Idaho is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. The local county sheriff shall issue a concealed weapons permit to a qualified applicant within ninety days. Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with a firearm, generally by having taken an approved training course or by having received training in the military. A permit is valid for five years; permits issued before July 1, 2006 are valid for four years. Idaho recognizes valid concealed carry permits from any state. A concealed weapon may not be carried at a school or at a school sponsored activity, in a courthouse, in a prison or detention facility, at the Idaho State Capitol mall, or in certain other governmentally designated locations. It is unlawful to carry a concealed weapon while intoxicated.

Open carry is legal in Idaho. A concealed weapons permit is not required for open carry, nor for long guns (concealed or not). The firearm being openly carried must be clearly visible. A firearm can also be transported in a vehicle, as long as it is in plain view, or is disassembled or unloaded.

Idaho has state preemption of firearms laws, so local units of government can not regulate the ownership, possession, or transportation of firearms. The state constitution states that "No law shall impose licensure, registration or special taxation on the ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition. Nor shall any law permit the confiscation of firearms, except those actually used in the commission of a felony.

The possession of automatic firearms is permitted, as long such possession is in compliance with all federal regulations

 

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