Idaho allows concealed carry without a permit under Idaho Code § 18-3302. Since 2016, anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in most public places without a license, often called "constitutional carry." An optional Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit (ECCP) is available for reciprocity with other states (Idaho Code § 18-3302K). To get an ECCP, you must be 21 or older, complete an 8-hour training course (covering laws, safety, and live-fire proficiency), and pass a background check. Concealed carry is banned in certain places like courthouses, schools, and federal buildings (Idaho Code § 18-3302C). Private property owners can prohibit firearms with proper signage (Idaho Code § 18-3302J). Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, with penalties up to 1 year in jail.
Costs: An ECCP application costs $20, with a $10 fingerprinting fee. Training courses typically cost $75-$150. Total costs for an ECCP are usually $105-$180.
Processing Time: ECCP applications are processed within 90 days, but delays can occur if additional background checks are needed.
Renewal: An ECCP is valid for 5 years. Renewal costs $15 and does not require retraining.
Reciprocity: Idaho allows permitless carry for those 21 and older, so no permit is needed to carry concealed here. Idaho honors permits from all other states (Idaho Code § 18-3302). An Idaho ECCP is recognized by 37 states, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Always check the laws of the state you’re visiting.
Idaho allows open carry without a permit under Idaho Code § 18-3302. Anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm can openly carry a handgun in most public places without a license. Open carry is banned in certain places like courthouses, schools, and federal buildings (Idaho Code § 18-3302C). Private property owners can prohibit open carry with proper signage (Idaho Code § 18-3302J). Long guns, like rifles and shotguns, can also be openly carried without a permit, but displaying any firearm in a threatening manner is illegal (Idaho Code § 18-3302). Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, with penalties up to 1 year in jail.
Idaho has minimal restrictions on firearm types. There are no state laws banning assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, or machine guns, as long as they comply with federal law (e.g., National Firearms Act for machine guns and silencers). Ghost guns are legal, and there’s no requirement to serialize them. Certain individuals, like felons or those with domestic violence convictions, cannot possess firearms (Idaho Code § 18-310). Firearms are banned in specific places like schools and courthouses (Idaho Code § 18-3302C). Violations can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties up to 1 year in jail or 5 years in prison.
Costs: There are no state fees for owning restricted firearms since Idaho doesn’t ban them, but federal fees apply for items like silencers ($200 tax stamp).
Processing Time: Federal background checks for restricted items (e.g., silencers) can take 6-12 months through the ATF.
Interstate travel with firearms through or into Idaho is straightforward under federal and state law. The federal Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) (18 U.S.C. § 926A) allows transport across state lines if you can legally possess the firearm in your starting and destination states. The firearm must be unloaded and in a locked container or trunk (not the glove box). Idaho law allows you to carry a handgun in your vehicle without a permit if you’re 18 or older and can legally possess a firearm (Idaho Code § 18-3302). Long guns can be transported without a locked container. Firearms are banned in certain places like schools and courthouses (Idaho Code § 18-3302C). Idaho allows permitless carry, so no license is needed while traveling here if you’re 18 or older and can legally possess a firearm.
Purchasing a firearm in Idaho is straightforward with minimal state restrictions. You must be 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer (federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922), but only 18 for rifles or shotguns (Idaho Code § 18-310). No permit, background check, or waiting period is required for private sales. For dealer purchases, a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is required, but there’s no state waiting period (18 U.S.C. § 922). There’s no limit on the number of firearms you can buy at once, and no state requirement for a safety certificate. Assault weapons, silencers, and large-capacity magazines can be purchased, subject to federal laws (e.g., NFA for silencers). Certain individuals, like felons, cannot buy firearms (Idaho Code § 18-310).
Costs: There are no state fees for purchasing, but dealers may charge a $10-$25 fee for the NICS background check. Total fees are typically $10-$25 per transaction.
Processing Time: NICS background checks are usually instant but can take up to 3 days if there’s a delay.
Idaho does not require firearm registration. There’s no state law mandating registration when you buy a firearm, move to Idaho, or own a ghost gun (Idaho Code § 18-310). Federal law requires registration for certain items like machine guns and silencers through the ATF (National Firearms Act). Idaho doesn’t require reporting lost or stolen firearms. There are no penalties for failing to register since registration isn’t required.
Idaho has minimal firearm storage laws. There’s no state requirement to store firearms unloaded or in a locked container (Idaho Code § 18-310). It’s illegal to leave a firearm where a child under 18 can access it if the child uses it to cause injury or death (Idaho Code § 18-3302F), but this is a narrow law with limited enforcement. Penalties can be a misdemeanor, with up to 1 year in jail. There’s no requirement to report lost or stolen firearms, and dealers aren’t required to provide locking devices with purchases.
Idaho has a strong Castle Doctrine under Idaho Code § 18-4009, allowing you to use deadly force in your home, vehicle, or place of business if someone unlawfully enters and you reasonably believe they pose a threat of death or serious injury. Idaho is also a "stand your ground" state, meaning you have no duty to retreat anywhere you’re legally present (Idaho Code § 19-202A). This applies to your property and public places. Using excessive force can lead to charges like manslaughter, with penalties up to 15 years in prison.