**WARNING**
It is extremely important that if you obtain an Idaho concealed weapon license,
you must be aware of all the current laws and requirements of this state.
An Idaho license does not supersede any other state's laws or requirements.
This page will only cover the "Enhanced" Concealed Weapon License (CWL). Obtaining it will allow a Utah resident to carry a concealed firearm in Minnesota and New Mexico.
Costs
The fee for the original license is $20.00*.
Renewal
The renewal fee is $15.00*.
* Idaho Code provides that the sheriff may collect any additional fees necessary to cover the cost of processing fingerprints lawfully required by any state or federal agency or department, and the cost of materials for the license lawfully required by any state agency or department, which costs shall be paid to the state. Different Sheriff's are reporting different costs.
Eligibility
(1) The sheriff of a county, on behalf of the state of Idaho, shall, within ninety (90) days after the filing of an application by any person who is not disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm under state or federal law, issue a license to the person to carry a weapon concealed on his person within this state. For licenses issued on or after July 1, 2006, a license shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of issue. The citizen’s constitutional right to bear arms shall not be denied to him unless one (1) of the following applies. He:
(b) Is formally charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year;
(c) Has been adjudicated guilty in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one (1) year;
(d) Is a fugitive from justice;
(e) Is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802;
(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(a), Idaho Code.
(g) Is or has been discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions;
(h) Is or has been adjudicated guilty of or received a withheld judgment or suspended sentence for one (1) or more crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor, unless three (3) years have elapsed since disposition or pardon has occurred prior to the date on which the application is submitted;
(j) Is an alien illegally in the United States;
(k) Is a person who having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his or her citizenship;
(l) Is under twenty-one (21) years of age;
(m) Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a crime which would disqualify him from obtaining a concealed weapon license; or
(1) The sheriff of a county shall, within ninety (90) days after the filing of an application by any person who is not disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm under state or federal law and has otherwise complied with the requirements of this section for an enhanced license, issue an enhanced license to the person to carry a weapon concealed on his person. Licenses issued under this section shall be valid for five (5) years from the date of issue.
(4) The sheriff shall deny an enhanced license to carry a concealed weapon if the applicant is disqualified under any of the criteria listed in section 18-3302(1)(a) through (n), Idaho Code, or does not meet all of the following qualifications:
(iii) The course is taught face to face and not by electronic or other means; and
1. Idaho law relating to firearms and the use of deadly force, provided that such instruction is delivered by either of the following whose name and credential shall appear on the certificate:
(B) A law enforcement officer who possesses an intermediate or higher Idaho peace officers standards and training certificate.
2. The basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns;
3. Self-defense principles; and
4. Live fire training including the firing of at least ninety-eight (98) rounds by the student.
Training Required
18-3302K.
(4)(b) Has successfully completed within twelve (12) months immediately preceding filing an application, a qualifying handgun course as specified in this paragraph and taught by a certified instructor.
(i) The course instructor is certified by the national rifle association, or by another nationally recognized organization that customarily certifies firearms instructors, as an instructor in personal protection with handguns, or the course instructor is certified by the Idaho peace officers standards and training council as a firearms instructor;
(ii) The course is at least eight (8) hours in duration;
(iii) The course is taught face to face and not by electronic or other means; and
(iv) The course includes instruction in:
1. Idaho law relating to firearms and the use of deadly force, provided that such instruction is delivered by either of the following whose name and credential shall appear on the certificate:
(A) An active licensed member of the Idaho state bar; or
(B) A law enforcement officer who possesses an intermediate or higher Idaho peace officers standards and training certificate.
2. The basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns;
3. Self-defense principles; and
4. Live fire training including the firing of at least ninety-eight (98) rounds by the student.
Training Cost
Where To Take the Required Training
Training must be completed by an instructor authorized to teach any of the 'Familiarity with firearms' courses listed above.
Application
License Application
What Must Accompany the Application
Where To Take The Application
Applicants must apply to the County Sheriff's Office in any of the 44 Idaho counties: Ada, Adams, Bannock, Bear Lake, Benewah, Bingham, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Canyon, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Fremont, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Jefferson, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Power, Shoshone, Teton, Twin Falls, Valley, or Washington.
Application Process
The application process and fees are the same for the Basic and Enhanced license.
The sheriff must issue the permit within ninety days of the filing of an application by a person, over 21, who is not disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm under state or federal law.