Since the passage of HB 102 (effective February 18, 2021), Montana does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon for most residents in most...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Since the passage of HB 102 (effective February 18, 2021), Montana does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon for most residents in most areas of the state. However, a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) remains available and is recommended for reciprocity recognition when traveling to other states.
Fees are set by state statute and administered by each county sheriff's office. Per MCA 45-8-321 and MCA 45-8-322:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Permit Application | $50.00 - $55.00 | Nonrefundable; varies slightly by county |
| Renewal | $25.00 | Nonrefundable; must be requested within 90 days before expiration |
| Expired Permit (over 6 months) | $50.00 - $55.00 | Treated as a new application; requires new application, proof of training |
| Lost/Replacement Permit | $25.00 | Treated as a renewal (Lewis & Clark County) |
While the state statute establishes base fees, individual counties may add modest administrative charges:
Payment methods vary by county but generally include:
Note: Some counties accept only exact cash or check (e.g., Jefferson County).
| Cost | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms safety course | Varies | Required for initial application; cost is the applicant's responsibility |
| Fingerprinting | Typically included | Taken at the sheriff's office; some counties may charge a nominal fee (e.g., $5.00/card at Stillwater County for general prints) |
| Montana Driver's License or State ID | Standard DMV fees | Required as proof of identity and residency |
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.