Idaho Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Idaho Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Permit Required	No - permitless carry
Permit Cost	N/A (No permit required)
Permit Validity	N/A
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Idaho

Open carry is legal in Idaho for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Idaho

Idaho is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Idaho allows permitless carry statewide. Optional Enhanced Concealed Carry License available for reciprocity with other states.

Where You Cannot Carry in Idaho

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Idaho. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Courthouses
Government Buildings
Prisons

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional Idaho CCW Permit

Idaho allows permitless carry statewide. Optional Enhanced Concealed Carry License available for reciprocity with other states.

Even though Idaho does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Idaho but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional Idaho Permit

CCW Reciprocity for Idaho

States that honor your Idaho permit (28)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Idaho honors permits from (33)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK OR PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Idaho Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Idaho gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Idaho Gun Laws

Does Idaho have constitutional carry?

Yes. Idaho has allowed permitless concealed carry since 2016 for residents, expanded to all legal carriers in 2020.

Can I carry in Idaho national forests?

Yes, carrying is generally permitted in national forests in Idaho subject to federal law.

Does Idaho have a stand your ground law?

Yes. Idaho law provides that you have no duty to retreat when lawfully present in a location.

Shooting Ranges in Idaho

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Idaho. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws