Idaho permit process

How To Get Your Idaho Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Idaho's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CWL varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Idaho Concealed Weapons License below.

Steps To Get A Idaho Concealed Carry Permit

1

COMPLETE  a training course, if needed (required for an Enhanced CWL).

2

DOWNLOAD the application form or pick up from your local sheriff’s office.

3

VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Take the following documents to your local sheriff’s office:

  • Completed application
  • Proof of training
  • Photo ID

You will be fingerprinted.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX


You will be notified within 90 days if your permit has been approved or denied.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Idaho?

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
  • Other training the sheriff deems appropriate


ENHANCED CWL LIVE-FIRE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum 98 rounds by the trainee

A county sheriff in Idaho may require that you demonstrate familiarity with a firearm, which may be through concealed carry classes or other means.


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.

What Are the Idaho License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident;
  • Not be a person who having been a citizen of the United States has renounced his or her citizenship;
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the firearm through a course; 
  • Have resided in Idaho for at least 6 months;
  • Not have been formally charged or adjudicated guilty in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
  • Not have received a withheld judgment or suspended sentence for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, unless the person has successfully completed probation;
  • Not be a fugitive from justice;
  • Not be an unlawful user of marijuana or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug, or any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. section 802;
  • Not be currently suffering from or have been adjudicated as having suffered from any of the following conditions, based on substantial evidence:
    • Lacking mental capacity as defined in section 18-210, Idaho Code;
    • Mentally ill as defined in section 66-317, Idaho Code;
    • Gravely disabled as defined in section 66-317, Idaho Code; or
    • An incapacitated person as defined in section 15-5-101, Idaho Code.
  • Not have been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions;
  • Not have received a period of probation after having been adjudicated guilty of, or received a withheld judgment for, a misdemeanor offense that has as an element the intentional use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, unless the person has successfully completed probation;
  • Not be the subject of a withheld judgment for a crime prohibiting a carry license; or released pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a crime prohibiting a carry license;
  • Not be subject to a protection order issued under chapter 63, title 39, Idaho Code; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

*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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue

$20 for Initial License. Sheriff May Charge Separately for Processing and Fingerprinting

$15 for License Renewals. Sheriff May Charge Separately for Processing and Fingerprinting

90 Day Processing Time

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

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.

Residency Changes:

Moving to Idaho and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Idaho doesn't distinguish between resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for a license at any time. In order to obtain an Idaho resident license, you must be a resident of Idaho for at least six months.

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?If a person with an Idaho concealed weapon license establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided he or she contacts the sheriff’s office in their county.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Idaho?

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.

1

DOWNLOAD or pick up the application form from your local sheriff's office.

2

VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE


Take the following documents to your local sheriff's office:

  • Completed application
  • Photo ID
3

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.


You will be notified within 60 Days if your renewal has been approved.

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