Idaho is a constitutional carry state. Eligible individuals 18 or older may carry concealed without an Idaho concealed weapons license. Idaho issues a Concealed Weapons License (CWL) to eligible applicants 18 or older and an Enhanced Concealed Weapons License (ECWL) to eligible applicants over 21.

Although Idaho does not require a license for concealed carry, obtaining one can still offer important benefits.

For residents, an Idaho CWL or Enhanced CWL can exempt you from the federal NICS background check when purchasing a firearm from an Idaho FFL. The Enhanced CWL also provides additional carry privileges at Idaho public colleges and universities, subject to specific statutory restrictions.

For nonresidents, Idaho issues both the CWL and Enhanced CWL. To apply for the Enhanced CWL, a nonresident must hold a current concealed carry license or permit issued by the applicant’s state of residence.

The Enhanced CWL adds Minnesota for residents of Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming because Minnesota does not recognize those states’ resident permits but does recognize the Idaho Enhanced CWL.

Concealed Weapons License Online Training

You can complete the Idaho CWL firearms-familiarity requirement fully online.

Enhanced Concealed Weapons License Training

You cannot complete the Idaho Enhanced CWL course online.

The Enhanced CWL course must be at least 8 hours and must be taught face-to-face.

The course includes Idaho firearms and deadly-force law, safe and responsible handgun use, and self-defense principles.

Required Live Fire Qualification

The CWL does not require a live-fire qualification.

The Enhanced CWL requires at least 98 rounds of live fire.

The 8-hour requirement applies to the entire Enhanced CWL course, not only the live-fire portion.

Idaho does not prescribe a statewide round sequence, target, shooting distance, timed course, or numerical passing score.

Idaho CWL Renewal

Both the CWL and Enhanced CWL are valid for 5 years.

The initial license fee is $20, and the renewal fee is $15. Sheriffs may charge additional fingerprint, background-check, processing, and license-material fees.

An Enhanced CWL renewal does not require completing the 8-hour training course or the 98-round live-fire requirement again.

Idaho Concealed Weapons License online training

Complete Your Idaho CWL Training Online

Complete the firearms-familiarity training for an Idaho Concealed Weapons License (CWL) online.

$74.99

Idaho CWL Online Training Course

Start Idaho CWL Training
Initial License Cost $20 + County Fees
Renewal Cost $15 + County Fees

Residents: The CWL or Enhanced CWL can exempt the holder from the federal NICS background check when purchasing a firearm from an Idaho FFL. The Enhanced CWL also provides additional carry privileges at Idaho public colleges and universities, subject to statutory restrictions.

Nonresident Enhanced CWL

Applicants must hold a current concealed carry license or permit issued by their state of residence. The Enhanced CWL adds Minnesota for residents of Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Training Requirements

CWL: Training can be completed fully online.

Enhanced CWL: Requires at least 8 hours of face-to-face training.

Live-Fire Qualification

CWL: No live-fire qualification is required.

Enhanced CWL: Requires at least 98 rounds of live fire. Idaho does not prescribe a statewide round sequence, target, shooting distance, timed course, or numerical passing score.

License Validity & Renewal

The CWL and Enhanced CWL are valid for 5 years. An Enhanced CWL renewal does not require the 8-hour course or 98-round live-fire requirement to be completed again.

County sheriffs may charge additional fingerprint, background-check, processing, and license-material fees.