Lake County Sheriff: a DD-214 counts as proof of weapon training for a concealed weapons permit

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office takes a Military Discharge Form DD-214 as proof of weapon training certification for a concealed weapons permit, in place of a hunter safety or firearms course certificate; applications are signed in front of the Sheriff or a designee in Polson, not mailed (406-883-7282).

Also called: Sheriff, concealed weapons permit, CWP, Donald R. Bell, DD-214, DD214, weapon training certification, hunter safety, 406-883-7282, Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius, Saint Ignatius, Charlo, Arlee, Pablo, Finley Point, Dayton, Elmo, Rollins, Swan Lake, Flathead Reservation.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

Lake County, MTCounty

The Sheriff's page. "Proof of Weapon Training Certification; you may use one of the following: Military Discharge Form DD214; Hunter Safety Certificate or proof a certified Weapon-Training ... A concealed weapons permit from another state or county may be considered." An enhanced permit also needs a certificate "specifically stating that you shot 98 live rounds". How to apply. "Please wait to sign applications in front of the Sheriff or designee. DO NOT MAIL, any applications mailed in will be sent back immediately." The new and renewal applications are under the Sheriff's Office downloads in the county directory; pay when submitting (a personal check preferred; exact cash, money order or cashier's check to the Lake County Sheriff's Office), and bring a valid Montana (Lake County) driver's license or ID card. An approved applicant gets a call within a week to schedule a card appointment; a denial comes by letter. Questions: Mikayla, (406) 883-7282. Sheriff Donald R. Bell. The permit itself, its fee and its legal tests are the State's (Title 45, chapter 8, part 3, MCA).

Thresholds

Thresholds for Lake County Sheriff: a DD-214 counts as proof of weapon training for a concealed weapons permit
Gate	Rule
Veterans with a DD-214	The DD-214 stands in for a training certificate; the permit’s other State tests still apply. No rating is needed.

Sources

Lake County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office, Concealed Weapons Permit (read 2026-11-06)Official

Updated

Last updated 2026-11-06.

What changed then:

First published.

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