Missoula County Sheriff - FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions:
Following are our most frequently asked questions along with the answers. If you find that your question has not been answered here, you can call our office at 406-258-4810. Click on the links below to jump to the respective answers.
- When is a concealed weapon permit required?
- What are the requirements for obtaining a concealed Weapons Permit?
- Can I apply for an out-of-county permit?
- Is my Montana permit valid in another state?
- How do I apply for a Concealed Weapon Permit?
- When can I submit my application?
- What qualifies as proof of firearms training?
- Where can I get certified training?
- I took a Hunter Safety Course when I was a kid and do not have my certificate anymore, can I get a duplicate?
- How much does a permit cost?
- How long is my permit good for?
- Can you waive the proof of firearm training for a Veteran?
- Can I mail my application?
- How long does it take to get my permit?
- What if I move?
- If I have a concealed weapons permit from another state is it good in Montana?
When is a concealed weapon permit required?
A permit is necessary only when the weapon is wholly or partially concealed by your clothing or wearing apparel and you are carrying the weapon within the official boundaries of a city or town or the confines of a logging, lumbering, mining or railroad camp. You DO NOT need a permit to carry a weapon in your vehicle, while working or recreating in the outdoors (outside the noted town or other boundaries), etc.
What are the requirements for obtaining a concealed Weapons Permit?
- You must be a resident of the State of Montana for at least six months, and must be at least 18 years of age. Permit cannot be issued to a resident of another state.
- You must produce proof of an approved firearm training course, i.e. a certificate of qualification with firearms. This proof and your ID will be photo-copied at the time of your application submission.
- You cannot have ever been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors involving violent acts.
- You cannot be serving a sentence or be undergoing treatment for substance abuse.
Can I apply for an out-of-county permit?
Your Concealed Weapon Permits is recognized throughout the state of Montana however you should apply for your permit at the county in which you reside.
Is my Montana permit valid in another state?
Your permit is valid within the state of Montana, be sure to check with the law of the states you will be visiting or traveling through before traveling there with your handgun.
How do I apply for a Concealed Weapon Permit?
Applications are available at the front desk of the Sheriff’s Department on the third floor of the County courthouse or see Forms to print an application. Application MUST be made in person. DO NOT SIGN your application until you submit the completed form to the Sheriff’s Office. You must exhibit a current Montana driver’s license or state-issued picture ID and sign your application in front of a Sheriff’s Department employee. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.
When can I submit my application?
Applications will be accepted Monday thru Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. You will also be fingerprinted at this time.
What qualifies as proof of firearms training?
Montana law recognizes any of the following training resources:
- completion of a hunter education or safety course approved or conducted by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks or a similar agency of another state;
- completion of a firearms safety or training course approved or conducted by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, a similar agency of another state, a national firearms association, a law enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or an organization that uses instructors certified by a national firearms association;
- completion of a law enforcement firearms safety or training course offered to or required of public or private law enforcement personnel and conducted or approved by a law enforcement agency;
- possession of a license from another state to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, that is granted by that state upon completion of a course described in subsections (3)(a) through (3)(c); or
- evidence that the applicant, during military service, was found to be qualified to operate firearms, including handguns.
Where can I get certified training?
Military or law enforcement service, the Montana Department of Fish, wildlife & Parks (hunter education courses) and the National Rifle Association are common sources. We do NOT recommend private training vendors but list the following local resources (in alphabetical order) as having submitted approved training outlines: Marksman’s Enterprise, Jim Crews, PO Box 556, Stevensville, MT 59870, phone 777-3557; Montana Handgunning, L.L.C., Mark Kowack, PO Box 311, 140 Cherry Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, phone 363-1336; and Montana Shooting Sports Association, Gary Marbut, PO Box 4924, Missoula, MT 59806, Phone 549-1252;
I took a Hunter Safety Course when I was a kid and do not have my certificate anymore, can I get a duplicate?
You can contact the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks at www.fwp.mt.gov or 542-5500.
How much does a permit cost?
A non-refundable application fee of $50 cash or check is due at the time of application. You will be fingerprinted at the time of the application.
How long is my permit good for?
Your permit must be renewed every four years; the renewal fee is $25.
Can you waive the proof of firearm training for a Veteran?
State law requires the proof of firearm training. Your DD214 must specifically state “handgun training”.
Can I mail my application?
Application MUST be made in person. DO NOT SIGN your application until you submit the completed form to the Sheriff’s Office.
How long does it take to get my permit?
Applicant must submit to a background and record check. You will be notified by mail usually within 60 days after the application process is complete.
What if I move?
If a permit holder changes county of residence, he must within ten (10) days notify the Sheriff and Chief of Police in the location of his new residence that he holds a permit.
If I have a concealed weapons permit from another state is it good in Montana?
Click here http://www.doj.mt.gov/enforcement/criminaljustice/concealedweapons.asp to link to Montana Department of Justice site. If you moved here from another state, your permit is not transferable, you must complete the application process for a Montana Permit.
Montana Code Annotated 2005 45-8-322, Application, renewal, permit, and fees: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/mca/45/8/45-8-322.htm and http://www.doj.mt.gov/enforcement/criminaljustice/concealedweapons.asp.
