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Idaho Concealed Carry Laws |
Idaho is a shall-issue state for concealed carry. Concealed weapon licenses are issued at the local level by county sheriffs. 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 the 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 CWLs, 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. 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.
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.
No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting oneself 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.
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.
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: Any building, inhabitable structure, or conveyance of any kind, whether 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: 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: Any motorized vehicle that is self-propelled and designed for use on public highways to transport people or property.
[Idaho Code Ann. §§ 19-202A & 18-4009]
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.
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.
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.
Does Idaho have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. There are no restrictions on magazine capacity in Idaho.
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.
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.
If Idaho requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Idaho is a shall-issue state. Officials shall issue concealed carry licenses provided that the applicant meets all qualifications.
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.
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:
- Any dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife, dagger, or firearm;
- Any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance that is designed and manufactured to be readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury; or
- Any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance that is intended by the person to be readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
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. [Idaho Adm. Code 26.01.20.175.14]
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 its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. [Idaho Code Ann. § 39-1809]
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.
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. [Idaho Code Ann. §§18-3302(3) & (4)]
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Idaho?
Yes.
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.
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.
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.
Purchase Permits?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Idaho?
No. No permit is required to purchase a handgun in Idaho.
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:
- Has the written permission of his or her parent or guardian to possess the weapon; or
- Is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian while he or she has the weapon in his possession. [Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302A]
Which states' permits does Idaho honor?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
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).
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Delaware (Enhanced permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Minnesota (Enhanced permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (enhanced permit only)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (Enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old)
Washington (Enhanced permits only)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (Enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
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.
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:
- An state-approved, 8-hour course attended in-person and not through electronic or other means, that includes instruction in:
- Idaho law relating to firearms and the use of deadly force, provided by a state-approved trainer;
- The basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns;
- Self-defense principles; and
- Live-fire training, including the firing of at least 98 rounds by the student.
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? 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.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Idaho?
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs? Yes.
- Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Idaho?
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- A dormitory, residence hall or public entertainment area of a public college or university, provided that proper signage is conspicuously posted [Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302(a)];
- A private or public elementary or secondary school or a school-sponsored activity (except adults who lawfully possess a firearm in a private vehicle while delivering minor children, students or school employees to and from school or a school activity or secured and locked in a private vehicle);
- On school provided transportation; [Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302D];
- A children’s residential care facility [Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.06.02.734];
- A children’s therapeutic outdoor program [Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.06.02.848];
- A state veterans’ home [Idaho Admin. Code r. 21.01.01.201];
- A courthouse;
- A juvenile detention facility; [Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302C];
- An adult correctional facility, prison or jail [Idaho Code Ann. § 18-2510(5)(c)];
- 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 [Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3302B];
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
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 specify which types of knives are considered deadly weapons. The places listed as off-limits for CWL should also be assumed to apply to knives.
[Idaho Code § 18-3302(2)]
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.
[Idaho Statute § 36-401(g)]
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.
[ID Fish & Game FAQ]
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.
[Idaho Statute § 36-1510]