Idaho Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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Summary of Idaho Gun Laws
No license is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, no background check is required, there is no waiting period, and there is no firearms registration in the state. Background checks are required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). However, an Idaho Concealed Weapons License (CWL) exempts the holder from the federal requirement of a background check prior to purchase of a firearm.
Open carry is legal without a license in Idaho for anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including elementary schools and courthouses.
Permitless concealed carry became legal as of March 2020, and allows any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm or a current member of the armed forces of the United States, to lawfully carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without a license. Idaho offers two types of CWL’s, both of which require the applicant to be at least 18 years old. A CWL covers concealed weapons including any dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife, dagger, pistol, revolver or any other deadly or dangerous weapon. An Enhanced CWL is available for purposes of reciprocity for those who wish to travel out of state. In terms of reciprocity, some states will only accept the enhanced version of Idaho’s license. Idaho issues CWLs to residents and non-residents. Concealed carry licenses 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.
Self-Defense
Idaho is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A law-abiding citizen may stand his or her ground and protect himself or herself or a third party anywhere he or she has a legal right to be.
Defense of Self and Others
No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting one’s self or family by reasonable means necessary, or when coming to the aid of another whom he reasonably believes to be in imminent danger of or the victim of aggravated assault, robbery, rape, murder or other heinous crime. The defense of self or of another does not require a person to wait until he or she ascertains whether the danger is apparent or real. A person confronted with such danger has a clear right to act upon appearances such as would influence the action of a reasonable person.
Defense of Place
A person using force or deadly force in defense of a habitation, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle is presumed to have acted reasonably and had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury if the force is used against a person whose entry or attempted entry therein is unlawful and is made or attempted by use of force, in a violent and tumultuous manner, surreptitiously or by stealth, or for the purpose of committing a felony.
Liability
A person is released from liability when protecting himself or herself or his or her family by reasonable means necessary or when coming to the aid of another whom he or she reasonably believes to be in imminent danger of or the victim of aggravated assault, robbery, rape, murder or other heinous crime.
“Habitation” means any building, inhabitable structure or conveyance of any kind, whether the building, inhabitable structure or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile — including a tent — and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night, including a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest, and includes the curtilage of any such dwelling.
“Place of business or employment” means a commercial enterprise or establishment owned by a person as all or part of the person’s livelihood or is under the owner’s control or under control of an employee or agent of the owner with responsibility for protecting persons and property and shall include the interior and exterior premises of the place of business or employment.
“Vehicle” means any motorized vehicle that is self-propelled and designed for use on public highways to transport people or property.
Idaho Gun Laws at a Glance
Carry Basics
Permitless Carry?Does Idaho allow permitless carry? |
Yes. Any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm and any current member of the armed forces of the United States, may carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without a permit. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Idaho? |
Yes, without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Idaho requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? |
Shall-issue. Idaho officials shall issue concealed carry licenses provided that the applicant meets all qualifications. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Idaho to get a concealed carry license? |
The minimum age to apply for an Idaho Concealed Weapons License is 18. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Idaho with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Yes. Any concealed deadly weapon is covered by an Idaho CWL license. This includes:
|
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Idaho? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Idaho? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Idaho. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Idaho have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. There are no restrictions on magazine capacity in Idaho. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Idaho have ammunition restrictions? |
No. There are no special restrictions on the types of ammunition you may use in your concealed carry handgun in Idaho. |
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Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Idaho? |
Yes, without a license, based on the signing of HB 516. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Idaho? |
Yes. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Idaho? |
Yes in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Idaho. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Idaho? |
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Idaho? |
A hotelkeeper has the right to evict a person, whether or not the person is a guest of the hotel, who seeks to bring a firearm into the hotel. The hotelkeeper is not required to provide accommodations, facilities or privileges of the hotel to any such person. Therefore, the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Idaho have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
Employers may post their parking lots to prevent employees from storing guns in their vehicles. |
Key State Laws
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Idaho? |
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Idaho. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License?Is my Idaho driver’s license linked to my Idaho carry license? |
Yes. Your Idaho driver’s license is linked to your Idaho concealed weapons license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry license holder if they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Idaho? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in Idaho. |
Preemption?Does Idaho have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. Yes, the state has preemption over firearms, except a county may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit the discharge of firearms within its boundaries, under most circumstances. |
Red Flag Law?Does Idaho have a red flag law? |
No. Idaho does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Idaho state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Idaho law. However, any person who shall intentionally, without malice, point or aim any firearm at or toward any other person shall be charged with a crime. Every person who, not in necessary self-defense, in the presence of two or more persons, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon in a rude, angry and threatening manner, or who, in any manner, unlawfully uses the same, in any fight or quarrel, has committed a crime. |
Carry While Using alcohol or Drugs?Does Idaho have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs? |
Not while intoxicated or under the influence of an intoxicating drink or drug. Licenses may be denied to an unlawful user of marijuana or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug, or any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802. [Idaho Code Ann. §§18-3302B and 18-3302(10)(e)] 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 judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Idaho issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents? |
Yes. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Idaho allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. Idaho's concealed carry registry is not publicly accessible. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Idaho? |
No. No permit is required to purchase a handgun in Idaho. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Idaho? |
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. |
Idaho license Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Idaho concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Idaho? |
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Idaho. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Idaho? |
No. Idaho does not require handguns to be registered. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Idaho? |
18 years old. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to possess any weapon, as defined in section 18-3302A, Idaho Code, unless he or she:
|
Possess a handgun on my private property without a license?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? |
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed for anyone at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm in Idaho. |
Related Blog Posts
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Idaho
USCCA — December 13, 2020
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State Constitutional Provision
Idaho Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Idaho honor?
Since Idaho has permitless carry, any person who is at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm may open or concealed carry a firearm without a permit/license.
Other States' Reciprocity With Idaho
Which states honor permits from Idaho?
Residents of Idaho can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit/license. Oklahoma recognizes Permitless Carry States statutes allowing residents to carry without a permit in their state of residence. To carry in Oklahoma, you must carry your state-issued ID.
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Idaho
Idaho offers resident and non-resident licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Idaho resident licenses (and not those issued to non-residents).
Permitless Carry States
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Idaho Concealed Carry License Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Idaho. |
Fees: |
$20 for initial license (The sheriff’s office may charge a separate fee for processing and fingerprinting.) $15 for renewals (The sheriff’s office may charge a separate fee for processing and background checks.) |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
90 days |
Application: |
|
Enhanced Application: |
The enhanced CWL requires additional training than the standard Idaho CWL. It is intended to allow license holders to carry in more states than the standard CWL. Additional Requirements for an enhanced CWL:
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry licenses: |
Idaho issues CWLs to residents and non-residents. The requirements are similar for both. Contact the sheriff’s office in the county where you intend to apply. Non-residents with licenses issued by their home state may apply for enhanced CWLs. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Contact the sheriff’s office in your county. |
Lost/Stolen licenses: |
Contact the sheriff’s office in your county. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Idaho and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Moving from Idaho and have an Idaho resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Idaho license remains valid? |
Idaho Concealed Carry License Application Process
How to Apply for a Idaho Concealed Carry License
Step 1: |
Complete a training course, if needed (required for enhanced CWL). |
Step 2: |
Download the application form or pick up from your local sheriff's office. |
Step 3: |
Take the following documents to your local sheriff's office:
You will be fingerprinted. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Idaho
A county sheriff may require that you demonstrate familiarity with a firearm, which may be through classes or other means. A sheriff must accept one of the following as evidence of familiarity with a firearm:
- Completion of a hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game or a similar agency of another state;
- Completion of a National Rifle Association (NRA) firearms safety, training or hunter education course;
- Completion of a firearms safety or training course offered by a law enforcement agency, community college, college, university, private or public school or firearms training school, using instructors certified by the NRA or Idaho State Police;
- Completion of a law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class for security guards, investigators, special deputies, law enforcement agencies or security enforcement agencies;
- Evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;
- A current Idaho license to carry a concealed weapon;
- Completion of a firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified or NRA-certified firearms instructor; or
- Other training the sheriff deems appropriate.
Live-fire training, including the firing of at least 98 rounds by the student is required for an enhanced CWL. No additional training is required for license renewals.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
Idaho Concealed Carry License Renewal Process
How to Renew a Idaho Concealed Carry License
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. Concealed carry weapons licenses can be renewed within 90 days before and 90 days after the expiry date. A new license application must be made if the license has expired for more than 90 days. |
Step 2: |
Download the application form or pick up from your local sheriff's office. |
Step 3: |
Take the following documents to your local sheriff's office:
|
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
In Idaho, per Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302(5)(h), the local county sheriffs are responsible for LEOSA matters. There is no state-mandated qualification course, so retired officers shoot their department qualification course or the qualification course in use by the local county sheriff’s office where they qualify.
Idaho Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Idaho? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Idaho?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: Idaho Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Idaho? |
In Idaho, anyone 18 years or older can open carry any knife. You cannot conceal carry a Bowie, dirk, dagger or dangerous weapon with a blade longer than 6 inches unless you have a weapons license. Knives can be a deadly weapon, but Idaho law does not state what types of knives are deadly weapons. The places listed as off-limits for CWL should also be assumed to apply to knives. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Idaho, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
Although we have not conducted an exhaustive search, we found no statute in Idaho addressing masks. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Idaho? |
Yes, for residents. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Idaho? |
Yes, it is legal to carry a handgun while archery hunting. But it's illegal to use any firearm to take an animal or finish off a wounded animal in an archery-only season. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Idaho? |
Yes. No person shall intentionally interfere with the lawful taking or control of wildlife by another. |
Related Information & Links for Idaho Gun Laws
Idaho Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2021-05-17 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
| 2020-06-26 | Added link to National Parks to At A Glance table |
| 2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-03 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
| 2020-03-25 | Updated info on permitless carry to the Summary and At A Glance table indicating HB 516 was signed by the Gov |
| 2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-18 | Added related blog posts with links |
| 2020-02-13 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
| 2020-01-28 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
| 2020-01-10 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-11-15 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-14 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-09-06 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-07-25 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-29 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-17 | Links checked |
| 2019-04-04 | The new age limit for Permitless Carry within city limits was added to the Gen'l section and the At A Glance table. |
| 2019-03-27 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-25 | Links checked |
| 2019-01-24 | Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit info added to At A Glance table |
Did We Miss Something?
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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
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