Purchasing Firearms
There is no state permit required for the purchase of any rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
It is unlawful to directly or indirectly sell to any minor under the age of eighteen years any weapon without the written consent of the parent or guardian of the minor.
No state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun.
A minor under 18 must have permission of or be accompanied by a parent or guardian; a minor under 12 must have both permission and be accompanied by an adult.
Statute Title 18, Chapter 33. Firearms, Explosives and Other Deadly Weapons
Concealed Weapons
Idaho statute allows residents 18 years of age, not disqualified from having a permit, to carry a concealed firearm statewide without a permit except in certain designated places including a courthouse, juvenile detention or jail facility, or public or private school unless specifically authorized.
A person does not have to have a concealed weapons license to carry or be in possession of a deadly weapon or firearm in the following circumstances:
- Any deadly weapon located in plain view;
- Any lawfully possessed shotgun or rifle;
- Any deadly weapon concealed in a motor vehicle;
- A firearm that is not loaded and is secured in a case;
- A firearm that is disassembled or permanently altered such that it is not readily operable; and
- Any deadly weapon concealed by a person who is:
- Over eighteen (18) years of age;
- A citizen of the United States or a current member of the armed forces of the United States; and
- Is not disqualified from being issued a license under Idaho Code § 18-3302(11)(b) – (n).
A person does not need to have a concealed weapons license in order to carry a deadly weapon or firearm concealed and loaded in a vehicle.
It is unlawful for any person to carry a concealed weapon on or about his person when intoxicated or under the influence of an intoxicating drink or drug.
Concealed weapon licenses are still available from your County Sheriff. Residents must secure one to gain reciprocity in other states. The license is valid for five years.
Statute 18-3302. Issuance of Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons
Under 18
It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to possess or have in possession any weapon, as defined in Idaho Code, unless he or she:
- Has the written permission of his or her parent or guardian to possess the weapon; or
- Is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian while he or she has the weapon in his possession.
Idaho Code § 18-3302E.
It is unlawful for a minor to possess or to provide a minor with a handgun, fully automatic weapon or sawed-off shotgun regardless of parental consent except as specifically provided.
Exceptions to these general prohibitions are listed in Idaho Code § 18-3302F, including participating in a class or competition, on private property, or lawfully engaged in hunting.
Section 18-3302A. Sale of Weapons to Minors
Statutes 18-3302E. Possession of a Weapon By a Minor
Statutes 18- 3302F. Prohibition of Certain Deadly Weapons
Does Idaho recognize concealed weapons licenses from other states?
Yes. However, while in Idaho, you must carry the license on your person at all times when you are carrying a concealed weapon.
Are there places where I cannot carry a concealed weapon?
Yes. You may not carry a concealed weapon in a courthouse, juvenile detention facility, adult correctional facility, prison, jail, public school or private school. Federal law may prohibit you from carrying a weapon in places such as federal courthouses and airports. If you have any doubt, you should contact the government entity prior to carrying a weapon onto its premises.