Montana permit process

How To Get Your Montana Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Montana's concealed carry laws. Applying for a MCWP varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Montana Concealed Weapons Permit below.

Steps To Get A Montana Concealed Carry Permit

1

COMPLETE a firearms training course.

2

DOWNLOAD the online application from your home county or pick up from your local sheriff's office

3

VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

You will need the following:

  • Completed application
  • Three completed and signed reference forms
  • Photo ID
  • Certificate from firearms course

You will be fingerprinted.


Pay the fee.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Montana?

Montana doesn't require firearms safety training, however, an applicant must demonstrate familiarity with a firearm.


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 firearm 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
  • Passage of a physical test in which the applicant demonstrates his or her familiarity with a firearm


What Are the Montana License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

  • 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, such as a driver's license; and
  • Must meet federal law requirements.

*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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

~$60 for Initial permit

Valid for Four Years from Date of Issue

$25 for Permit Renewals

60 Day Processing Time

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

VISIT COUNTY WEBSITE OR LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

Residency Changes:

Moving to Montana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Montana issues permits to residents only. You can apply for your permit with the sheriff of your county once you have been a Montana resident for six months.

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?If a person with a Montana pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Montana?

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.

1

 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.

2

DOWNLOAD an application from your county's website or pick up from a local sheriff's office

3

VISIT your local sheriff's office. You will need:

  • Completed application
  • Contact information for three references who are not relatives or employers; and
  • Photo ID.

Pay the fee.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

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Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Montana Gun Laws and Montana concealed carry reciprocity with other states.