Idaho Gun Laws
Idaho is known for its lenient approach to concealed carry, providing its residents with the freedom to carry firearms outside of cities without requiring a permit. However, to carry inside a city without a permit, one must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, the state offers an enhanced concealed carry permit for those who wish to travel out-of-state, but it’s important to note that some reciprocity states only accept the enhanced version of Idaho’s permit.
1.8M STATE POPULATION
YES CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY
116K LICENSES ISSUED
39 RECIPROCATING STATES
50 STATES HONORED
18 MINIMUM AGE TO CC
5 YEARS LICENSE VALID
YES STAND YOUR GROUND
6.4% LICENSE PERCENTAGE
Residents can apply for their concealed carry weapons permit through their local county sheriff’s office, while non-residents can only apply at the Ada County sheriff’s office or Canyon County. The state operates under a “Shall Issue” policy for concealed carry, making it accessible to law-abiding citizens who meet the criteria. Additionally, open carry is legal and common in Idaho for individuals who are 18 years or older.
Idaho Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry?
Yes – Idaho is recognized as a constitutional carry state.
Open Carry Permitted?
Yes – Idaho allows individuals (residents or non-residents) to openly carry firearms, including handguns if they are over the age of 18 and legally allowed to possess and use a firearm.
Carry In Vehicle?
Yes – Idaho allows individuals to carry firearms in their vehicles, either concealed or openly.
Carry In State Park?
Yes – Individuals are allowed to carry firearms in state parks, national parks, and wildlife areas.
Carry In Restaurants?
Yes – We were not able to find legislation prohibiting carrying into restaurants or establishments that sell alcohol. However, there is specific language stating that you cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while carrying a firearm.
No Weapon Sign Enforced?
No – We could not find language that states no weapons signs have the rule of law.
Must Notify Officer?
No – Individuals are not required to inform law enforcement officers if they are concealed carrying.
Idaho CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
- Alabama
- Alaska*
- Arizona*
- Arkansas
- Colorado*
- Delaware*
- Florida*
- Georgia
- Indiana*
- Iowa*
- Kansas*
- Kentucky*
- Louisiana*
- Maine*
- Michigan*
- Minnesota*
- Mississippi
- Missouri*
- Montana
- Nebraska*
- Nevada*
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico*
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio*
- Oklahoma*
- Pennsylvania*
- South Carolina*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee*
- Texas*
- Utah*
- Vermont
- Virginia*
- Washington*
- West Virginia*
- Wisconsin*
- Wyoming*
*Restricted Reciprocity with Idaho
States NOT Honoring CCW
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Washington D.C
Honors These States CCW Permits
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How Reciprocity Works In Idaho
Reciprocity agreements play a crucial role in concealed carry laws across states. For Idaho residents, understanding where their permit is honored is essential for safe and legal travel. Here’s how reciprocity works in Idaho:
Reciprocity Agreements In Idaho
Idaho has entered into reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed in those states. It’s important to note that not all states have the same level of reciprocity, and some states may have restrictions on carrying firearms from Idaho.
Idaho: Where Is CCW Allowed?
In Idaho, individuals with a concealed carry permit can carry their firearms in various places, including:
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicles
Places Not Allowed
There are specific places in Idaho where carrying firearms is prohibited, including:
- Public or private schools
- State courthouses
- Juvenile detention facilities
- Adult correctional facilities
- Any place where carrying firearms is prohibited by Federal Law
18-3302C Prohibited Conduct
This section of Idaho law outlines prohibited conduct related to firearms. It’s essential for permit holders to be aware of these restrictions to avoid legal issues.
18-3302D Possessing Weapons or Firearms on School Property
Another important section of Idaho law pertains to possessing weapons or firearms on school property. Understanding these regulations is crucial to stay compliant with the law.
Idaho: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Idaho has no restrictions on open carry, making it common for individuals to openly carry firearms. The minimum age for open carry in Idaho is 18 years old.
Carry-In Vehicle
Idaho law allows individuals who are legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry it in their vehicles, either concealed or openly. According to Idaho Statute Section 18-3302, individuals can carry concealed weapons on or about their person without a license in their place of abode or fixed place of business, on property they own or lease, and on private property with permission.
Carrying firearms in vehicles is considered legal as vehicles are considered property that allows for the carrying of firearms.
Carry-In State Parks
Idaho permits the carrying of firearms in state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas, and roadside rest areas.
Carry-In Restaurants
Idaho gun laws do not specifically prohibit carrying firearms into restaurants or establishments that sell alcohol. However, individuals should be aware of their alcohol consumption while carrying firearms, as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while carrying is not permitted.
Constitutional Carry
Idaho offers constitutional carry for RESIDENTS ONLY, allowing them to carry concealed without a permit.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Idaho gun laws do not address the enforcement of “No Weapons” signs, and there are no specific legal penalties for entering private property or business with such signs. However, these signs may have no force of law unless they are posted in areas specifically mentioned by the law as being off-limits for carrying firearms.
Must Notify Officer
Idaho gun laws do not require individuals to inform law enforcement officers if they are carrying a firearm.
Conclusion
Idaho’s concealed carry laws provide a relatively lenient environment for responsible gun owners. The state’s constitutional carry policy and reciprocity agreements with various states allow citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights while respecting other states’ laws. Understanding the specific regulations and restrictions is crucial for safe and legal concealed carry.
FAQs;
Q1: Can non-residents apply for a concealed carry permit in Idaho?
No, non-residents can only apply for a concealed carry permit at the Ada County Sheriff’s office or Canyon County.
Q2: Is there a minimum age requirement for open carry in Idaho?
Yes, the minimum age for open carry in Idaho is 18 years old.
Q3: Can I carry my firearm in state parks in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho allows individuals to carry firearms in state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas, and roadside rest areas.
Q4: Are “No Weapons” signs enforced by law in Idaho?
Idaho gun laws do not address the enforcement of “No Weapons” signs, and there are no specific legal penalties for entering a property with such signs.
Q5: Who is prohibited from owning a gun in Idaho?
Idaho law prohibits certain persons from owning or possessing firearms including convicted felons, those convicted of violent misdemeanors, people found guilty except for insanity, respondents to protection orders, minors under 18 for handguns, those who have renounced U.S. citizenship, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged military, and people currently confined to a mental institution.
Q6: Which state has the loosest gun laws?
The state generally regarded as having the least restrictive, most lenient gun laws in the United States is Arizona. Arizona allows constitutional carry without permits, has open carry without licenses, has state preemption of local gun laws, has no registration requirements, no magazine capacity limits, few restrictions on purchasing, and relatively few prohibited firearms compared to other states.
Q7: Do I need to inform law enforcement if I am carrying a firearm in Idaho?
No, Idaho gun laws do not require individuals to inform law enforcement officers if they are carrying a firearm.
