The following Montana Code Annotated (MCA) sections govern concealed carry and the use of force:
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Montana Department of Justice - Concealed Weapons The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) administers the state concealed weapons permit program. This is the primary state-level resource for CWP information, eligibility requirements, and retired law enforcement officer provisions.
Montana Attorney General's Office The AG's office is actively involved in Second Amendment advocacy at the federal level, including coalition briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court (e.g., defense of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act) and challenges to waiting-period laws (e.g., Beckwith v. Frey, filed June 2025).
The following Montana Code Annotated (MCA) sections govern concealed carry and the use of force:
| Statute | Subject |
|---|---|
| MCA § 45-8-315 through § 45-8-330 | Concealed weapons permits (issuance, eligibility, reciprocity) |
| MCA § 45-3-101 | Definitions (use of force) |
| MCA § 45-3-102 | Use of force in defense of person |
| MCA § 45-3-103 | Use of force in defense of occupied structure |
| MCA § 45-3-104 | Use of force in defense of other property |
| MCA § 45-3-105 | Use of force by aggressor |
Statutes are available at: leg.mt.gov
Concealed weapons permits are issued by the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence. Below are contacts for select counties. For other counties, contact your local sheriff's office directly.
Yellowstone County (Billings)
Jefferson County (Boulder)
Lewis & Clark County (Helena)
Cascade County (Great Falls)
Powell County (Deer Lodge)
Under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), retired officers may carry concealed nationwide if they meet specific qualification requirements. However, Montana has limited programs for qualifying retired officers. A Montana CWP does not satisfy the federal firearms qualification requirement for LEOSA purposes. Retired officers should contact their former agency regarding available qualification programs.
This page covers one part of our Montana concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Montana guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.