Buying a Gun in Idaho

It is a misdemeanor to sell, directly or indirectly, any pistol, revolver or gun (or dirk, bowie knife or dagger) to a minor under eighteen (18) without the written consent of the minor's parent or guardian; selling or giving any firearm to a minor under sixteen (16) without written parental consent is also a misdemeanor. A person under eighteen (18) may not possess a handgun (except under listed exceptions such as hunting, ranges and safety courses), and providing a handgun to a minor in violation of that rule is a misdemeanor. The same rules apply to private sellers; state law sets no higher purchase age.

Idaho has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales, and Idaho has no permit-to-purchase. The state occupies the whole field of firearms regulation, so cities and counties may not regulate the sale, acquisition or transfer of firearms. A person 21 or older who presents a valid Idaho concealed weapons license is exempt from the records check at the time of purchase from a federally licensed dealer (a temporary emergency license does not qualify).

Idaho has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm, and local governments are barred from regulating firearm sales or transfers.

Idaho has no state law that regulates unserialized or homemade firearms or firearm kits. State law bars Idaho entities from enforcing new federal rules on firearm components (defined to include parts, design plans, software and tools for making firearms) that conflict with article I, section 11 of the Idaho constitution.