Montana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map
*Page Last Updated: June 25, 2024
Montana is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a CCW license. The state does offer regular and enhanced concealed carry permits for reciprocity purposes.
In Montana, constitutional carry became legal in 2021 allowing anyone over the age of 18 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to conceal carry without needing to obtain a permit.
To qualify for a Montana CCW permit, you must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen, be a Montana resident for a minimum of 6 months, and meet all federal requirements. There are also several factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a permit.
Open carry is also legal in Montana without a permit for anyone over 18 and legally permitted to possess a firearm.
To learn more about Montana concealed carry law, review state statutes here, visit the Montana Department of Justice’s website, or contact state authorities.
*Disclaimer: This Montana concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney.
Montana Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance
|
Issue Type |
Shall issue |
|
Constitutional Carry |
Yes |
|
Open Carry |
Yes |
|
Nonresident Permits |
No |
|
Enhanced Permits |
Yes |
|
Legal Age |
18 |
|
Permit Valid |
4 years |
|
Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? |
No |
|
Reciprocating States |
34 |
|
States Honored |
43 |
|
Duty to Inform |
No |
|
Castle Doctrine |
Yes |
|
Stand Your Ground |
Yes |
|
Issuing Agency |
County sheriff’s office |
Montana Concealed Carry FAQ
What is Reciprocity?
Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.
Which State Permits Does Montana Honor?
Montana allows permitless carry, meaning anyone 18 years or older can conceal carry in the state with or without a license – regardless of their state of residence – so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. That being said, Montana officially recognizes permits from 43 other U.S. states.
What States Have Reciprocity with Montana?
Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally.
The following states have a reciprocity agreement with Montana. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Montana concealed carry permit reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply.
- Alabama
- Alaska*
- Arizona*
- Arkansas
- Colorado*
- Florida*
- Georgia*
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa*
- Kansas*
- Kentucky*
- Louisiana*
- Maine*
- Michigan*
- Minnesota*
- Mississippi*
- Missouri*
- Nebraska*
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio*
- Oklahoma*
- Pennsylvania*
- South Carolina*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee*
- Texas*
- Utah*
- Vermont
- Virginia*
- Washington*
- West Virginia*
- Wisconsin*
- Wyoming*
Do You Need a Permit to Carry Concealed in Montana?
No. Montana became a constitutional carry state in 2021, allowing anyone 18 years of age or older to open or conceal carry without a permit so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm.
What is a Montana Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit?
Montana offers an enhanced concealed carry permit in addition to the standard one for reciprocity purposes, as some states only offer concealed carry reciprocity to Montana residents with an enhanced permit. An enhanced permit does require additional training and documentation and requires permit holders to be at least 21 years old.
Montana Concealed Carry Permit Requirements
To obtain a Montana carry permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:
-
Be at least 18 years old.
-
Be a U.S. citizen.
-
Be a Montana resident for at least 6 months.
-
Meet all federal requirements.
For a full, detailed list of concealed carry eligibility requirements in the state of Montana, visit the Montana Department of Justice’s website.
Can Out-of-State Residents Carry in Montana?
Yes. Montana honors permits from 43 U.S. states. However, regardless of your CCL status, non-residents may conceal carry under the Montana constitutional carry law, as long as they are legally eligible to do so.
Is Montana an Open Carry State?
Yes. In Montana, open carry is legal for anyone at least 18 years old who is legally permitted to possess a handgun. No permit is required for open carry in Montana.
Where CAN’T You Conceal Carry in Montana?
Even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits to concealed carry in Montana, including school buildings (unless authorized); correctional, detention, and treatment facilities; airports; buildings owned and occupied by the United States; U.S. Military reservations; courtrooms; state game preserves, unless in possession of a permit; private property where the owner has prohibited firearms; anywhere while under the intoxicated; and anywhere it is prohibited by federal law.
Where Can I Learn More About Montana Carry Laws?
You can visit the Montana Department of Justice’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit eligibility or to apply for a Montana concealed carry permit. For the official laws regarding Montana concealed carry reciprocity and regulations, you can read state statutes here.
This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.