Firearms

Guns & Ammo

Before you turn 18, you cannot own or use a firearm or any other weapon without written parental permission or parental supervision. At 18, you are able to buy a gun, but if you do choose to possess a gun or have any contact with one, be aware of the responsibilities, safety rules, risks, and dangers associated with firearms.

Guns & Minors

It is against the law to sell a weapon to a minor or for a minor to possess a gun without the written consent of a parent or guardian. And a person under the age of 12 cannot possess a weapon unless accompanied by an adult.

You also should be aware of the laws regarding ammunition. It is permissible to sell shotgun shells or .22 bullets to a minor, but all other explosives and ammunition cannot be sold or given to people under the age of 16 without the written consent of a parent or guardian.

Concealed Weapons Permit

A firearm may be carried without a concealed carry permit by an Idaho resident who is not disqualified from being issued a license if: outside of any city limits, the firearm is in plain view, the firearm is lawfully owned, the firearm is not loaded, and if the carrier is over 21 years of age. Generally, persons under 21 may not carry a concealed weapon without a permit, and permits are available to persons under 21 in some limited circumstances. Even with a concealed weapon permit, weapons cannot be carried in a courthouse, jail, or public schools. You may carry a firearm in your vehicle inside city limits as long as it is in plain view. If you are going to conceal it in a trunk or backseat, the firearm must be disassembled or unloaded unless you have a permit or are over 21. It is also against the law to carry a concealed weapon when intoxicated.

Federal Gun Laws

There are federal gun laws that prohibit ownership of shotguns with a barrel shorter than 18 inches, a rifle with barrel shorter than 16 inches, silencers, machine guns, and destructive devices without proper registration.

Other Firearms Laws You Should Know

  • It’s against the law to threaten to use a firearm on school grounds.
  • It’s against the law to draw or show a firearm in a rude or threatening manner in the presence of two or more people, except in self-defense.
  • It’s against the law to point or aim a firearm towards another person, even if it is not loaded.
  • It’s against the law to point a firearm towards a person and discharge it, even if no one is injured.
  • It is a felony for any person to discharge a firearm towards an occupied home, building, car, or trailer.
  • You cannot mail or ship a loaded weapon.
  • Possession of a bomb designed to propel shrapnel is a felony.