Montana carry status overview
Montana is a permitless carry state. HB 102, effective February 18, 2021 allows any person 18 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry concealed without a license. Open carry is broadly permitted. The Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) remains available for residents who travel to other states requiring reciprocity.
| Permitless carry | Yes — effective 2021 |
| Governing law | Montana Code Annotated § 45-8-321 |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit |
| Permit available | Yes — Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) |
HB 102 tried to open university campuses. The Montana Supreme Court said no.
HB 102 did two things: it made concealed carry permitless statewide, and it sought to limit the university system’s ability to restrict firearms on campus. The Board of Regents challenged the second part, and in 2022 the Montana Supreme Court held that HB 102 could not override the Board’s own constitutional authority over the university system.
So permitless carry is fully in effect across Montana — but university campuses are governed by Board of Regents policy, not by HB 102. Summaries that describe HB 102 as opening campuses are describing the bill as passed rather than the law as it stands.
Two more limits worth knowing. A permit is still required to carry in state and local government buildings, including the State Capitol. And while Montana preempts local firearm regulation, § 45-8-351 lets localities regulate discharge and unpermitted concealed carry in publicly owned and occupied buildings — a narrow exception, but a real one.
Carry permit for reciprocity
The Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) is available from the state's issuing agency. Even though no permit is required to carry in Montana, obtaining a permit is recommended for residents who regularly travel to other states, as it provides reciprocity privileges in 30–38+ states.
Apply at: dojmt.gov — CWP ↗
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- Courthouses and government buildings
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Locations prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Verify the complete list of prohibited locations in Montana's official statutes at leg.mt.gov.
Frequently asked questions — Montana
Does Montana require a permit to carry concealed?
No. Montana allows any person 18+ who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry concealed without a permit. The Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) remains available for out-of-state reciprocity.
Is a permit worth getting in Montana?
Yes, if you travel. The Montana Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) is honored in 30+ other states for reciprocity. Apply at dojmt.gov.
Does Montana honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Montana recognizes valid carry licenses from other states. Additionally, as a permitless carry state, any eligible person 18+ may carry without any permit in Montana.