Montana Firearm Bill of Sale Form
A Montana firearm bill of sale form holds the information necessary to determine who purchased and sold a gun. The buyer and seller complete and sign the document to acknowledge their ability to own and transfer weapons. Neither person can have a criminal record or mental illness that impacts their ability to possess or use firearms. Law enforcement can arrest and ticket individuals who engage in a transaction with an illegible person. For this reason, sellers should request evidence from the purchaser that proves their ability to obtain a gun, knife, or another applicable weapon.
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What is a Montana Gun Bill of Sale?
A Montana gun bill of sale serves as a written record of a buyer and seller’s personal information and the weapon they transferred between one another. It contains both parties’ full names, addresses, telephone numbers, and emails. The person completing the document must also include the gun’s make, model, type, caliber (or gauge), and serial number. Furthermore, they must describe the transfer, including the type of exchange (i.e., sale, gift, or trade) and, if applicable, the payment method used and the amount paid. The form does not hold legal value until both parties sign it.
How to Apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit
Montana law allows eligible residents or visitors to carry a concealed handgun, rifle, or shotgun without a permit in authorized areas (including motor vehicles). The gun holder must have a clean or acceptable record, meaning the state allows them to carry weapons.
Regardless of permit status, individuals may not carry in a courtroom (or space used by Montana courts), public schools, universities, federal offices or buildings, and businesses or residences that explicitly ban weapons on their property. Furthermore, a person cannot concealed carry a firearm while intoxicated. Counties can also have local prohibitions; therefore, residents should check with their local office for other laws.
Gun holders must have a concealed weapons permit to carry in state government offices or state buildings. County sheriff’s offices provide residents with the information and documentation needed to obtain a license.
Step 1 – Eligibility
A person must meet eligibility status to own or use a weapon in the state. The criteria for residents and non-residents are listed below.
Residents
Only residents eighteen (18) years or older can obtain a concealed weapons permit in Montana. They must verify that they have been a state resident for at least six (6) months per local law. They must also have U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident status.
Non-Residents
Non-residents cannot obtain a Montana concealed carry permit. However, they can concealed carry so long as they do not have restrictions preventing them from doing so.
Montana accepts foreign permits as long as the U.S. state mandated a criminal background check, the individual has the license in hand, and they have a secondary source of photo identification (i.e., a driver’s license, passport, etc.).
The state does not have reciprocity laws and does not recognize permits from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island.
Law Enforcement
Current and retired law enforcement officers do not need a concealed carry permit if they qualify.
Step 2 – Firearms Training Course
Applicants must take a firearms training course taught by an approved instructor. They must obtain documentation after completing the course and submit the certification when applying for the permit. Local county sheriff’s offices provide additional information on how to sign up and take the course.
Step 3 – Application
Once applicants complete the firearms training course, they can apply for a Montana concealed weapons license. They must go to their local county sheriff’s office to obtain an application (sample) and additional paperwork.
The application requires the individual to include their current and previous employers or businesses, place of residence(s) for the last five (5) years, military service details, three (3) references, and the reason for requesting a license.
Depending on local laws, the applicant may need fingerprinting from the Montana Department of Justice, Criminal Records and Identification Services Section. The division charges between $10 and $30 for a background check. In addition, the sheriff’s office requests an additional $50 (plus processing fees), which the applicant must settle when applying to prevent delays.
Step 4 – Processing
It takes up to sixty (60) days for the concealed weapons permit applicant to receive notice of approval or denial. If denied, revoked, or refused, the individual can appeal to the district court, then the Montana Supreme Court.
Step 5 – Renew
Concealed weapons permits in Montana last for four (4) years. Renewals must occur with the county sheriff for $25 plus processing fees.
Permit holders who move to another county must notify their previous and new sheriff’s offices of the change within ten (10) days. If the person moves to a city or town with a police force, they also have the responsibility of informing the chief of police.