Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to Idaho?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can buy guns online and ship them to Idaho, but they must go through a licensed FFL dealer for the background check and transfer. You cannot have firearms shipped directly to your home address.
What This Means for You
Online gun purchases are legal in Idaho and follow federal regulations requiring FFL transfers. This applies whether you're buying complete firearms, receivers, or serialized components. The process involves purchasing online, selecting a local FFL for transfer, and completing the background check in person.
The Detail
When you buy a firearm online, the seller ships it to a Federal Firearms License holder in Idaho rather than directly to you. You'll need to find a local FFL dealer willing to accept the transfer, and they'll typically charge a transfer fee ranging from $25 to $50. The FFL will contact you when the firearm arrives, and you'll complete ATF Form 4473 and undergo the background check just like any other gun purchase.
Idaho has relatively permissive gun laws and doesn't impose additional state-level restrictions beyond federal requirements. There are no waiting periods, assault weapon bans, or capacity restrictions that would complicate online purchases. However, you still need to meet all federal eligibility requirements and pass the NICS background check.
The same FFL transfer requirement applies to receivers and frames since these are considered firearms under federal law. This includes 80% receivers that are sold as completed firearms, though unfinished 80% receivers can typically ship directly to your door. Private party transfers between Idaho residents don't require background checks under state law, but online purchases from dealers always do since they cross state lines or involve licensed dealers.
Make sure to coordinate with your receiving FFL before making the purchase. Some dealers have preferences about which online retailers they'll work with, and you'll want to confirm their transfer fees and procedures. The receiving dealer will need a copy of the selling dealer's FFL before accepting the shipment.
Build Impact
Online purchasing opens up significantly more options for finding specific receivers, parts, and complete firearms that might not be available locally. You'll need to factor transfer fees into your build budget, but the expanded selection often makes it worthwhile for finding exactly what you want.