Is a Montana Resident Permit Valid in Idaho?

Why

• Idaho recognizes valid carry permits from every US state.
• Idaho allows permitless carry for eligible adults 18+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

Idaho AG: out-of-state concealed weapons licenses are recognized ('Yes'), with the condition that 'while in Idaho, you must carry the license on your person at all times when carrying a concealed weapon' (Idaho Code 18-3302(5)(g)). No residency or permit-type restriction is stated; permitless carry independently covers US-citizen visitors 18+.

Carry rules in Idaho

Idaho's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• No proactive duty-to-inform requirement appears in the AG's official concealed-weapons guidance; carriers relying on an out-of-state license must have it with them when carrying. Cross-checked: Idaho has no must-inform statute.
• Idaho sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Idaho allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Anyone eligible for permitless carry (US citizen or armed forces member 18+, not disqualified) may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle without a license.

Off-limits places in Idaho

Idaho bans carry in 4 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• Courthouses
• Juvenile detention facilities

See all 4 places you can't carry in Idaho →

Montana vs Idaho: what changes at the state line

Crossing from Montana into Idaho changes 2 rules: permitless carry (Yes → Yes (18+)); out-of-state permits honored (43 states → All states).

Going the other way, an Idaho resident permit in Montana: recognized — and permitless carry applies.

Driving on from Idaho

How a Montana resident permit fares in the states bordering Idaho:

• Nevada — Recognized — carry with your permit
• Oregon — Not recognized
• Utah — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Washington — Recognized — carry with your permit
• Wyoming — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Idaho honor a Montana non-resident permit?

Montana does not issue non-resident carry permits (permit requires at least 6 months' Montana residency, US citizenship or lawful permanent residence, and Montana ID (MCA 45-8-321; MT DOJ). No non-resident permits are issued), so the question does not arise.

Can an Idaho resident permit holder carry in Montana?

Recognized — and permitless carry applies. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on Montana's law, not Idaho's.

Where does Idaho publish its official reciprocity list?

Idaho publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.