Private firearm sales 

In Idaho, as long as you’re able to own a firearm, you’re also able to privately sell it to another individual or entity. Keep in mind that certain people are prohibited from owning firearms in Idaho for certain reasons outlined by law. 

Prohibited from Buying

The following individuals are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as outlined in ID Code §18-3302:

• Is under twenty-one (21) years of age, except as otherwise provided in this section;

• Is formally charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year;

• Has been adjudicated guilty in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year;

• Is a fugitive from justice;

• Is an unlawful user of marijuana or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug, or any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802;

• Is currently suffering from or has been adjudicated as having suffered from any of the following conditions, based on substantial evidence:

  • (i) Lacking mental capacity as defined in section 18-210, Idaho Code;

  • (ii) Mentally ill as defined in section 66-317, Idaho Code;

  • (iii) Gravely disabled as defined in section 66-317, Idaho Code; or

  • (iv) An incapacitated person as defined in section 15-5-101, Idaho Code;

• Has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions;

• Has received a withheld judgment or suspended sentence for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year, unless the person has successfully completed probation;

• Has received a period of probation after having been adjudicated guilty of, or received a withheld judgment for, a misdemeanor offense that has as an element the intentional use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, unless the person has successfully completed probation;

• Is an alien illegally in the United States;

• Is a person who having been a citizen of the United States has renounced his or her citizenship;

• Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a crime that would disqualify him from obtaining a concealed weapons license;

• Is subject to a protection order issued under chapter 63, title 39, Idaho Code, that restrains the person from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner of the person or child of the intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; or

• Is for any other reason ineligible to own, possess or receive a firearm under the provisions of Idaho or federal law.

Do you have to register a firearm?

In Idaho, there is no requirement to register a firearm that has been purchased. That means after you’ve legally purchased the firearm, you own it free and clear.  

Carrying a concealed weapon

Before you can carry a concealed weapon in the state of Idaho, it’s required to have a license for the same. The process to apply has been mostly standardized and will require the following steps: 

• .The applicant has to be at least 21 years old 

• They must complete a license application for the concealed weapon 

• They must also complete a certification course 

• The application must be submitted along with proof of competence at a sheriff's department office. This must be done in person. 

• The sheriff’s office will ask for fingerprints and run a background check on the applicant 

• Pay the required fees which is generally $20. 

Idaho is different from states like Hawaii because it practices reciprocity. This means if someone has a concealed carry license from another state, it’ll be recognized in Idaho.