This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
Idaho CWL Requirements
How to get a Idaho Concealed Weapons License (CWL): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $20 — Original license fee is $20.00; renewal is $15.00, plus fingerprint/materials charges.
- Minimum age
- Varies by class — see below
- Training
- Varies by class — see below
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Permit classes — procedural details
Standard CWL
- Minimum age:
- 21
- Training:
- Required
- Fee:
- $20 (same application fee schedule for all classes)
Primarily an in-state permit — check reciprocity before relying on it out of state.
Enhanced CWL
- Minimum age:
- 21
- Training:
- Required — 8 hours — State-approved course of at least 8 hours including at least 98 rounds fired live (Idaho Code §18-3302K).
- Fee:
- $20 (same application fee schedule for all classes)
Recommended for out-of-state reciprocity travel. Some states honor only Idaho's Enhanced CWL, not the Standard CWL.
Applications are processed by Idaho County Sheriffs (reciprocity maintained by Idaho State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification).
Steps to get a Idaho CWL
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. Standard CWL: training is discretionary (the sheriff may require a demonstration of firearm familiarity). Enhanced CWL: a state-approved course of at least 8 hours is mandatory, including at least 98 rounds fired live by the student (Idaho Code §18-3302K).
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to Idaho County Sheriffs (reciprocity maintained by Idaho State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification). File your Concealed Weapons License (CWL) application with Idaho County Sheriffs (reciprocity maintained by Idaho State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification). See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CWL application fee of $20. Original license fee is $20.00; renewal is $15.00, plus fingerprint/materials charges.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CWL is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: Idaho allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-09 against Idaho State Police BCI — Concealed Weapons License Reciprocity.
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Idaho CWL FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Idaho CWL?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by Idaho County Sheriffs (reciprocity maintained by Idaho State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification).
- Is training required for a Idaho CWL?
- Yes. Idaho requires firearms training to obtain the CWL. Standard CWL: training is discretionary (the sheriff may require a demonstration of firearm familiarity). Enhanced CWL: a state-approved course of at least 8 hours is mandatory, including at least 98 rounds fired live by the student (Idaho Code §18-3302K).
- How long does it take to get a Idaho CWL?
- Idaho has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CWL — check with Idaho County Sheriffs (reciprocity maintained by Idaho State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification) for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a Idaho CWL?
- Yes. Idaho issues a CWL to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the Idaho CWL cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $20. Original license fee is $20.00; renewal is $15.00, plus fingerprint/materials charges. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.