Who May Not Get a Permit to Carry

According to Title 45 of Montana’s Code Annotated, you may only be denied a permit to carry a concealed handgun if any of the following apply such that you:

• Are ineligible to own, possess, or receive a firearm under Montana or federal laws.
• Have been charged and are waiting for judgment in any state for a state or federal crime that is punishable by imprisonment for at least one year.
• Have been convicted in state or federal court of a crime that:
• Is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or...
• Includes an attempted act or threat of intentional homicide, serious bodily harm, unlawful restraint, sexual abuse, or sexual intercourse or contact without consent.
• Have been convicted of carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol or in a prohibited place unless you have been pardoned or it has been more than five years since you were convicted.
• Have a state or federal government warrant out for your arrest.
• In a criminal or civil case in state or federal court:
• Have been found to be an unlawful user of an intoxicating substance and...
• Are under a court order of imprisonment, probation, suspended or deferred sentencing, treatment or education, or other conditions of release; or are otherwise under state supervision.
• In a criminal or civil case in state or federal court:
• Have been found to be mentally ill, mentally disordered, or mentally disabled and...
• Are still subject to an order from the court.
• Have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The sheriff may also deny your application for a permit if the sheriff:

• Has reasonable cause to believe that you are mentally ill, mentally disordered, mentally disabled, or otherwise a potential threat to the peace and good order of the community and...
• Gives you a written explanation of the reasonable cause for denial.