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
Compiled and verified against primary sources by CarryReciprocity. How we source & verify →
How to get an 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 an 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 an 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 an 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 an 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 an 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.