Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Missouri operates as a permitless carry state and a shall-issue state. Permits are issued at the county level for reciprocity purposes by sheriffs.
There is no requirement for a permit, background check, or firearms registration when purchasing a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry and concealed carry are legal for individuals 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm (18 for military members or honorably discharged). Local authorities may restrict concealed carry in buildings they own, lease, or control, and may require a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) for open carry. The law in Missouri does not explicitly state that a permit is unnecessary for carry; instead, the definition of “unlawful use of a weapon” specifies carrying in off-limits areas.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
To obtain a Missouri CCP, applicants must be at least 19 years old (18 for military members or honorably discharged) and have completed a firearms training course. Applications must be submitted in the applicant’s county of residence. Non-resident permits are available to active duty military personnel or veterans aged 18 or older stationed in Missouri. Restricted locations include courthouses, public passenger buses, and trains.
Missouri follows Castle Doctrine principles and has a “stand your ground” law. This law allows individuals to defend themselves outside their homes without retreating. Deadly force is justifiable if a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death, serious physical injury, or a forcible felony. Physical force is justifiable to defend against unlawful force or to prevent theft, damage, or tampering with property.
In 2016, the Missouri Court of Appeals clarified that deadly force under the Castle Doctrine can only be used to protect against the use or imminent use of unlawful force, not solely to protect property.
Missouri law prohibits political subdivisions from restricting the use of firearms to defend people or property.
What is the minimum age in Missouri to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 19 years old to carry a concealed handgun in Missouri.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Missouri with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. Missouri law does not allow the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Missouri?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Missouri?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Missouri.
Does Missouri allow permitless carry?
Yes. Missouri is a permitless carry state. A person without a permit only commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons if he or she knowingly carries a concealed weapon into any area where firearms are restricted per state or Federal law. [§ 571.030(1)(1), RSMo]
Does Missouri have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Missouri does not restrict handgun magazine capacity.
Does Missouri have ammunition restrictions?
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. [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.020.1(4)]
If Missouri requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Missouri issues permits on a shall-issue basis.
Is open carry permitted in Missouri?
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. [§ 21.750, RSMo]
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Missouri?
- Yes. You may carry a concealed weapon at roadside rest areas.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Missouri have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
- Not addressed in Missouri state law, although employers may have a policy.
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Missouri?
- 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.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Missouri?
- 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.
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Missouri?
- 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.
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Missouri?
- Yes. Missouri allows the carrying of concealed handguns in state/national parks, state/national forests, and wildlife management areas.
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- 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]
Driver’s License Linked to Carry Permit?
- 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.
Non-Resident Permitting?
- 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.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
- 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.
Red Flag Law?
- Does Missouri have a red flag law? No. Missouri does not have a red flag law.
Brandishing?
- 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]
Carry While Consuming Alcohol?
- 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 judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- 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), § 571.107.2, RSMo]
Preemption?
- 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]
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Missouri? No. Missouri does not require you to register handguns.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Missouri? 18 years old is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Missouri.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? 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.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Missouri? No. There is no permit required to purchase a handgun in Missouri.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Missouri? 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.
MISSOURI PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Missouri concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? No.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Missouri? No. There is no waiting period when buying a handgun in Missouri.
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)
Permitless carry is legal in Missouri for anyone 19 years or older (18 for members of the military or honorably discharged) who can legally possess a firearm.
Missouri’s concealed carry law provides recognition of concealed weapons permits from every state.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Missouri residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit. You must carry your driver’s license or state-issued ID when carrying your firearm in Oklahoma.
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
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 (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)
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)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
You can find the application for a concealed carry permit here. For Boone County residents, you can apply online here.
- Moving to Missouri: Missouri issues permits to residents and military members stationed in Missouri and their spouses. You can apply for your permit with the sheriff of your county once you have established residence there.
- Moving from Missouri: If you move to another state, your Missouri pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the new state.
An applicant must:
- Be at least 19 years old, or 18 if a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or honorably discharged.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of Missouri, a member of the Armed Forces stationed in Missouri, or the spouse of such a military member.
- Have completed a firearms training course.
- Not have pled guilty or no contest, or been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison (with some exceptions for misdemeanors).
- Not have been convicted of violent misdemeanors in the past 5 years, or multiple misdemeanors involving DUI or controlled substances in the past 5 years.
- Not be a fugitive from justice or currently charged with a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Not have a documented pattern of behavior causing the sheriff to believe the applicant is a danger.
- 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.”
- Meet federal law requirements.
Consult with an attorney if you have questions about eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, contact the State Bar of Missouri.
- $93 for new permits
- $50 for renewals (Late fee: $10 per month up to six months. After six months, reapply and pay $100 for a new application.)
- $500 for a lifetime permit (Note: Extended and lifetime permits are not valid outside of Missouri.)
- 5 years
- Options for 10 and 20-year extended permits, and lifetime permits. Consult with your county sheriff’s office before applying for an extended permit.
- 45 days
Non-resident permits are available to active military duty personnel, veterans aged 18 or older stationed in Missouri, and spouses of active military personnel aged 19 or older residing in Missouri. The application process is similar to that for residents.
- Name Changes: Notify your sheriff within 30 days and obtain a corrected permit for a fee up to $10. Failure to notify within 30 days incurs a late fee of $10 per month up to six months. After 180 days, the permit becomes invalid.
- Address Changes: Report a change of address only if moving to a different county. Notify the new county sheriff within 30 days for a fee up to $10. Late fee of $10 per month up to six months applies if not notified within 30 days. After 180 days, the permit becomes invalid. You will receive a new permit number and card from the sheriff.
Within 7 days of discovering the loss or destruction of the permit, appear at the sheriff’s department with a written statement. A replacement permit will be issued within 3 days for a fee.
Complete 8 hours of firearms training or the 1-hour online NRA firearms safety course, with the remainder of the training provided by a qualified concealed carry instructor.
Download and complete a hard copy (or online for Boone County) application. Provide proof of residence if required by your county.
Take the completed application to the county sheriff’s office or submit online where applicable. Pay the fee. You will be fingerprinted.
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Firearms training is required to obtain a Missouri CCP. Applicants who complete a one-hour NRA course must also complete a separate course taught by a qualified safety instructor. This additional course does not have a required number of hours but must include the following instruction:
- Handgun safety techniques in the classroom, at home, on the firing range, and while carrying the firearm.
- Missouri’s requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit from the sheriff of the applicant’s county of residence.
- Missouri’s laws relating to firearms.
- Missouri’s laws relating to the justifiable use of force.
- A live firing exercise where each applicant must fire either a revolver or a semiautomatic pistol, from a standing position or its equivalent, a minimum of 20 rounds from the handgun at a distance of seven yards from a B-27 silhouette target or an equivalent target.
- A live fire test administered in the presence of the instructor, where the applicant must fire 20 rounds from either handgun from a standing position or its equivalent at a distance of seven yards from a B-27 silhouette target, or an equivalent target.
Applicants for all types of concealed carry permits who do not complete an NRA course must take and pass a firearms safety course of at least 8 hours in length. This course must include instruction on all the above topics, plus:
- The basic principles of marksmanship.
- Care and cleaning of concealable firearms.
- Safe storage of firearms at home.
Per 571.111 RSMo, law enforcement training may satisfy this requirement, as well as proof of being a qualified firearms safety instructor, peace officer, probation officer, parole officer, or Missouri state corrections officer.
Ensure that any firearm training you receive to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Missouri.
Step 1:
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. You will normally receive a reminder in the mail three to six months before your permit’s expiry date. You can submit a renewal application no more than 6 months before the expiry date and up to 12 months after the expiry date.
Step 2:
Download and complete a hard copy application or complete the application online if applicable in your county.
Step 3:
Take the completed application along with your Missouri ID or Driver’s License (required by some counties) and your CCW permit or endorsement to the county sheriff’s office or submit online where applicable. Pay the fee.
Step 4:
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, in the restaurant area only without the consent of the manager.
Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
Yes, even concealed on your person.
Carry in roadside rest areas?
Yes.
Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs?
Yes.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- 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
Question: I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Missouri, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Answer: There is no known statute in Missouri making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, 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.
Question: Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Missouri?
Answer: Yes, but they cannot be used to take wildlife while deer hunting. (MO Admin. Rules Dept of Conservation 3 CSR 10–7.431)
Question: Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Missouri?
Answer: Yes, but they cannot be used to take wildlife while deer hunting. (MO Admin. Rules Dept of Conservation 3 CSR 10–7.432)
Question: Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Missouri?
Answer: 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. (§ 578.151 RSMo)
Question: What are the knife laws in Missouri?
Answer: 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. (§§ 571.107, 571.030 & 571.010 RSMo)
