Idaho has some of the most gun-friendly laws in the United States, with permissive regulations on open and concealed carry and minimal restrictions on firearm ownership. This guide provides an overview of Idaho’s gun laws, including purchasing requirements, permit options, carry laws, and self-defense statutes.

Idaho Gun Laws Overview

Purchasing Firearms in Idaho

Idaho’s approach to firearm purchasing is straightforward and aligns closely with federal law. The state does not require permits for firearm purchases, and individuals can generally acquire firearms without state-imposed restrictions.

Key Requirements:

Permit to Purchase: No permit is required to purchase long guns or handguns.
Background Check: Required only for purchases from licensed dealers, per federal law. Private sales do not require background checks in Idaho.
Waiting Period: Idaho does not mandate a waiting period for purchasing firearms.
Minimum Age: Individuals must be 18 to purchase long guns and 21 to purchase handguns, in accordance with federal regulations.

Open Carry in Idaho

Open carry is permitted without a license or permit in Idaho, allowing residents and visitors alike to openly carry firearms in most public spaces.

Key Points on Open Carry:

No Permit Required: Open carry is allowed without a permit for individuals 18 and older.
Restricted Areas: Firearms are prohibited in certain places, such as schools, courthouses, and federal buildings, even with open carry rights.
Vehicle Carry: Idaho residents can openly carry a loaded firearm in their vehicles without a permit.

Concealed Carry in Idaho

Idaho is a “constitutional carry” state, meaning individuals can carry concealed firearms without a permit as long as they meet eligibility requirements. While Idaho residents do not need a permit for concealed carry, the state also offers enhanced permits that grant greater reciprocity with other states.

How to Obtain an Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit:

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 for standard constitutional carry but 21 for the enhanced concealed carry permit.
Training Requirement: The enhanced permit requires completion of a certified firearms training course, which includes instruction on Idaho laws, safe handling, and marksmanship.
Application Submission: Submit the application to the local county sheriff’s office, along with fingerprints and a background check.
Renewal: Enhanced concealed carry permits must be renewed every five years.

Reciprocity with Other States

Idaho recognizes concealed carry permits from all states, provided the permit holder is 18 or older. The enhanced Idaho concealed carry permit is accepted in many other states that may not honor the standard Idaho permit, giving residents added flexibility when traveling.

Restricted Locations for Carrying Firearms in Idaho

Although Idaho generally supports open and concealed carry rights, firearms are restricted in certain locations for public safety.

Schools: Firearms are prohibited on K-12 school campuses, though exceptions exist for school resource officers and some permit holders.
Courthouses: Idaho prohibits firearms in courthouses and certain other government buildings.
Private Property: Private property owners have the right to restrict firearms on their premises, and “no gun” signage must be respected.
Federal Properties: Federal law prohibits firearms in federal buildings, such as post offices and national parks.

Self-Defense Laws in Idaho: Stand Your Ground

Idaho follows a Stand Your Ground law, allowing individuals to defend themselves without the duty to retreat in certain situations. The law also includes a Castle Doctrine provision, affirming the right to defend oneself in their home.

Stand Your Ground

Idaho’s Stand Your Ground law allows individuals to use force, including deadly force if necessary, to defend themselves or others against an immediate threat in any place where they have a lawful right to be. There is no duty to retreat if faced with imminent harm.

Castle Doctrine

The Castle Doctrine in Idaho extends the right to defend oneself within their home. Homeowners are permitted to use force, even deadly force, to protect themselves and others from an unlawful intruder.

Assault Weapon and Magazine Capacity Regulations

Idaho does not impose additional restrictions on magazine capacity or specific firearms like assault weapons, allowing residents to own and carry firearms and magazines of any capacity.

Firearms Prohibited Persons in Idaho

Idaho restricts firearm possession for certain individuals based on criminal history and mental health criteria, as outlined by state and federal law.

Felony Convictions: Those with felony convictions are typically prohibited from firearm ownership.
Domestic Violence Offenders: Individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors are barred from possessing firearms.
Mental Health: Those committed to mental institutions or adjudicated as mentally incompetent are prohibited from owning firearms.
Protective Orders: Individuals with active restraining orders related to domestic violence may be restricted from firearm possession.

Penalties for Violating Gun Laws in Idaho

Idaho enforces penalties for firearm law violations, though the state’s regulations are generally permissive. Violations, such as carrying a firearm in a restricted area, failing to adhere to private property restrictions, or possessing firearms unlawfully, can result in fines, imprisonment, or loss of firearm rights.

Conclusion: Understanding Idaho’s Gun Laws

Idaho’s gun laws are highly permissive, supporting constitutional carry, minimal purchase restrictions, and extensive self-defense rights. The state’s enhanced concealed carry permit offers greater reciprocity, allowing Idahoans to carry concealed in many other states. Gun owners in Idaho should still be mindful of restricted areas and adhere to private property regulations.

FAQs About Gun Laws in Idaho

1. Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Idaho?
No, Idaho does not require a permit to purchase firearms.

2. Does Idaho restrict magazine capacity?
No, Idaho does not limit magazine capacity for firearms.

3. Does Idaho recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
Yes, Idaho honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits.

4. Is open carry legal in Idaho?
Yes, open carry is permitted without a permit for individuals 18 and older.

5. What are Idaho’s self-defense laws?
Idaho has Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws, allowing for self-defense without the duty to retreat.