What are the requirements for a Montana CWP?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Montana. The application is processed by Montana County Sheriffs.

Is training required for a Montana CWP?

Yes. Montana requires firearms training to obtain the CWP. The standard CWP requires proof of firearms familiarity (satisfied by a hunter-education or firearms-safety course, law-enforcement/military training, or similar). The Enhanced permit requires a firearms course including the live firing of at least 98 rounds (MCA 45-8-321; 2023 enhanced-permit law).

How long does it take to get a Montana CWP?

Montana has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CWP — check with Montana County Sheriffs for current wait times.

Can non-residents get a Montana CWP?

No. Montana generally limits the CWP to residents.

How much does the Montana CWP cost, and how long is it valid?

The application fee is $25. The standard CWP renews in 4-year periods for a $25 fee; initial and enhanced-permit fees vary by county. Confirm current amounts with the county sheriff. The permit is valid for 4 years before renewal.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

← Montanaoverview & reciprocity

Montana CWP Requirements

How to get a Montana Montana Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.

How to apply

Application fee: $25 — The standard CWP renews in 4-year periods for a $25 fee; initial and enhanced-permit fees vary by county. Confirm current amounts with the county sheriff.
Minimum age: Varies by class — see below
Training: Varies by class — see below
Fingerprints: Not required
Processing time: See official source
Validity / renewal: 4 years, then renewal
Residency: Montana residents only
Non-resident permit: Not available

Permit classes — procedural details

Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP)

Minimum age:: 18
Training:: Required
Fee:: $25 (same application fee schedule for all classes)

Recommended for out-of-state reciprocity travel. The standard Montana CWP issued by the county sheriff; no fingerprints; valid four years.

Enhanced Concealed Weapon Permit

Minimum age:: 21
Training:: Required
Fee:: $25 (same application fee schedule for all classes)

Recommended for out-of-state reciprocity travel. Created in 2023 for reciprocity with states that have stricter requirements. Requires age 21 (a restricted version exists for 18–20), fingerprints, a course including live firing of at least 98 rounds, and 6-month Montana residency; valid five years. Several states (e.g. Washington, Minnesota) honor the Montana Enhanced permit ONLY.

Applications are processed by Montana County Sheriffs.

Steps to get a Montana CWP

Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 18 years old and a Montana resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
Complete the required firearms training. The standard CWP requires proof of firearms familiarity (satisfied by a hunter-education or firearms-safety course, law-enforcement/military training, or similar). The Enhanced permit requires a firearms course including the live firing of at least 98 rounds (MCA 45-8-321; 2023 enhanced-permit law).
Submit your application to Montana County Sheriffs. File your Montana Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) application with Montana County Sheriffs. See the official page for forms and instructions.
Pay the application fee. Pay the CWP application fee of $25. The standard CWP renews in 4-year periods for a $25 fee; initial and enhanced-permit fees vary by county. Confirm current amounts with the county sheriff.
Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CWP is valid for 4 years, after which it must be renewed.

Note: Montana allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.

Last verified 2026-07-10 against Montana DOJ — Concealed Weapons.

Verify Montana rules on the official page →

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Montana CWP FAQ

What are the requirements for a Montana CWP?: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Montana. The application is processed by Montana County Sheriffs.
Is training required for a Montana CWP?: Yes. Montana requires firearms training to obtain the CWP. The standard CWP requires proof of firearms familiarity (satisfied by a hunter-education or firearms-safety course, law-enforcement/military training, or similar). The Enhanced permit requires a firearms course including the live firing of at least 98 rounds (MCA 45-8-321; 2023 enhanced-permit law).
How long does it take to get a Montana CWP?: Montana has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CWP — check with Montana County Sheriffs for current wait times.
Can non-residents get a Montana CWP?: No. Montana generally limits the CWP to residents.
How much does the Montana CWP cost, and how long is it valid?: The application fee is $25. The standard CWP renews in 4-year periods for a $25 fee; initial and enhanced-permit fees vary by county. Confirm current amounts with the county sheriff. The permit is valid for 4 years before renewal.

Sources

Montana DOJ — Concealed Weapons (2026-07-10)