{"id":372973,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/idaho-law\/idaho-gun-control-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-30T11:45:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T16:45:00","slug":"idaho-gun-control-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/idaho-law\/idaho-gun-control-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Idaho Gun Control Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Idaho Gun Control Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The national debate over gun control doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Those opposed to new gun regulations point to the Second Amendment’s acknowledgment of the right to bear arms. Those in favor of gun control raise issues of public safety in a world where firearms are prevalent in suicide and homicide cases, including mass shootings.<\/p>\r\n

In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the Second Amendment as recognizing an individual’s right to own or possess guns for purposes like self-defense. The Court went so far as to strike down a New York statute that gave discretion to authorities who "may issue" a concealed carry license when applicants could show good cause for needing to carry a concealed firearm. <\/p>\r\n

In New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen<\/i><\/a> (2022), the Court held that state regulations that burden the constitutional right to bear arms must demonstrate they are consistent with traditional, historical regulations of firearms. They must be based on objective criteria.<\/p>\r\n

Advocates on both sides can agree with the importance of firearm safety, but they take different approaches to reaching that goal. To that end, the Idaho Code reflects the emphasis of Idaho legislators who represent the state. Most observers rate Idaho firearm laws as less restrictive than other states.<\/p>\r\n

Idaho Gun Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Federal firearms law<\/a> applies in all 50 states. It makes it unlawful to transfer or possess a machine gun manufactured after 1986, with exceptions for the armed forces and state and local governments. Federal law sets up regulations for interstate commerce in firearms, including licensing and background checks. It provides categories of prohibited persons who cannot own or possess a firearm.<\/p>\r\n

State gun control laws can also restrict what kind of guns people can purchase and who can purchase them. States can require the issuance of a permit for purchase or for a carry concealed weapon license. While the Second Amendment permits most citizens to keep and bear arms, certain deadly weapons and accessories are illegal under Idaho law. <\/p>\r\n

In general, gun owners must be 18 years of age and have no felony convictions on their record. Someone under 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian to possess a firearm. Idaho does not impose a waiting period for firearm purchases. It does not ban assault weapons<\/a> or ghost guns<\/a>, those manufactured from a gun kit with no serial number.<\/p>\r\n

Although Idaho law provides few restrictions on the carry of firearms in public or in motor vehicles, it does prohibit firearm possession in certain locations. These include:<\/p>\r\n