Idaho 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and a three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the most recent proposed rule 2021R-05 80% lowers are completely legal, not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required. To explore the 80 lowers we have to offer, check out our multiple collections.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Idaho?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames are not considered as firearms by the ATF and are legal to ship directly to buyers residing in the state of Idaho.

Do I Need to Serialize My 80 Lower in Idaho?

If you build out your own firearms starting with 80 lowers in Idaho you do not need to serialize the lower receiver or frame as there are currently no laws requiring citizens to do so. Should you wish to serialize your lower receiver we offer  custom engraving for our lowers.

Key Gun Laws in Idaho

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Idaho.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

In the state of Idaho, no person under the age of 18 may purchase a firearm. It is only lawful for minors under the age of 18 to possess firearms if they have written permission from their parent, or guardian to possess the weapon or if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian while possessing the weapon. Any person under the age of 12 handling a firearm absolutely must be accompanied by an adult. The normal exemptions apply for minor possession of firearms when they are attending a hunter safety course, firearms safety course, traveling to or from these activities, engaged in target practice, an organized competition, or while hunting with a valid hunter’s license. The state of Idaho does not require any extra permits for the purchase of any rifle, shotgun, or handgun.

All firearm purchases and private party transfers require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Idaho is not a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, firearms dealers conduct background checks that are sent directly to the FBI. There is no waiting period for gun buyers in Idaho. Under the Brady Exemption: persons have been issued state permits to purchase or possess firearms and holders of CCW licenses are exempt from background checks when purchasing a firearm. Private party transfers are also not subject to background checks.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Idaho is a “shall issue'' state when it comes to concealed carry and it recognizes CCW permits from several other states. Open carry is legal without a license and is for anyone above 18 years of age. Idaho issues concealed carry weapon permits in the form of “CWL’s,” or a Concealed Weapons License. There are two types of CWL’s in Idaho: a standard CWL and an enhanced CWL. The standard CWL covers a variety of handguns and knives but the enhanced CWL is for those who wish to travel out of state. In fact, some other states only recognize Idaho’s enhanced permit and not the standard one. All that being said, since March of 2020, Idaho passed constitutional carry which allows any U.S. citizen above the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm to be able to lawfully carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without a license. CWL’s are still highly recommended and are issued to both residents and non-residents.

NFA Restrictions

There are no NFA weapons, related item restrictions or an “assault weapons ban” in Idaho.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There are no magazine capacity bans or limits in the state of Idaho. Enjoy those drums and belt-fed box magazines! We carry plenty of standard capacity magazines like  Lancer's 30-round Warfighter mag. Our favorite color is the translucent smoke one.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

There are no safe storage laws in Idaho. However, you should still exercise caution and can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are some great storage options.

Self-Defense

When in Idaho, there is no duty to retreat before force for self-defense can be used because there is a very strong stand your ground law in place. Idaho’s Castle Doctrine, which gives residents the freedom to respond to lethal threats in kind without requiring the duty to retreat in one’s own home or place of business, also extends to a person’s car when not at home or in front of their yard.

Ammunition Purchase

In order to purchase ammunition you must be 18 years old to buy shotgun and rifle ammo and 21 years old to buy handgun ammo. Idaho does limit persons 16 years old or younger to only be able to use shotgun shells and 22 caliber rifle ammunition. It is illegal to sell or give these minors any larger caliber otherwise. Idaho does not require a license to sell, purchase, or possess ammo. Idaho also does not require sellers to retain a record of their sales. You can buy virtually any type of ammunition in Idaho so long as you are above the age of 21 and within good standing of the law.

Start Your Next 80 Lower Build with 80% Arms!

Idaho residents are completely free to build their own firearms from 80 lowers and frames without any required serialization or FFL transactions. It's the perfect state to take advantage of your constitutional Second Amendment right and freedom to keep and bear arms. That includes 80% Arms! Grab our  patented lower jig and some buddies to enjoy that freedom together and let us know if you need any advice with your build at any point in the process. Friends, live free.