Gun Laws/Montana/Reviewed September 16, 2026

Can you conceal carry in Montana?

Quick answer

Yes, no permit needed

Montana: Permitless (18+).

4 of Montana's 4 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with concealed carry.

Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026

Concealed carry laws by state

Alabama: PermitlessAlaska: PermitlessArizona: PermitlessColorado: Shall issueFlorida: PermitlessGeorgia: PermitlessIndiana: PermitlessKansas: PermitlessMaine: PermitlessMassachusetts: Shall issueMinnesota: Shall issueNew Jersey: Shall issueNorth Carolina: Shall issueNorth Dakota: PermitlessOklahoma: PermitlessPennsylvania: Shall issueSouth Dakota: PermitlessTexas: PermitlessWyoming: PermitlessConnecticut: Shall issueMissouri: PermitlessWest Virginia: PermitlessIllinois: Shall issueNew Mexico: Shall issueArkansas: PermitlessCalifornia: Shall issueDelaware: Shall issueHawaii: Shall issueIowa: PermitlessKentucky: PermitlessMaryland: Shall issueMichigan: Shall issueMississippi: PermitlessMontana: PermitlessNew Hampshire: PermitlessNew York: Shall issueOhio: PermitlessOregon: Shall issueTennessee: PermitlessUtah: PermitlessVirginia: Shall issueWashington: Shall issueWisconsin: Shall issueNebraska: PermitlessSouth Carolina: PermitlessIdaho: PermitlessNevada: Shall issueVermont: PermitlessLouisiana: PermitlessRhode Island: Shall issueALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
Permitless (29)Shall issue permit (21)Concealed carry laws by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means Permitless; caution means Shall issue permit; restricted means Discretionary permit

Montana law in detail

  • Permitless (18+) — Adults 18 and older can carry concealed without a permit since February 2021.
  • Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry of handguns and long guns is legal without a permit. Localities may restrict open carry inside publicly owned occupied buildings.
  • State Preemption: Yes — State law preempts local firearm regulations, with the exception that localities can restrict open carry in publicly owned occupied buildings.

The federal rule

There is no federal carry permit. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, states cannot deny a carry permit for lack of a special reason, and most states now allow permitless carry for adults who can legally own a handgun. Reciprocity decides whether another state's permit counts.

Carry in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Can you conceal carry in Montana?

Yes, no permit needed. Montana: Permitless (18+). Reviewed September 16, 2026.

What is the federal rule on concealed carry?

There is no federal carry permit. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, states cannot deny a carry permit for lack of a special reason, and most states now allow permitless carry for adults who can legally own a handgun. Reciprocity decides whether another state's permit counts.

How many states restrict concealed carry?

Nationwide by our review: 29 states: permitless; 21: shall issue permit.

More Montana gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the Montana statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.