The Gem state is one of the most amenable states to gun owners and carriers, and as a result Idaho concealed carry is actually very easy. Just recently, Idaho is a constitutional carry state.
However, there are a few things to know, because it isn't like one can cross the border into Idaho and start concealed carrying without a permit. Bear in mind that this is not legal advice, but rather a discussion for purposes of sharing information.
Concealed Carry In Idaho Requires Licensure or Residency
When it comes to concealed carry, Idaho is a very liberal state compared to, say, California, which is legally inimical to the citizens being able to arm themselves.
Some might have also noticed, as mentioned, that Idaho enacted legislation making it the eighth state in the union to have permitless carry, or as it is sometimes called "constitutional carry." The legislation was passed in early 2016 and - at the time of this writing - has only been in effect for a few weeks.
With that said, that doesn't mean a person can go to Idaho and carry without a permit.
The constitutional carry provisions only extend that privilege to Idaho residents. Residents of other states will still need a permit, so long as the state of Idaho recognizes or reciprocates with the permit that a person is carrying.
The good news on that front is that Idaho recognizes all state permits. Therefore, so long as a person has a valid permit issued to them by their state of residence or another state...the state of Idaho will recognize their license.
Also, just because the state of Idaho has gone all constitutional and so on regarding concealed or open carry doesn't mean citizens still can't get permits. Idaho offers both a standard and an enhanced license for residents and non-residents, if said non-residents are willing to take the classroom instruction in Idaho and go to an Idaho county sheriff's office to submit the necessary paperwork and be fingerprinted.
For Idaho citizens, no permit is required for those 21 years of age or older, so long as they are able to legally possess a firearm. Those between 18 and 21 years of age can still be issued a permit if they otherwise meet the requirements, but could open carry (if they so chose) without needing a permit. Concealed carry without a permit is also allowed for those between 18 and 21 years of age outside city limits.
Restrictions on Idaho Concealed Carry
As with any state in the union, there are a few limits on Idaho concealed carry - mostly on where one can carry.
Federal buildings remain off-limits, as do primary and secondary schools and other areas designated gun-free zones by federal law.
As for state buildings, concealed carry isn't allowed in courthouses, detention facilities of any kind including prisons, juvenile detention facilities and prisons, and primary or secondary schools.
As far as concealed carry on campus, the law allows holders of the enhanced license to carry on college campuses. Those holding a base license or legally carrying without a permit are prohibited from carrying. However, colleges are allowed to set their own policy in Idaho, and some allow concealed carry in accordance with state law; others do not.
Idaho Concealed Carry Permit
While Idaho is a constitutional carry state, the rights and privileges of a permitless carrier are fewer than those of a person who holds an Idaho concealed carry permit, whether standard or enhanced.
Attaining either permit allows the permit bearer to conceal a loaded pistol in their vehicle. Though concealing without a permit is legal in Idaho while afoot, concealing in a vehicle is not while a handgun is loaded. To transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle, it must be in plain sight if the person carrying it lacks a permit.
As with a number of other states, obtaining a concealed carry permit (either the base permit or the enhanced permit) qualifies for a Brady Act exemption for NICS checks. Idaho residents with permits, therefore, don't have to go through a background check when purchasing a gun; legal permitless carriers will still have to.
Additionally, the constitutional carry statute enjoys basically none - except in Oklahoma, where constitutional carriers may carry without a permit so long as they have a valid ID from the constitutional carry state they reside in, and other constitutional carry states that extend permitless carry to non-residents. This includes Maine and Vermont.
Permit holders from Idaho - resident or non-resident - enjoy some of the widest-ranging reciprocity and recognition among all U.S. states. In total, 28 states reciprocate with or recognize the standard license, and 8 more with the enhanced license for residents. Non-residents holding an Idaho permit can enjoy reciprocity or recognition from 26 states for the standard permit and 8 more for an enhanced permit.
Requirements for obtaining a permit are that a person must be at least 18 years of age and can't be a felon nor convicted of certain violent misdemeanors, nor can be a habitual substance abuser or person adjudicated mentally defective.
The standard license has a minimum training standard, often satisfied by an NRA Basic Pistol course, hunter's safety course or approved courses for the standard license. After completing the requisite training, applicants must apply in person at their county sheriff's office or any county sheriff's office if a non-resident. There is a minimal amount of range time required.
The enhanced license requires classroom instruction in Idaho firearms and self-defense law. There is also a required range portion of enhanced license training, wherein enrollees must demonstrate proficiency with a firearm though qualification (meaning attaining a minimum score in scored shooting) is not required. Application is the same; a person must submit proof of the required training and apply in person at the same locations.
All permits include both fingerprinting and a background check. However, fees are very reasonable; either permit costs $20.
As with any state that issues permits but also allows permitless carry, it's up to the individual to determine if the cost of the training and licensure is worth the benefits.
Idaho Concealed Carry Reciprocity
The state of Idaho recognizes any valid license issued by another state, so anyone with a valid concealed carry license can carry in Idaho. State law does, however, require a person to carry their license on their person at all times.
Idaho is a constitutional carry state, but this is only extended to residents of the state, so anyone from out of state looking to carry there will have to have their license to do so.
Idaho offers two licenses - regular and enhanced - which has a bearing on states that recognize Idaho's licenses. Granted, Idaho licenses enjoy some of the widest-reaching recognition of any license issued in the United States. All told, 37 states overall recognize Idaho's license. Of those, 9 states recognize the enhanced license only.
The Gem State, in many regards, is one of the most gun-friendly states in the union.
FAQs
What is constitutional carry in Idaho?
Constitutional carry in Idaho allows any person 18 years or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This law has been effective since July 1, 2016, with subsequent expansions in 2019 and 2020, permitting permitless concealed carry statewide except in restricted locations.
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Idaho?
Having a concealed weapons license (CWL) is not required to carry concealed in Idaho if you meet the age and legal eligibility criteria. However, obtaining a CWL is beneficial for those who wish to carry in other states that require a permit and for personal convenience.
What are the eligibility requirements for an Idaho concealed weapons license?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens or members of the armed forces, have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history, and not be subject to any protective orders or adjudications prohibiting firearm possession. Proof of firearms training and fingerprinting for background checks are required for the license application.
How do I apply for a concealed carry permit in Idaho?
The application process involves submitting a completed form along with fingerprints to the county sheriff’s office, paying application fees, and providing proof of firearms training. The sheriff forwards fingerprints to the Idaho State Police for national background checks, which are completed within 60 days. Upon clearance, the applicant is notified to complete the permit process, including photo submission.
Where am I prohibited from carrying concealed in Idaho?
Even with a permit or under constitutional carry, firearms are prohibited in certain places such as schools, courthouses, jails, federal facilities, and private properties that post legal no-firearm notices. Specific city or county ordinances may impose further restrictions.
What is the validity period and renewal process for an Idaho concealed weapons license?
An Idaho concealed weapons license is valid for five years. Renewals must be filed within 90 days prior to expiration with a fee and a background check. Renewals take less time than initial applications and require updated identification and fingerprints in some counties.
Does Idaho recognize concealed carry permits from other states?
Idaho recognizes all valid concealed weapons licenses issued by other states, allowing permit holders lawful concealed carry while in Idaho as long as they carry the permit physically on their person.
Can non-residents apply for an Idaho concealed weapons license?
Non-residents who are at least 18 years old may apply for an Idaho concealed weapons license if they meet the eligibility requirements and have held a valid license or permit in their home state within the previous 90 days. Proof of firearms training and residency or permit validation is required.
Are open carry and concealed carry permits both legal in Idaho?
Yes, open carry is legal without a permit for those 18 and older who can legally possess firearms. Concealed carry without a permit is also legal under constitutional carry. Permits are issued for individuals preferring reciprocity or other benefits.
What recent federal legislation affects Idaho concealed carry?
The 2025 Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, introduced by Idaho Senators, aims to allow lawful concealed carry permit holders nationwide to exercise carry rights in any state recognizing concealed carry, reinforcing Second Amendment protections for Idahoans traveling interstate.
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About The Author Born in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. His varied interests include camping, hunting, concealed carry, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible.. |