Montana is a constitutional carry state, which is also known as a “permit less carry state.” The definition of “concealed” is a handgun that is fully or partly hidden by the person’s clothing.

Permits

• Montana does not issue permits to non-residents. You need to be a resident of Montana for at least 6 months.
• A permit is not required to purchase a firearm.
• Montana doesn’t require firearms safety training, but to get a Concealed Weapons Permit, you must show you’re familiar with firearms. This can be done by taking an FWP-approved hunter safety or education course.

Background Checks

• Not needed for private sales.
• Required to buy a gun from a dealer, unless you have a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit.

Concealed Carry

• Legal in most places without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can legally own a gun.
• A permit is needed to carry concealed in government office areas with restrictions.

Open Carry

• Legal in Montana without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that can legally possess a firearm.
• State law lets 14-year-olds use a gun in public with direct adult supervision. Some areas are off-limits, including federal building

Reciprocity

Montana recognizes permits from states that require criminal records background checks.

Which states’ permits does Montana honor?

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Which states’ honor permits from Montana?

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming

Montana Concealed Carry License Information

• Processing Time: 60 Days
• Name/Address Changes: Inform the chief of police within 10 days of change of residence. Contact the sheriff’s office regarding name changes.
• Requirements: Be at least 18 years old; be a U.S. citizen; have been a Montana resident for 6 months; demonstrate familiarity with a firearm; have a valid form of photo ID issued by the state.
• Fees: Initial Permit is roughly around $60.00, Renewal is $25.00
• Permit is valid for 5 years.