Gun Laws in Idaho
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Idaho's remarkable score of 94 reflects the state's constitutional carry laws, strong preemption statutes, virtually no restrictions on firearm types, and comprehensive self-defense protections that prioritize citizens' rights.
Idaho Gun Laws Summary
Idaho stands as one of the most gun-friendly states in America, with minimal restrictions on firearms and ammunition. The state follows a philosophy of not duplicating federal regulations and avoids imposing additional burdens beyond federal requirements whenever possible.
Idaho is a shall-issue state for concealed weapons permits, though permits are completely optional for residents. The Idaho State Police handles permit issuance, and qualifying applicants will receive their permits without discretionary denial. While not required for Idaho residents, obtaining a permit provides advantages including reciprocity with other states and expedited firearm purchases.
Since July 1, 2016, Idaho has been a constitutional carry state when Governor Butch Otter signed SB 1389 into law. Any law-abiding Idaho resident who is at least 18 years old and legally permitted to possess a firearm can carry a concealed weapon without a permit within state borders. For non-residents, the age requirement is 21. Idaho was the ninth state to adopt constitutional carry, further affirming its commitment to strong Second Amendment protections.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
No permits are required to purchase firearms or ammunition in Idaho. Background checks are conducted for sales through federally licensed dealers (FFLs) as required by federal law, using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Private sales between individuals require no background check, permit, or registration. Idaho law expressly prohibits any state agency or political subdivision from maintaining a registry of privately owned firearms, firearm owners, or firearm transfers.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Idaho is a constitutional carry state where no permit is required for open or concealed carry for residents aged 18 and older who can legally possess firearms. Non-residents must be at least 21 years old. Idaho recognizes concealed carry permits from all states.
Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. Certain locations prohibit carry, including federal buildings, courthouses, juvenile detention facilities, and public or private K-12 schools (unless specific permission is granted). For those who choose to obtain a permit, Idaho offers two types: a standard permit requiring minimal training, and an enhanced permit requiring handgun training from a qualified instructor. The enhanced permit is recognized by more states and allows carry in some locations where the standard permit does not.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Idaho has no bans on semi-automatic firearms, detachable magazines, or firearms with specific features. There are no magazine capacity restrictions. All NFA items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, machine guns, etc.) are legal to own provided federal requirements are met. In fact, Idaho passed the "Idaho Federal Firearm, Magazine and Register Ban Enforcement Act" in 2014, which prohibits state enforcement of future federal laws that would restrict these items.
Local Laws
Idaho has strong statewide preemption of firearms laws. State law explicitly prohibits any city, county, or other political subdivision from regulating the acquisition, ownership, possession, transportation, carrying, transfer, or storage of firearms, ammunition, or firearm components. This ensures uniform gun laws throughout the state and prevents local governments from creating conflicting regulations that could confuse gun owners and potentially criminalize otherwise lawful behavior.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Idaho Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
This piece discusses the firearms and ammunition laws in the state of Idaho. The state has some of the most permissive ammo and gun laws in the country, but there are still some laws that govern the purchasing, carrying, and ownership of firearms and ammunition in Idaho.
We start this piece by covering the ammo laws of the state, with the aim of explaining the processes to have ammunition shipped to residential addresses in Idaho. Following that, we cover the firearms buying processes in ID and summarize the laws surrounding the carrying of firearms in the state, before leaving off with some resources that folks will find useful if they plan to buy, use, or carry firearms in Idaho.
Nothing in this piece is meant as legal advice. Instead, we hope that it is a useful foundation of information for people who are interested in the firearms laws and community in Idaho.
Like many other states, Idaho has a preemption statute: this means that the state has declared that no smaller locality, such as a county or city, can make or enforce firearms laws that are stricter than those at the state level. This is helpful for folks who want to buy and use firearms in the state because it means that once you understand one set of firearms laws, those laws apply throughout Idaho as a whole.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Idaho
First, we will cover the ammo laws of Idaho.
Idaho’s ammunition laws are among the most permissive in the nation: the state itself does not impose bans on any specific type of ammunition. Because of this, the ammo purchasing process follows federal guidelines.
To satisfy federal requirements to purchase ammunition, buyers have to think about two things. The first is age: people have to be eighteen to buy ammunition for rifles and shotguns, and twenty-one or older to purchase handgun ammunition. The buyer of the ammunition cannot be a prohibited person either. The ATF defines prohibited persons, generally, as felons or people who have been convicted of domestic violence, people who have been ruled mentally defective in court, and those who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
Once those two requirements have been met, it is legal to have ammunition shipped to a residential address in the state. Keep in mind that carriers can and do impose their own rules. For example, a carrier might ask for an adult with a valid ID to be present to sign for the delivery of ammunition.
Buying ammo in Idaho is not restrictive, and the state does not have any kind of magazine ban as of the time of this writing. But, there are some small caveats to this permissiveness. First, Idaho law generally prohibits people from giving ammunition to anyone under sixteen years of age. In addition to that, anyone who runs a daycare or foster home is required to keep their firearms and ammunition locked and inaccessible to any children in the home. While these do make the ammunition laws in the state slightly less permissive, the vast majority of people in the state of Idaho can have ammunition shipped to them at home.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Idaho
Next, we will do the same exercise for Idaho’s gun laws.
The firearms laws in Idaho are similarly permissive like the ammunition laws. There are no specific bans in the state concerning assault weapons or NFA items like suppressors and machine guns, nor is there a state-level requirement to register firearms. Because of this, buying a firearm from an FFL in Idaho follows the federal process.
To purchase a firearm from a gun store in Idaho, the buyer should bring a valid ID and a form of payment to the store. The FFL will have the buyer fill out ATF’s Form 4473 for a background check: as soon as the background check and payment clear, the buyer can leave with the firearm on that same day: the state of Idaho does not impose any further waiting periods.
For sales between two private parties, Idaho does not require a background check, though the seller should do their due diligence to make reasonably sure that the seller is not a prohibited person.
Carrying a firearm in Idaho is similarly simple. In terms of open carry, the state allows it by statute and does not require a permit to do so. The same can be said of concealed carry: folks in Idaho can carry a pistol concealed on their person without a permit as long as they follow the general guidelines that the state has set forth.
The state does continue to issue concealed carry permits. This process, which is not terribly necessary for those who only want to carry a firearm inside of the state, allows them to carry in many other states with some restrictions. The practice of having both permitless carry and issuing permits so that residents can carry out of state, is common in states with permissive firearms laws.
Many states, Idaho included, have a list of places where people cannot carry a firearm, with or without a permit. In Idaho, such places include:
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Hospitals
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Sports arenas
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Casinos
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Polling places
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Bars
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State-run childcare facilities
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State-run veterans’ homes
These restrictions are not unusual even among permissive states. What is a little unusual is that in Idaho, hotel staff can ask people to leave if they are carrying firearms with them. This is a break from most states which consider a hotel as a domicile, meaning that people have broad rights in terms of privacy and conduct.
Overall, Idaho is a fairly permissive state in terms of purchasing firearms, as it simply follows federal guidelines. Aside from the slight quirk about hotel staff, Idaho is also one of the most permissive states in terms of carrying firearms.
The state itself is so gun friendly, in fact, that Idaho’s Department of Commerce held an event where they contracted with multiple firearms and accessory companies to produce an AR-15 that was entirely made in the state of Idaho. Between the ammo laws and those concerning firearms, it is clear that Idaho is one of the more gun-friendly states in the USA. While there are a few somewhat unusual exceptions, these do not affect much in terms of the overall legal landscape within Idaho.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Idaho
The general sales tax in Idaho is 6%. As with most states, localities sometimes impose their own taxes, so the effective sales tax in some parts of the state is as high as 8.5%. The state does not impose additional taxes on the sale of firearms and ammunition. This puts Idaho in the middle of the pack in terms of overall taxes on firearms and ammo.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of all FFLs in the country, including in Idaho. This list is kept up to date, with most gun stores being either a Type One or Type Two FFL.
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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains a number of shooting ranges that are open to the public.
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There are a good number of well-rated gun stores in the more populated areas of the state.
While it isn’t Idaho-specific, Northwest Firearms is a very active form that has discussions germane to events and laws in Idaho.