On dark blue, the state seal framed in gold. Mountains, rivers, a miner and a woman symbolise industry and liberty. Beneath runs a red-and-gold scroll that simply reads “State of Idaho.” It is formal, almost old-fashioned, a banner of identity rather than bold design.
Blue field with state seal centered and banner reading ‘State of Idaho’ beneath.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag Statute
a silk flag, blue field, five (5) feet six (6) inches fly, and four (4) feet four (4) inches on pike, bordered with gilt fringe two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in width, with state seal of Idaho twenty-one (21) inches in diameter, in colors, in the center of a blue field. The words ‘State of Idaho’ are embroidered in with block letters, two (2) inches in height on a red band three (3) inches in width by twenty-nine (29) inches in length, the band being in gold and placed about eight and one-half (8 1/2) inches from the lower border of fringe and parallel with the same.
Source: 2024 Idaho Code, § 46-801 (2024)
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Legislative adoption
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- Elk
- Design type
- State seal on blue field
- Complexity
- 9/10
- Readability
- 3/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Miner And Woman
Represent liberty, justice, and mining heritage.
Motto
‘Esto Perpetua’ means ‘Let it be perpetual.’
State Name
Spelled below seal for clarity.
Design Breakdown
The Idaho flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Blue field with state seal centered and banner reading ‘State of Idaho’ beneath.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag featuring the motto 'Esto Perpetua'
- One of the most detailed state seals used on a flag
- Designed by a woman, Emma Edwards Green
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Rich and detailed symbolism
- Comprehensive representation of state resources
- Strong historical authenticity
Common criticism
- Highly complex seal
- Includes text and Latin motto
- Poor visibility at distance
- Difficult to reproduce accurately
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Replace the seal with a simple mountain or river symbol
- Remove text and Latin motto
- Adopt a more distinctive non-blue-field design
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Idaho state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Interpret Idaho’s motto ‘Esto Perpetua.’
- Identify mining and agricultural symbols in the seal.
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
State Seal
The Great Seal of the State of Idaho centered on a blue field.
Attributes: Miner with pickaxe, Female figure symbolizing liberty and justice, Mountains, River, Pine tree, Elk head, Cornucopia, State name and motto
Meaning: Idaho’s natural resources, justice, liberty, and economic foundations
Motto
The Latin motto 'Esto Perpetua' displayed on the seal.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Let it be perpetual, expressing endurance and continuity
Field
Dark blue background with optional gold fringe on ceremonial flags.
Meaning: Tradition, authority, and alignment with other U.S. state flags
Historical Timeline
Idaho admitted as 43rd state.
Flag officially adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on blue field
Complexity: 9/10
Readability: 3/10
Fascinating Facts
Idaho is nicknamed the Gem State for its natural resources.
One of several state flags with seals on blue fields.
The state seal is the central feature of the flag.
Idaho is the only state whose flag includes the word 'Idaho.'
The gold fringe is optional and used for ceremonial versions.
The seal depicts mining, agriculture, forestry, and justice.
The flag was officially adopted in 1907.
The blue field represents loyalty and justice.
State Information
- Population
- 1,839,106
- Area
- 83,569
- Founded
- 03 Jul 1890
- Region
- West
