho today.
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The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
