Idaho Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Idaho. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal to purchase and wear in Idaho for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes regarding body armor have been made in Idaho in recent years.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Idaho has no state-level restrictions. All types and levels are legal. Idaho's strong individual rights stance extends to defensive equipment.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 931. Idaho does not impose state-level enhanced penalties for body armor worn during crimes.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
RESTRICTEDIdaho law prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles under Idaho Code §18-3302 as a dangerous weapon. However, possession may be allowed if used in a lawful manner or for self-defense within legal limits.
Possession
Possession is generally illegal but may be defensible if used lawfully.
Sale & Purchase
Sale and manufacture are prohibited.
Penalties
Misdemeanor charges with fines and possible jail time.
Age Restriction
None specified
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Idaho with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Idaho allows permitless concealed carry for residents 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm. Idaho Code §18-3302B permits carrying a concealed weapon without a license.
Permitless Carry Rules
Concealed carry without a permit is allowed for those 18+ who are legally allowed to possess firearms.
Permit Availability
Firearm sales require background checks through licensed dealers; private sales are less regulated.
Penalties
N/A for lawful possession; unlawful possession or carrying by prohibited persons carries penalties under Idaho Code §18-3316.
Minimum Age
18 years old for permitless concealed carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Idaho with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Idaho with no specific restrictions. Idaho law does not restrict the possession or carry of nunchucks.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Idaho without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. There have been no major recent changes to Idaho's open carry laws, as the state has long embraced constitutional carry.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDPepper spray is legal in Idaho for self-defense purposes with no special restrictions under Idaho Code Title 18, Chapter 33. There are no size or concentration limits specified by law.
Carrying
Legal for all adults; no restrictions on carrying pepper spray.
Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase without special licensing or restrictions.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None specified by statute.
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Idaho. Idaho law does not prohibit silencers and explicitly allows their use for hunting under Idaho Code §36-414.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal to sell with federal compliance.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements (21 for NFA items).
Idaho law does not specifically prohibit switchblade knives. According to Idaho Code §18-3302, switchblades are not listed among prohibited weapons, making their possession and sale generally legal.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Idaho. No significant legislative changes since the current self-defense and concealed carry laws were enacted.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+