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Montana is another state which operates on a “Shall Issue” policy. Compared to other states, Montana is very permissive. You must be 18 and a resident to obtain a permit and the applications are processed on a local level by the county sheriff’s office..
Concealed carry is legally allowed without a permit if you’re outside a city or town if you’re in doing the following activities:
| Open Carry Permitted? | Yes! |
| Carry In Vehicle? | Yes! |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes! |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes! |
| Constitutional Carry? | No |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | No |
| Must Notify Officer? | No |
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Montana. During their time in Montana, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
YES – Without a Permit/License Open carry in Montana is legal and accepted. However, be aware that it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit in cities or towns. Concealed is defined as a handgun or a knife with a blade 4 or more inches in length that is wholly or partially covered by the clothing or wearing apparel of the person carrying or bearing the weapon. It is legal to carry a concealed weapon outside city or town limits without a permit.
YES – Without a Permit/License With no permit you can carry concealed outside of cities and towns. This applies in or out of a vehicle. In a city or town then a loaded firearm must be in the glove box or console. The Issue is whether or not the firearm is concealed (see open carry section). If you have a permit then you can carry concealed in a vehicle.
YES
You are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas.
YES/NO – In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol You cannot carry a concealed firearm in a restaurant but it is legal to carry openly in restaurants that serve alcohol. “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
NO “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Montana gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned in the law as being off limits.
NO – Must Inform Officer on Contact By Law Montana gun laws do not state you have to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm or carry a permit if you are a resident. If you are using a permit from another state that Montana honors then the law says you must be carrying your permit/license and ID.