Montana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
- Select
- 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
- Montana
- 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
Have concealed carry permits from more than one state?
Check out our new Multi-State Permit Tool here!
NEED ANSWERS NOW?
There’s a lot of information here, so our Customer Engagement Team is always ready to help:
Click to chat with someone on our team now.
Summary of Montana Gun Laws
Montana is a shall-issue, permitless carry state, with concealed weapons permits processed on a local level by the county sheriff’s office.
No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, there is no waiting period, and there is no firearms registration in the state. Background checks are not required for private sales. Background checks are required if you’re purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer, with the exception of Montana Concealed Weapons Permit holders.
Open carry is legal in Montana without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that can legally possess a firearm. The federal minimum age is 18 years old, although state law allows 14-year-olds to carry or use a firearm in public under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, qualified firearms safety instructor or an adult who has been authorized by the parent or guardian. Some areas are off-limits, including federal buildings. It should be noted that concealed is defined as a handgun that is wholly or partially covered by the clothing or wearing apparel of the person carrying or bearing the weapon.
Concealed carry is legal without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that can legally own a firearm in most locations. A permit is required to carry concealed in portions of a building used for state or local government offices and related areas in the building that have been restricted. HB-102 was signed into law on February 18, 2021, and goes into effect immediately. It eliminated many of the prior gun-free zones in the state. See the Location Restrictions section for details. Although Montana doesn’t require firearms safety training, an applicant for a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (MCWP) must demonstrate “familiarity with a firearm.” Montana does not issue permits to non-residents. Local municipalities can prohibit unpermitted concealed carry in publicly owned and occupied buildings. In terms of reciprocity, Montana recognizes permits from states that require criminal records background checks.
Self-Defense
Montana is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person who is lawfully in a place or location and who is threatened with bodily injury or loss of life has no duty to retreat from a threat or to summon law enforcement assistance prior to using force.
Use of Force in Defense of Person
A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the conduct is necessary for self-defense or the defense of another against the other person’s imminent use of unlawful force.
However, the person is justified in the use of deadly force only if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to the person or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
Use of Force In Defense of Occupied Structure
A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the use of force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person’s unlawful entry into or attack upon an occupied structure.
A person is justified in the use of deadly force only if:
- The entry is made or attempted and the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent an assault upon the person or another then in the occupied structure; or
- The person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony in the occupied structure.
Use of Force In Defense of Other Property
A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force against another to prevent or terminate the other person’s trespass on or other tortious or criminal interference with either real property, other than an occupied structure, or personal property lawfully in the person’s possession or in the possession of another who is a member of the person’s immediate family or household or of a person whose property the person has a legal duty to protect.
However, the person is justified in the use of force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm only if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
“Forcible felony” means any felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual.
[Montana Code Ann. §§ 45-3-102, 45-3-103 and 45-3-104]
Montana Gun Laws at a Glance
Carry Basics
Permitless Carry?Does Montana allow permitless carry? |
Yes. As of February 18, 2021, HB-102 was signed into law making it legal to concealed carry without a permit except in government buildings, offices and restricted locations. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Montana? |
Yes, open carry is allowed without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and who is legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry, however, local municipalities may prohibit open carry in publicly owned and occupied buildings. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Montana requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Montana is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Montana to get a concealed carry permit? |
You must be at least 18 years old to get a concealed carry permit in Montana. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Montana with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Concealed weapon means means a firearm that is wholly or partially covered by the clothing or wearing apparel of the person carrying or bearing the weapon. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Montana? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit in Montana. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Montana? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Montana. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Montana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No, Montana does not limit magazine capacity for handguns. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Montana have ammunition restrictions? |
Yes. Montana mandates a sentence enhancement for any conviction for a crime in which bodily injury was inflicted, attempted, or threatened by someone who knowingly used or carried a handgun loaded with armor-piercing ammunition. |
Use the NEW Reciprocity by USCCA App!
- Featuring a personalized reciprocity map
- The most complete, up-to-date information for all state gun laws
- 24/7 customer support. If you still have questions, we’ll help find the answer.
Download the app now – it’s FREE!
Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Montana? |
Yes, without a permit. Per the Montana Department of Justice FAQ website, Montana law does not regulate how firearms are carried in a vehicle. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Montana? |
Yes. Carrying a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas is allowed in Montana. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Montana? |
Yes, concealed carry is permitted without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that can legally own a firearm outside the official boundaries of towns or cities or the confines of logging, lumbering, mining or railroad camps and while engaged in any of the following activities; fishing, hunting, hiking, backpacking, farming, ranching, or other outdoor activity in which weapons are often carried for recreation or protection. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Montana? |
Yes, as of February 18, 2021, HB-102 was signed into law making it legal to concealed carry in places where alcohol is served, provided you are not be under the influence. [2021 House Bill 102 revisions to Mont. Code Ann. §§ 45-8-328 and 45-8-327] |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Montana? |
A landlord or operator of a hotel or motel may not, by contract or otherwise, prevent a tenant or a guest of a tenant from possessing on the premises a firearm that it is legal for the tenant or guest to possess. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Montana have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
Not addressed in Montana state law, although employers may have a policy. |
Key State Laws
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Montana? |
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Montana, but out-of-state permit holders must be carrying a permit and ID. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?Is my Montana driver’s license linked to my Montana carry permit? |
Yes. Your Montana driver’s license is linked to your Montana concealed weapons permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Montana? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in Montana. |
Preemption?Does Montana have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Montana. However, a city or town may:
|
Red-Flag Law?Does Montana have a red-flag law? |
No. Montana does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Montana state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Montana law. However, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if he or she creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose. A person commits the offense of assault with a weapon if the person purposefully or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a weapon or reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury in another by use of a weapon or what reasonably appears to be a weapon. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or an Intoxicating Substance?Does Montana have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or an intoxicating substance? |
Not while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Montana issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
No. Montana does not issue concealed carry permits to non-residents. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Montana allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. The public cannot access concealed carry registry information through public records law in the state of Montana. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Montana? |
No, a permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Montana. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Montana? |
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. |
Montana Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Montana concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Montana? |
No. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Montana? |
No, handgun registration is not required in Montana. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Montana? |
14 years old. It is unlawful for a parent, guardian or other person having charge or custody of a minor child under the age of 14 years to permit the minor child to carry or use in public any firearms, except when the child is accompanied by a person having charge or custody of the child or under the supervision of a qualified firearms safety instructor or an adult who has been authorized by the parent or guardian. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
It is legal for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm, to carry a concealed firearm at one's own private property, land, at one's home, or one's place of business without a permit, |
Related Blog Posts
Montana Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — November 3, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Montana
USCCA — February 14, 2021
Have Questions? Contact Our Award-Winning, Wisconsin-Based Member Services Team 24/7 at 800-674-9779
State Constitutional Provision
Montana Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Montana honor?
Since Montana has permitless carry, any person 18 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.
Other States' Reciprocity With Montana
Which states honor permits from Montana?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Montana
Permitless Carry States
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Montana Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Montana. |
Fees: |
Initial Permit ~ $60 Renewals $25 |
Valid For: |
4 years |
Processing Time: |
60 days |
Application: |
Check online for your county sheriff’s office. Some have them available for download. |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Montana doesn’t issue permits to non-residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
A permittee who changes his or her county of residence shall, within 10 days of the change, inform the sheriffs of both the old and new counties of residence. If the person's residence changes either from or to a city or town with a police force, the person shall also inform the chief of police. Contact the sheriff's office in your county for information on name changes. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
Lost permits are treated as renewals, and each county establishes its own guidelines. Contact the sheriff's office in your county for information. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Montana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Moving from Montana and have a Montana resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Montana permit remains valid? |
Montana Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Montana Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearms training course, if required. |
Step 2: |
Download the online application from your home county or pick up from your local sheriff's office. |
Step 3: |
Take your application to your local sheriff's office. You will need the following:
You will be fingerprinted. |
Step 4: |
You will be notifiedl if your application has been approved. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Montana
One of the following is required in order to demonstrate “familiarity with a firearm:”
- Completion of a hunter education or safety course approved or conducted by the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) or a similar agency of another state;
- Completion of a firearms safety or training course approved or conducted by the FWP, a similar agency of another state, a national firearms association, a law enforcement agency, an institution of higher education or an organization that uses instructors certified by a national firearms association;
- Completion of a law enforcement firearms safety or training course offered to or required of public or private law enforcement personnel and conducted or approved by a law enforcement agency;
- Possession of a license from another state to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, that is granted by that state upon completion of a course that is the same as one of the above;
- Evidence that the applicant, during military service, was found to be qualified to operate firearms, including handguns; or
- Passage of a physical test in which the applicant demonstrates his or her familiarity with a firearm.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
Montana Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Montana Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. An application to renew a Concealed Weapon Permit can be made up to 90 days prior to the permit's expiration date. Applicants with expired permits must reapply and will be charged the new application fee, plus an additional $5.00 finger printing fee. |
Step 2: |
Download the application, if available for your county, or pick up from your local sheriff's office. |
Step 3: |
Take your application to your local sheriff's office. You will need the following:
|
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified RLEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
According to the Montana Department of Justice, Criminal Investigation Division, because the federal legislation (LEOSA) contained no funding to create state or local programs for qualifying retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon under this provision, there are few agencies offering such programs. While some smaller local agencies may qualify their retirees, such programs are not generally available in Montana, and few retired officers here are able to carry concealed weapons under federal legislation.
Montana Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Montana? |
|
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Montana?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
[per HB-102 signed into law on February 18, 2021]
|
FAQ: Montana Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Montana? |
Montana allows residents to possess and open carry any type of knife. However, it is illegal to bring a knife with a blade of 4 inches or longer, a sword or a straight razor to schools. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Montana, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
There is no known statute in Montana making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter confirmed that it is not illegal. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Montana? |
Yes. You may carry a concealed weapon without a CWP while lawfully engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, backpacking, farming, ranching, or other outdoor activity in which weapons are often carried for recreation or protection. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Montana? |
Yes. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Montana? |
Yes. A person may not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal or fishing by another with intent to prevent or hinder its lawful taking. |
Related Information & Links for Montana Gun Laws
Montana Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2021-12-02 | Updated info on MT University System firearm prohibition per new ruling in Location Restrictions |
| 2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
| 2021-02-19 | Per HB 102, updated info on permitless concealed carry in Summary & At A Glance table |
| 2021-02-19 | Per HB 102, updated info on can't carry locations in Summary & Location Restrictions |
| 2021-01-04 | Updated info on municipalities authority to regulate firearms in At A Glance table |
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
| 2020-06-26 | Added link to National Parks to At A Glance table |
| 2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
| 2020-05-06 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-20 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-06 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-17 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
| 2020-01-29 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
| 2020-01-06 | Deleted references to Missoula banned carry locations as the MT Supreme Court overturned it. |
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-11-19 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-15 | Added Hunter Harassment info info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-09-06 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-08-12 | Added banks to location restrictions section |
| 2019-07-25 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-02 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-30 | Updated FAQ re: knives based on the passage of HB 155 |
| 2019-04-19 | Links checked |
| 2019-03-29 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Did We Miss Something?
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.