Concealed Weapon Permit Applications

Concealed Weapon Permit Applications

Instructions

NOTICE

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING MAILED IN APPLICATIONS. ALL NEW AND RENEWAL FORMS MUST BE HAND DELIVERED TO THE SECURITY CHECKPOINT AT THE LAW AND JUSTICE CENTER AND SIGNED AT THE TIME OF DROP OFF. 

Concealed Weapon Permit forms are available for downloading.  If you do not have access to a printer, you can pick up the forms at the Law and Justice Center.

To download forms, go to the Attachments at the bottom of this page and select the appropriate form.  It will download to your computer.  You can fill in the form on your computer and print it, or print it and fill it in by hand.  DO NOT SIGN THE FORM UNTIL YOU DROP IT OFF AT THE LAW AND JUSTICE CENTER.

Please include PHOTOCOPIES of your documents; we cannot make photocopies for you.

At this time we do not have the ability to take your payment online, nor can we take credit or debit cards.  If paying with cash, please have exact payment amount, we do not have change.

Forms can be dropped off at the Law and Justice Center Security Checkpoint between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Once we receive your paperwork, it takes about 6-8 weeks to conduct a background check.  We will deposit your checks when we do your background check.  Once it is finished, we will contact you to come to the Law and Justice Center for a photo.  Your card will printed up and given to you at this time.

NEW APPLICATIONS:  Use the New Application form for new applications, renewals from other counties/states, or if your permit has been expired for more than 30 days.  To get a CWP, you must be a Montana resident for 6 months and have a current Gallatin County address.

You will need to provide:

• A PHOTOCOPY of your MT Driver’s License.  Do not provide the original license.
• If your Driver’s License shows an out-of-county address, you will need to provide proof of residency in Gallatin County, such as a copy of mortgage on address, power bill, rental agreement, etc.
• A PHOTOCOPY of your certification – Gun safety class, DD214, or Hunter Safety certificate.  Do not provide the original certification.  A list of approved classes is attached.  The only online course that is approved is through MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
• Payment of cash or check of $50

Current military – please send an email to: CWP@gallatin.mt.gov for instructions.

RENEWALS: Use the Renewal form if you are a CURRENT Gallatin County permit holder. Your renewal period runs 90 days prior to expiration to 30 days after expiration.

You will need to provide:

• A PHOTOCOPY of your MT Driver’s License.  Do not provide the original license.
• A PHOTOCOPY of your current/recently expired permit showing BOTH SIDES. Do not provide the original permit.
• Payment of cash or check for $25.00 UNLESS your permit is expired more than 30 days. Then payment is $50.

STATUS CHECKS:  Please do not call to check on the status of your permit unless it’s been over eight weeks. We have many applications and renewals and it can take up to eight weeks to process background checks. If you are checking on a status of over 8 weeks, please email CWP@gallatin.mt.gov or call 406-582-2144 and please be patient. This email and phone number is not monitored every day.

PERMIT PICKUP: We will contact you when your permit is ready to be picked up. We will attempt to contact you by the phone number circled on the application or by email. You can pick up your card at the Law and Justice Center screening point between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. A photo will be taken at this time.

If you plan to apply for a Concealed Weapon Permit, please take a moment to read the information below:

WHAT IS THE CURRENT LAW REGARDING THE CARRYING OF A CONCEALED FIREARM?

M.C.A. Section 45-8-315 and following sections covers the laws related to concealed weapons.  Most citizens find that their specific needs for protection in the home, business or while traveling fall within the current law without needing a permit.

CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON WHILE WEARING A MASK?

There are no Montana State Statutes prohibiting the wearing of masks or face coverings while carrying a concealed weapon with a valid Montana Concealed Weapons Permit.

An exception to the Governor’s July 2020 mask directive is for “persons temporarily removing their face covering for identification purposes.” When requested, we appreciate your cooperation in removing your face covering for identification.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT?

Anyone who wishes to carry a concealed pistol, revolver or any other firearm capable of being concealed upon a person is eligible to apply, subject to the criteria below.

WHO CAN ISSUE A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT?

Pursuant to the authority granted in M.C.A. Section 45-8-321, the sheriff of a county may issue written permits for carrying concealed weapons. Permits must be obtained in the county of permanent residence.

IF A PERMIT IS GRANTED IN GALLATIN COUNTY, IS IT HONORED ELSEWHERE?

It is honored everywhere in Montana. For out-of-state validity, you must contact the Attorney General of the states in which you plan to travel to see if they will honor Montana Permits.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR APPLYING FOR A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT?

1. Resident in Montana for six months
2. 18 years of age
3. Written documentation of firearms training - DD214. Hunter's Safety Course or Handgun Safety Course (list available at the Law & Justice Center Front Lobby Window). Online handgun courses are NOT accepted as a handgun safety course for concealed weapon permits.
4. No criminal record
5. Possess a Montana Drivers License or State ID

Fingerprinting is not required for Concealed Weapons Permits.

MCA 45-8-321 covers the permitting process.

WHAT IS THE COST AND HOW LONG IS THE PERMIT VALID?

• Initial cost is $50, nonrefundable. Renewal cost is $25, nonrefundable.
• CASH OR CHECK ONLY. Make checks payable to GCSO or Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.
• Valid for five years, but it can be revoked at any time. (MCA 45-8-323)
• You are responsible for costs of handgun safety course.

MCA 45-8-322 covers the application, renewal, permit, and fees.

WHO DOESN'T NEED A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT?

1. Any peace officer in the State of Montana
2. Any officer of the U.S. Government authorized to carry a concealed weapon
3. A person in actual service as a National Guardsman
4. A person summoned to the aid of any of the persons named in subsection 1-3
5. A civil officer or his deputy engaged in the discharge of official business
6. A probation or parole officer authorized to carry a firearm
7. A person issued a permit
8. An agent of the Department of Justice or a criminal investigator in the County Attorney’s Office
9. A person who is outside the official boundaries of a city or town or the confines of a logging, lumbering, mining or railroad camp or who is lawfully engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, or other activity in which weapons are often carried for recreation or protection
10. A person carrying arms on one’s own premises or at one’s home or place of business  

(MCA 45-8-317)

If you have other questions, you may contact the Sheriff’s Administrative Office at 406-582-2144.

Dan Springer
Sheriff, Gallatin County