All States

Idaho Gun Laws

ID
permissive

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban
No
Mag Capacity Limit
No
Permit to Purchase
No
Firearm Registration
No
Concealed Carry
Permitless (18+)
Open Carry
Yes, no permit
Red Flag Law
No
Background Check (Private)
No
NFA Weapons
Unrestricted
State Preemption
Yes

Key Notes

Permitless carry since July 2016. Regular and Enhanced permits available for reciprocity purposes. No restrictions beyond federal law.

  • •Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without any permit. Idaho is one of the few states allowing permitless carry at 18.
  • •Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry of handguns and long guns is legal without any license or permit statewide.
  • •Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) are legal with the federal tax stamp. No additional state restrictions.
  • •State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations. Only state law applies.
  • •Regular and Enhanced Permits — While not required, Idaho offers both a Regular Concealed Weapons License and an Enhanced permit (with training) for multi-state reciprocity.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Idaho Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Idaho does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Idaho.

NFA Items Permitted

Idaho allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Idaho Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Idaho?
Idaho has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Idaho require a permit to buy a firearm?
No. Idaho does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Idaho?
Idaho concealed carry status: Permitless (18+). No permit is required for residents who can legally own a firearm.
Is open carry legal in Idaho?
Idaho open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho allows ownership of federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns — with the proper ATF tax stamp.
Does Idaho require background checks for private sales?
No. Idaho does not require background checks for private (non-dealer) firearm transfers, though federal law still requires checks for all licensed-dealer sales.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Idaho firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

HIIL

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.