Idaho Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs

Idaho, a state known for its stunning landscapes and rugged terrain, has unique gun laws that may surprise many. Despite having a permitless policy, Idaho still offers gun permits for those who wish to carry concealed firearms legally. In this article, we will explore the process of obtaining a gun permit in Idaho, the requirements one must meet, the types of permits available, and how the state’s reciprocity works with other states.

Idaho’s Permitless Policy

In 2020, Idaho passed a bill that permits the possession of firearms for self-defense reasons by individuals aged eighteen or older. This means that residents of Idaho are not required to obtain a permit for open carry as long as they meet the age requirement and have no legal prohibitions against possessing firearms.

How to Obtain a Gun Permit in Idaho

While Idaho follows a permitless policy for open carry, it does offer concealed carry permits for residents and non-residents who have lived in the state for at least six months. The process for obtaining a gun permit involves several steps:

1. Complete a Firearm Course: To apply for a concealed carry permit, one must first complete a recognized firearm training course that meets the state’s requirements.
2. Submit the Application Form: After completing the required training, applicants must fill out the application form, which can be downloaded online or obtained from the local sheriff’s office.
3. Submit Required Documents: The application form must be accompanied by a certificate of firearm training and a photo identification. Applicants will also need to provide fingerprints at the local sheriff’s office.
4. Approval Process: Once the application and required documents are submitted, applicants must wait for the approval process to be completed. The approval mail will be sent to the applicant once the process is finished.

Idaho Pistol Permit Requirements

To be eligible for an Idaho pistol permit, applicants must meet specific requirements set forth by the state’s gun laws. These requirements include:

1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least twenty-one years old.
2. U.S. Citizenship and Idaho Residency: Applicants must be legal citizens of the United States and legal residents of Idaho.
3. No Previous Citizenship Renouncement: Applicants must not have renounced their U.S. citizenship in the past.
4. Completion of Firearm Training: Applicants must complete an Idaho firearm training course from a recognized provider.
5. Residency Duration: Applicants must be residents of Idaho for at least six months.
6. No Criminal History: Applicants must not have been convicted of any crime that resulted in imprisonment for more than a year.
7. No Arrest Warrant: Applicants must not be fugitives or have an active arrest warrant.
8. No Substance Abuse: Applicants must not be illicit users of drugs or other controlled substances.
9. Mental Capacity: Applicants must not lack mental capacity as defined by Idaho law.
10. Mental Impairment: Applicants must not be mentally impaired.
11. Not a Disabled Person: Applicants must not be considered disabled under Idaho state laws.
12. Not an Incapacitated Person: Applicants must not be considered incapacitated under Idaho state laws.
13. No Dishonorable Discharge: Applicants must not have been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
14. No Guilt of Misdemeanor Violence: Applicants must not have been found guilty or on probation for certain misdemeanor violent activities.
15. No Violation of Idaho Gun Permit Laws: Applicants must not have any history of violating Idaho gun permit laws.
16. No Judge’s Restriction: Applicants must not have any restrictions or protection orders issued by a judge.
17. Federal Laws Compliance: Applicants must meet all other federal laws related to applying for a concealed carry permit.

Different Types of Gun Permits in Idaho

While Idaho allows open carry without a permit, it offers concealed carry permits for handguns. However, it does not issue permits for purchasing long guns or handguns. Here are the types of gun permits issued in Idaho:

1. State Permit to Purchase Long Guns: Idaho does not issue state permits to buy long guns.
2. State Permits to Purchase Handguns: Idaho does not issue state permits to purchase handguns.
3. State Permit to Open Carry: Idaho, being a permissive state, does not require a permit for open carry.
4. State Permits to Conceal Carry Long Guns: Idaho does not issue state permits for concealing long guns.
5. State Permits to Conceal Carry Handguns: Idaho issues pistol permits for concealing handguns within the state.

Cost of Obtaining a Gun License in Idaho

The application fee for an Idaho pistol license is twenty dollars. However, additional fees for processing the permit and taking fingerprints may vary depending on the county and the sheriff’s office in charge. Renewal permits cost fifteen dollars, but like the initial application, additional fees for background checks may apply.

Idaho Gun Permit Reciprocity

Idaho issues both regular pistol permits and enhanced permits for possession of firearms in other states. Idaho’s firearm reciprocity includes the following:

States that Idaho will accept their pistol permit: Idaho has a permitless carry policy, which means anyone from any state can possess a firearm with or without a permit while in Idaho.

States that recognize Idaho pistol permits: Holders of an Idaho pistol permit can legally carry firearms in several states. For example, in Oklahoma, a pistol permit is not required; an identification from Idaho is sufficient.

States with restricted policies: Some states accept only an enhanced permit from Idaho, while others have specific requirements for open carry to be legal.

States with permitless carry policy: Like Idaho, these states do not require a permit for the possession of firearms within their jurisdiction.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws and Legislature in Idaho

Apart from the permitting process, Idaho has specific gun laws that affect firearm possession in various locations:

1. Possession of Firearms in Private Cars and Vehicles: Firearms are legal to possess in personally owned vehicles or with permission in someone else’s car.
2. Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas of the State: Idaho allows concealed carry of firearms in roadside areas for permit holders.
3. Possession of Firearms in State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Areas: Idaho does not prohibit the possession of firearms in state or national forests, parks, and wildlife management areas.
4. Possession of Firearms in Restaurants and Bars: Idaho permits the possession of firearms in restaurants and bars for permit holders, except where prohibited or when under the influence of alcohol.
5. Possession of Firearms in Hotels and Similar Establishments: Hotelkeepers or attendants can ban individuals who possess firearms from their premises.
6. Possession of Firearms in Parking Lots of Work Places: Employers have the right to prohibit employees from storing firearms in vehicles in the parking lot.

Conclusion

Idaho, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique gun laws, allows residents and non-residents to carry firearms for self-defense. While open carry is allowed without a permit, individuals interested in concealed carry can obtain an Idaho pistol permit after meeting the state’s specific requirements. Additionally, Idaho’s firearm reciprocity allows permit holders to legally possess firearms in several other states.

FAQs;

1. Can I carry a firearm in Idaho without a permit?

Yes, Idaho has a permitless policy, allowing individuals aged eighteen or older to possess firearms for self-defense without a permit.

2. What are the requirements for an Idaho pistol permit?

The requirements for an Idaho pistol permit include being at least twenty-one years old, a legal citizen and resident of Idaho, completing a recognized firearm training course, and having a clean criminal record, among others.

3. Can non-residents apply for an Idaho pistol permit?

Yes, non-residents who have lived in Idaho for at least six months can apply for an Idaho pistol permit.

4. What is the cost of an Idaho pistol permit?

The application fee for an Idaho pistol permit is twenty dollars, with additional fees for processing and background checks.

5. Does Idaho have reciprocity with other states for gun permits?

Yes, Idaho has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing holders of Idaho pistol permits to legally carry firearms in those states.