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Missouri Concealed Carry Laws |
Missouri is a permitless carry state and a shall-issue state. Permits are issued for reciprocity purposes by county sheriffs.
No permit, background check, or firearms registration is required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry and concealed carry are legal in Missouri without a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) for anyone 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm (18 for members of the military or honorably discharged). Local authorities can restrict concealed carry in any building owned, leased, or controlled by the county or municipality and may require a CCP for open carry. Missouri law defines “unlawful use of a weapon” to apply when a person carries a weapon into a place that is off-limits per Missouri law.
To obtain a Missouri CCP, you must be at least 19 years old (18 for members of the military or honorably discharged) and have passed a firearms training course. The application must be made in your county of residence. Non-resident permits are available only to active military duty personnel or veterans who are at least 18 years old and stationed in Missouri. Restricted locations include courthouses and public passenger buses and trains. Since permitless carry is legal in Missouri, anyone 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
Missouri is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. This law allows individuals to defend themselves outside their homes or properties without the requirement to retreat, assuming the person was not the initial aggressor and is not attempting to commit a crime.
Physical Force is Justifiable:
- When an individual believes that the physical force used is necessary for the defense of themselves or others from unlawful force.
- When an individual believes that the force is reasonably necessary to prevent another person from stealing, damaging, or tampering with property.
Deadly Force is Justifiable:
- When an individual reasonably believes that the force is necessary for self-defense or defense of others (including unborn children) to prevent death, serious physical injury, or a forcible felony.
- When an individual uses such force against a person who unlawfully enters a dwelling, residence, or vehicle.
- When an individual uses such force against a person who unlawfully enters, attempts to enter, or remains after unlawfully entering private property where the owner or authorized individual claims justification for using protective force under this law.
In 2016, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District held in State v. Whipple that deadly force under the castle doctrine can only be used when you reasonably believe such force is necessary to protect yourself or someone else from “the use or imminent use of unlawful force” and not solely to protect property.
Missouri law also prohibits political subdivisions from precluding the use of firearms to defend people or property.
Q: What is the minimum age in Missouri to get a concealed carry permit?
A: You must be at least 19 years old to carry a concealed handgun in Missouri.
Q: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Missouri with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
A: No. Missouri law does not allow the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
Q: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Missouri?
A: Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Q: Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Missouri?
A: Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Missouri.
Q: Does Missouri allow permitless carry?
A: Yes. Missouri is a permitless carry state. A person without a permit only commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons if they knowingly carry a concealed weapon into any area where firearms are restricted per state or federal law.
Q: Does Missouri have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
A: No. Missouri does not restrict handgun magazine capacity.
Q: Does Missouri have ammunition restrictions?
A: Yes. The possession and sale of "exploding bullets" (bullets or projectiles that explode or detonate on impact due to an independent explosive charge after being shot from a firearm) is prohibited. The minimum age to purchase or possess handgun ammunition is 18 years old.
Q: If Missouri requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
A: Missouri issues permits on a shall-issue basis.
Q: Is open carry permitted in Missouri?
A: Yes, without a permit for anyone 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. However, local authorities can regulate open carry for those who do not have a concealed carry permit.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Missouri?
Answer: Yes. You may carry a concealed weapon at roadside rest areas.
Question: Does Missouri have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Answer: Not addressed in Missouri state law, although employers may have a policy.
Question: Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Missouri?
Answer: Yes, without a permit and on restricted premises, so long as the firearm is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is on restricted premises. Restricted premises are locations where concealed carry is not allowed in the state of Missouri.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Missouri?
Answer: You may conceal carry in the restaurant area only without the consent of the manager, but not if posted and provided you are not intoxicated. The manager's consent is required for carry in the bar area.
Question: Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Missouri?
Answer: Any private business may prohibit a permitholder from carrying a concealed handgun on the premises provided the owner has posted the premises as being off-limits to concealed firearms by means of one or more signs displayed in a conspicuous place of a minimum size of eleven inches by fourteen inches with the writing thereon in letters of not less than one inch. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and wildlife management areas in Missouri?
Answer: Yes. Missouri allows the carrying of concealed handguns in state/national parks, state/national forests, and wildlife management areas.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Missouri?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Missouri unless the officer asks. [§ 571.121, RSMo]
Is my Missouri driver’s license linked to my Missouri carry permit?
Yes. Missouri has a statewide database that will display CCP on either a DL or a non-DL ID.
Does Missouri issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Yes. Non-resident permits are only available to persons who are on active duty military or veterans who are at least 18 years old and stationed in Missouri. The spouses of active military personnel can also apply for a permit if they are at least 19 years old and reside in the state.
Does Missouri allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No. The Missouri concealed carry registry is not accessible by the public.
Does Missouri have a red flag law?
No. Missouri does not have a red flag law.
Does Missouri state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Missouri law. However, a person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons if he or she knowingly exhibits, in the presence of two or more people, any weapon capable of lethal use in an angry or threatening manner. [§ 571.030(4) RSMo]
Does Missouri have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol?
Not while intoxicated. [§ 571.107.1(7), RSMo]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Missouri?
No, unless an individual refuses to leave or repeatedly enters the premises while carrying a concealed weapon. [§ 571.107.1(15), RSMo] [§ 571.107.2, RSMo]
Does Missouri have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Missouri. However, counties and municipalities may:
- Prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms, even by persons permitted to do so under state law, in any building or portion of a building owned, leased or controlled by the county or municipality [§ 571.107.1(6) RSMo];
- Require a concealed carry permit for open carry; and
- Regulate the discharge of firearms. [§ 21.750, RSMo]
Q: Do handguns need to be registered in Missouri?
A: No. Missouri does not require you to register handguns.
Q: What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Missouri?
A: 18 years old is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Missouri.
Q: Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
A: Yes. Permitless carry is allowed for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in Missouri. Carrying a handgun is permitted without a license in or on premises over which the actor has possession, authority, or control.
Q: Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Missouri?
A: No. There is no permit required to purchase a handgun in Missouri.
Q: Are background checks required for private gun sales in Missouri?
A: No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Q: Does my current Missouri concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
A: No.
Q: Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Missouri?
A: No. There is no waiting period when buying a handgun in Missouri.
Which states' permits does Missouri honor?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
California (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
New York (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 19 years old,18 for military)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Missouri offers resident and non-resident (active duty military and veterans stationed in Missouri) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Missouri resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (only permits issued/renewed on or after 8/28/2013, at least 21 years old (not provisional licenses))
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
- Where can I find the application form for a concealed carry permit?
- You can find the application form online or at your local sheriff's office.
- How soon can I apply for a resident permit after moving to Missouri?
- You can apply for your permit with the sheriff of your county once you have established your residence in that county.
- Does a Missouri resident permit transfer to another state if I move?
- No, if you establish residency in another state, your Missouri permit expires.
- What are the requirements to apply for a concealed carry permit in Missouri?
- Be at least age 19, or be at least 18 and a member of the United States Armed Forces or honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Be either a resident of Missouri, a member of the Armed Forces stationed in Missouri, or the spouse of such a military member.
- Have taken a firearms training course.
- Not have pled guilty to or been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, except for certain misdemeanors.
- Not have been convicted of violent misdemeanors or multiple DUI offenses in the past 5 years.
- Not be a fugitive from justice or charged with a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Not have a pattern of behavior that suggests danger to oneself or others.
- Not have been adjudged mentally incompetent or committed to a mental health facility in the past 5 years.
- Not be the respondent of a valid “full order of protection” that is still in effect.
- Must meet federal law requirements.
- What are the fees for concealed carry permits in Missouri?
- $93 for new permits.
- $50 for renewals (late fees of $10 per month apply for up to six months).
- $500 for a lifetime permit (note that lifetime permits are not valid outside of Missouri).
- How long is a concealed carry permit valid in Missouri?
- Permits are valid for 5 years. Options for 10 and 20-year extended permits, as well as lifetime permits, are available.
- How long does it take to process a concealed carry permit application?
- The processing time is 45 days.
- Are non-resident permits available in Missouri?
- Non-resident permits are available only to active military personnel, veterans who are at least 18 years old and stationed in Missouri, and their spouses who are at least 19 years old and reside in the state.
- What should I do if I change my name or address?
- Name changes: Notify your sheriff within 30 days and obtain a corrected permit. A fee of up to $10 may apply. Late fees of $10 per month apply up to six months.
- Address changes: Notify the sheriff of the county you move to within 30 days. A fee of up to $10 may apply. Late fees of $10 per month apply up to six months.
- If you fail to notify within 180 days, your permit becomes invalid.
- Report lost or destroyed permits within 7 days to the sheriff's department.
- What should I do if my permit is lost or stolen?
- Within 7 days of discovering the loss or destruction, appear at the sheriff’s department to provide a written statement. A replacement permit will be issued within 3 days for a fee.
- Can I carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
- Yes, in the restaurant area only without the consent of the manager.
- Can I carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
- Yes, even concealed on your person.
- Can I carry in roadside rest areas?
- Yes.
- Can I carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs?
- Yes.
- Any higher-education institution or elementary- or secondary-school facility, without the consent of the governing body of the school (except the Western District Court of Appeals ruled on February 2, 2021, that University of Missouri System employees may bring guns to campus but they cannot fire them).
- Any portion of a building used as a child-care facility.
- Law enforcement agency facilities.
- Within 25 feet of any polling place on any election day.
- Any adult or juvenile detention or correctional institution, prison or jail.
- Any courthouse solely occupied by the circuit, appellate or supreme court, or any courtrooms, administrative offices, libraries, or other rooms of any such court.
- Any meeting of the governing body of a unit of local government; or any meeting of the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly.
- Any establishment licensed to dispense intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises, which portion is primarily devoted to that purpose, without the consent of the owner or manager.
- Any area of an airport to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property.
- Any building or portion of a building owned, leased, or controlled by some counties or municipalities.
- Any riverboat gambling operation accessible by the public.
- Any gated area of an amusement park.
- Any church or other place of religious worship without the consent of the minister or person or persons representing the religious organization that exercises control over the place of religious worship (except in a vehicle in the parking lot).
- Any private property whose owner has posted the premises as being off-limits to concealed firearms.
- Any sports arena or stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000 or more.
- Any hospital accessible by the public.
- Any public passenger bus.
- Any metro train.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
There is no known statute in Missouri making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. The governor’s office is not aware of any specific provision that would restrict an individual who lawfully conceals and carries from doing so in public while simultaneously wearing a protective facial mask.
Yes, but they cannot be used to take wildlife while deer hunting.
Yes, but they cannot be used to take wildlife while deer hunting.
Yes. A person commits the offense of interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping in the first degree if they intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife by another or if they enter or remain in a hunting, fishing, or trapping area where lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping may occur with the intent to interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife.
It is legal to own and openly carry any type of knife in Missouri. You may concealed carry only a pocketknife with a folding blade less than 4 inches. You may not concealed carry any other knife on your person or in your vehicle. You may not concealed carry a knife into any area where firearms are restricted under section 571.107.