Idaho carry status overview
Idaho allows permitless concealed carry for any U.S. citizen 18 or older who is not otherwise disqualified, under Idaho Code § 18-3302(4)(f). This is not limited to Idaho residents. The 2016 law was narrower than it is usually described — residents 21 and over, inside city limits only, since Idaho had never required a licence outside them. HB 516 removed both limits effective July 1, 2020.
| Permitless carry (residents) | Yes — Idaho residents 18+ since 2020 |
| Permitless carry (non-residents) | No — valid home state permit required |
| Governing law | Idaho Code § 18-3302 |
| Minimum age (residents) | 18 years old |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted for all |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed for Idaho residents without permit |
| Permit available | Yes — Idaho Enhanced Concealed Carry License (CCL) |
Non-residents can carry here, and could since 2020
Until September 2026 this page told out-of-state visitors they needed a permit from their home state to carry concealed in Idaho. That was correct for the 2016 law, which covered Idaho residents 21 and over, inside city limits only. HB 516 replaced it effective 1 July 2020, rewriting § 18-3302(4)(f) to cover any U.S. citizen 18 or older who is not disqualified — resident or not, statewide.
We were six years out of date, and the stale answer was sitting under the exact question a traveller would ask. If you are relying on any Idaho summary written before mid-2020, check its date.
Two things that still matter. If you choose to carry on your home-state permit rather than under permitless carry, Idaho recognises every state’s permit but § 18-3302(5)(g) requires you to have it on you. And § 18-3302B makes carrying concealed under the influence of alcohol or drugs an offence.
Idaho Enhanced Concealed Carry License (CCL)
Idaho offers two carry license types through the Idaho State Police. The Enhanced CCL requires additional training but is honored in more states for reciprocity.
| Issuing agency | Idaho State Police (ISP) |
| Application | isp.idaho.gov — Concealed Weapons ↗ |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Standard CCL fee | $20 |
| Enhanced CCL fee | $49 |
| Training required | Enhanced CCL requires an 8-hour approved course; Standard CCL requires basic safety course |
| Reciprocity value | Enhanced CCL honored in more states than Standard CCL |
Non-residents of Idaho may also apply for an Idaho Enhanced CCL, which can serve as a non-resident permit for reciprocity in many states.
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds (I.C. § 18-3302C)
- Courthouses
- Juvenile detention facilities
- Correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Frequently asked questions — Idaho
Can I carry in Idaho as an out-of-state visitor without a permit?
Yes. This changed on July 1, 2020 and a great deal of published material never caught up. HB 516 rewrote Idaho Code § 18-3302(4)(f) to cover any U.S. citizen 18 or older who is not otherwise disqualified — resident or not, and statewide rather than only inside city limits. You do not need a permit from your home state or from Idaho. If you do choose to carry on a home-state permit instead, Idaho recognises every state's permit, but § 18-3302(5)(g) requires you to have the licence on you. Open carry has never required a permit for anyone.
What is the difference between the Standard and Enhanced CCL?
The Enhanced CCL requires an 8-hour approved firearms course and is honored in significantly more states for reciprocity. The Standard CCL requires a basic safety course and is honored in fewer states. For travelers, the Enhanced CCL is the better investment at $49.
Does Idaho honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Idaho recognizes valid carry permits and licenses from all other states. Non-resident visitors with valid permits from their home states may carry concealed in Idaho.