Introduction to Concealed Carry Laws Montana
Montana stands out as a state that respects the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Thanks to concealed carry laws Montana enforces, responsible adults 18 or older can generally carry concealed without a permit. Yet, there are nuances you should know — from local ordinances and certain off-limits areas to the state’s robust self-defense statutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through Montana’s permitless carry, concealed carry training considerations, and CCW requirements by state reciprocity. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to carry concealed legally and responsibly in the Treasure State.
Table of Contents
Permitless Carry: A Key Feature of Montana’s Gun Laws
Montana embraces permitless carry for anyone 18 years of age or older who can legally possess a firearm. Under concealed carry laws Montana provides, you don’t need a permit to carry a concealed handgun in most places. However, you must remain mindful of specific locations where permits are still required, like certain government buildings and restricted premises.
Who’s Eligible?
- Age Requirement: At least 18 years old
- Lawful Possession: You must not be prohibited from owning a firearm under state or federal law
- Residency: Montana does not require you to be a resident to carry under permitless rules, but it does not issue concealed weapons permits to non-residents
Concealed Carry Permits: Why They Still Matter
Even though you may carry without a permit in most areas, Montana offers a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) for those who choose to apply. Reasons to obtain one include:
- Extended Privileges
- Exemption from regular NICS checks if you add to your collection regularly.
- Reciprocity
- For CCW requirements by state, some neighboring states only allow you to carry concealed if you hold a permit from your home state.
- Familiarity Training
- Though not mandatory in Montana, obtaining a CWP requires demonstrating “familiarity with a firearm,” which could include concealed carry training.
Basic Permit Requirements
- Must be 18 or older
- U.S. citizen
- Resident of Montana for at least six months
- Proof of firearms familiarity, e.g., a hunter safety course, a law enforcement course, or a physical demonstration
Self-Defense and “Stand Your Ground”
Montana supports a “no duty to retreat” approach. Under concealed carry laws Montana guidelines, if you’re lawfully present in a location and threatened with violence, you don’t have to flee before defending yourself. The law distinguishes between different levels of force:
- Defense of Occupied Structure: You can use deadly force if you believe it’s necessary to prevent an assault or forcible felony inside a dwelling or other occupied building.
- Defense of Person: Deadly force is justifiable if you reasonably believe it’s needed to prevent imminent death or serious harm.
- Defense of Other Property: While you can protect personal property, lethal force is justified only to stop a “forcible felony” that involves serious harm.
If you would like more legal educational materials, we maintain a list of online resources that you can view on our website here.
Where You Can and Cannot Carry
Even in a permitless carry environment, certain locations remain off-limits or require special permission:
- School Buildings: Off-limits unless you receive explicit permission.
- University Campuses: Generally restricted to authorized law enforcement.
- Government Offices: Certain parts of state or local government buildings can require a permit or disallow concealed firearms.
- Private Property: Owners may post “no firearms” signs to prohibit carry.
- Federal Buildings: Always off-limits under federal law.
If you hold a CWP, be aware that local ordinances can still restrict firearms in publicly owned and occupied buildings unless specifically exempted.
Traveling with Firearms: CCW Requirements by State
If you plan on traveling beyond Montana’s borders, it’s essential to understand CCW requirements by state. Montana recognizes concealed carry permits from states that perform criminal record background checks, but not all states reciprocate automatically:
- Neighboring States: Some states honor Montana permits; others do not.
- Permit or Permitless?: If you don’t have a Montana permit, you might lose the ability to carry in other states that don’t have the same permitless carry standards.
Always confirm reciprocity laws in the state you plan to visit to ensure you comply fully with local regulations.
Firearms in Vehicles
Montana law does not regulate how you carry a firearm in your vehicle, provided you’re legally eligible to possess it. This means you can keep a loaded or unloaded handgun anywhere in your car under permitless carry. However, if you enter posted or restricted premises, you must keep the firearm concealed and avoid removing it from your vehicle.
Concealed Carry Training and Familiarity
While concealed carry training is not strictly required for all carriers, it is mandatory to show “familiarity with a firearm” if you want a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit. This can come in many forms, from a hunter’s safety course to a law enforcement program or even a one-on-one test with a qualified instructor.
Penalties and Prohibited Conduct
- Brandishing: Montana law does not define “brandishing” explicitly, but threatening people with a weapon can be prosecuted as assault or disorderly conduct.
- Alcohol and Firearms: You cannot carry while under the influence of an intoxicant or narcotic. Always separate alcohol from firearms handling.
Bow Hunting, Fishing, and Other Outdoor Activities
Montana is famous for its outdoor culture. The good news is that you can carry a concealed firearm while engaging in hunting, fishing, camping, or backpacking. This rule helps you protect yourself from wildlife threats and ensures your firearm is on hand for lawful self-defense.
Final Thoughts - Policing the Brass
Concealed carry laws Montana provides are designed to balance individual freedoms with public safety. Whether you prefer to carry without a permit or choose to apply for a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit, knowing the rules is crucial for responsible gun ownership. Although official concealed carry training isn’t required for everyone, developing solid skills can make you a safer and more confident carrier.
And if you plan to travel, always review CCW requirements by state, as firearm laws can vary dramatically. By staying informed, respecting private property rights, and following the law, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Montana’s wide-open spaces offer — while safeguarding yourself and others.
If you would like a downloadable guide to Montana’s concealed carry laws, you can visit HandgunLaw.us here.
Concealed Carry Laws Montana: Q&A Section
Carry Basics Questions
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? | Yes. Montana law does not prohibit the purchase or use of pepper spray. |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? | Montana is a shall-issue state. Concealed Weapons Permits (CWPs) are processed by county sheriffs, although permitless carry is also allowed in most places. |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? | Yes. Anyone at least 18 years old who can lawfully possess a firearm may open carry in Montana. Local governments may restrict open carry in publicly owned and occupied buildings. |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? | Yes. It is legal to own and carry Tasers or stun guns without a permit in Montana. |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? | No. Under Montana law, a “concealed weapon” specifically refers to a firearm wholly or partially covered by clothing. Other weapons are not covered under concealed carry provisions. |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? | Yes. Montana enforces a sentence enhancement for crimes where a handgun is loaded with armor-piercing ammo and bodily harm is inflicted or threatened. |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? | No. Montana does not limit handgun magazine capacity. |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? | At least 18 years old to apply for a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? | Yes. Montana allows permitless carry for anyone 18 or older who can legally own a firearm, except in certain government buildings and restricted areas. |
Carry Location Questions
| CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? | Yes, as of February 18, 2021, HB-102 permits concealed carry in places serving alcohol, provided you are not under the influence. |
| CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? | Yes, for anyone at least 18 who can legally possess a firearm. Montana law does not require a permit when engaged in activities like hunting, fishing, or hiking. |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? | Yes, without a permit. Montana law does not specifically regulate how firearms are carried in a vehicle. |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? | A hotel or motel operator cannot prevent a guest from possessing a legal firearm on the premises. However, always confirm the hotel’s firearm policy. |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? | Yes. Montana does not prohibit carrying a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas. |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? | Not covered by Montana law. Employers may have their own policies regarding firearms in employee parking lots. |
Key State Laws
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? | No. The concealed carry registry is not publicly accessible under Montana law. |
| DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING? | No. There is no requirement to notify an officer you’re carrying, unless you have a permit from another state, in which case you must carry your permit and ID. |
| RED FLAG LAW? | No. Montana does not have a red flag law. |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? | No. Violating such a sign is not considered a criminal offense in Montana. However, you could be asked to leave for trespassing if you refuse to comply. |
| TRIBAL LAND | Regulations differ by tribe. Some reservations allow carrying with a valid permit, others prohibit it entirely. Contact the specific tribe for their policy. |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE? | Not while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Montana law prohibits concealed carry if you are intoxicated or impaired. |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? | No. Montana does not issue Concealed Weapons Permits to non-residents. |
| BRANDISHING? | No specific brandishing statute, but threatening someone with a firearm can lead to assault charges or disorderly conduct if no legitimate purpose is served. |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? | Yes. Montana driver’s licenses are linked to their concealed carry permits, so officers will know if you have a CWP when running your ID. |
| PREEMPTION? | Yes. Montana law supersedes local handgun ordinances. Municipalities can still regulate open/unpermitted concealed carry in publicly owned, occupied buildings and firearm discharge within city limits. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions
| WAITING PERIOD? | No. There is no waiting period required in Montana before taking possession of a firearm. |
| PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? | Yes. If you hold a valid Montana Concealed Weapons Permit, you do not need an additional background check when purchasing from a Federal Firearms Dealer. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? | No. Montana does not require a permit to purchase a handgun. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? | No. Private sales are not subject to state-mandated background checks, but federal prohibitions still apply. It is wise to keep a receipt for proof of ownership. |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? | 14 years old under direct adult supervision or a qualified instructor’s supervision, per Montana statute. |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? | Yes. You may carry a concealed firearm on your own land, home, or place of business without a permit if you can lawfully possess a firearm. |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? | No. Montana does not require handgun registration. |
Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Other States
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES THE STATE OF MONTANA HONOR? | The data you’ve provided pertains to Montana’s reciprocity. There is no specific information about which licenses Massachusetts honors here. Montana recognizes permits from states requiring criminal records checks. |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF MONTANA? | States honoring permits from Montana include: • Alabama (permitless carry, ≥19) • Arkansas (permitless carry, ≥18) • Idaho (permitless carry, ≥18) • Indiana (permitless carry, ≥18) • Nevada • New Hampshire (≥18, permitless carry) • North Carolina • North Dakota (≥18, permitless carry) • South Dakota (≥18, permitless carry) • Vermont (≥18, permitless carry) |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF MONTANA? | These states have age or permit-type conditions or only honor Montana resident permits under certain circumstances (or “enhanced” permits, etc.): • Alaska (≥21) • Arizona (≥21) • Colorado (resident only, ≥21) • Florida (≥21) • Georgia (≥21) • Iowa (≥21) • Kansas (≥21) • Kentucky (≥21) • Louisiana (≥21) • Maine (≥21) • Michigan (resident only, ≥21) • Minnesota (Enhanced only) • Mississippi (≥21) • Missouri (≥19, 18 for military) • Nebraska (≥21) • Ohio (≥21) • Oklahoma (≥21) • Pennsylvania (≥21) • South Carolina (≥18) • Tennessee (≥18) • Texas (≥21) • Utah (≥21) • Virginia (≥21) • Washington (Enhanced permits only) • West Virginia (≥21) • Wisconsin (≥21) • Wyoming (≥21) |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES? | The following states recognize permitless (constitutional) carry (with varying age requirements listed): • Alabama (≥19) • Alaska (≥21) • Arizona (≥21) • Arkansas (≥18) • Florida (≥21) • Georgia (≥21) • Idaho (≥18) • Indiana (≥18) • Iowa (≥21) • Kansas (≥21) • Kentucky (≥21) • Louisiana (≥21) • Maine (≥21) • Mississippi (≥21) • Missouri (≥19, 18 for military) • Nebraska (≥21) • New Hampshire (≥18) • North Dakota (≥18) • Ohio (≥21) • Oklahoma (≥21) • South Carolina (≥18) • South Dakota (≥18) • Tennessee (≥18) • Texas (≥21) • Utah (≥21) • Vermont (≥18) • West Virginia (≥21) • Wyoming (≥21) |
Concealed Carry License Information Questions
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | Notify your county sheriff promptly. Each county treats lost permits like renewals and may have specific guidelines or fees. |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | Montana Concealed Weapons Permits are valid for 5 years. |
| LINK TO APPLICATION | Check your county sheriff’s website for a downloadable application or pick one up in person. |
| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | No. Montana does not issue concealed carry permits to non-residents. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF LOUISIANA AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | The data provided is for Montana. If you move to Montana, you may apply for a permit after 6 months of residency. If you move from Montana, your permit becomes void upon establishing residency in another state. |
| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | The initial permit fee is about $60; renewals cost $25. Costs may vary slightly by county. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | By law, the sheriff has up to 60 days to process a Concealed Weapon Permit application. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | Notify the sheriffs of both your old and new counties within 10 days of a move. If you move to or from a city with a police force, notify the chief of police as well. |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? | You must be 18, a U.S. citizen, a 6-month resident of Montana, demonstrate firearm familiarity, have valid photo ID, and meet federal eligibility requirements. |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? | 1) Complete a firearms safety course if needed. 2) Download or pick up an application from your sheriff’s office. 3) Provide 3 references, ID, and certificate of training. 4) Submit to fingerprints and pay the required fees. 5) Receive approval or denial within 60 days. |
| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? | Applicants must show “familiarity with a firearm” via an approved course, law enforcement training, or passing a supervised physical test. |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? | You can renew up to 90 days before expiration. Expired permits require a new application fee plus a $5 fingerprinting fee. Contact your county sheriff for specific renewal instructions. |
| WHERE CAN CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | Most locations in Montana, including vehicles, roadside rest areas, bars/restaurants (if not intoxicated), and while outdoors. Some government offices and restricted locations require a permit or disallow carry. |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | Off-limits places include school buildings, certain university properties, specific government buildings, correctional or detention facilities, TSA-screened areas in airports, posted private property, and anywhere federal law prohibits. |
| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Yes. It is unlawful to intentionally interfere with someone’s lawful hunting or fishing activities. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Yes. Montana allows concealed carry while hunting or fishing without a permit if you can legally possess a firearm. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Yes, you can carry a concealed firearm even while bow hunting in Montana. |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | Open carry of any knife is legal. Knives with blades 4 inches or longer and other large blades like swords or straight razors are barred from schools. |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED? | Yes. Montana law does not prohibit wearing a COVID-19 protective mask while legally carrying concealed. |
| ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S (LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) OR RETIRED LEO’S? | Montana agencies provide limited LEOSA qualification options. Smaller departments may qualify their retirees, but not all offer the program. Qualified retired LEOs under LEOSA may carry nationwide. |
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
