
Missouri has experienced a significant shift in its concealed carry laws in recent years. In 2017, Missouri became a constitutional carry state, allowing individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria to carry concealed firearms without a permit. However, obtaining a concealed carry permit is still advisable for several reasons, including reciprocity agreements with other states and simplified firearm purchases. Missouri's gun laws exhibit unique characteristics compared to other states, with open carry generally permitted without a license and no waiting period for firearm purchases. While Missouri allows constitutional carry, certain restrictions apply, such as prohibitions on possessing or selling assault weapons and carrying concealed firearms on premises that derive more than 51% of their revenue from alcohol sales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry status | Yes, since 2021 |
| Concealed carry permit required | No, but recommended |
| Concealed carry age requirement | 19 (18 for military personnel) |
| Open carry allowed | Yes |
| Permitless carry allowed in vehicles | Yes, but not on public transportation |
| Permitless carry allowed on private property | Yes, but business owners can restrict employees/visitors from carrying |
| Permitless carry allowed in alcohol-serving establishments | No, if more than 51% of revenue is from alcohol sales |
| Permitless carry allowed in educational institutions | No |
| Permitless carry allowed in healthcare institutions | No |
| Permitless carry allowed in places of worship | No |
| Permitless carry allowed in sports venues | No |
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What You'll Learn
- Missouri's constitutional carry law allows individuals to carry a firearm without a permit, but obtaining a permit is still advisable
- Missouri does not require a permit to purchase handguns or long guns, and there is no waiting period for firearm purchases
- Missouri residents can carry firearms and concealed weapons for protection, but must meet certain eligibility criteria
- Missouri gun laws prohibit possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons
- Missouri allows a specially trained school employee, such as a school protection officer, to carry firearms on school grounds

Missouri's constitutional carry law allows individuals to carry a firearm without a permit, but obtaining a permit is still advisable
Missouri's constitutional carry law allows individuals to carry a firearm without a permit. This means that eligible individuals can openly carry or conceal carry a firearm without needing a license. Missouri's gun laws, however, prohibit the possession, sale, manufacturing, or purchase of assault weapons.
Despite the permitless carry law, Missouri still offers a concealed carry permit (CCP) system for those who wish to obtain one. Obtaining a permit is advisable for several reasons. Firstly, a Missouri CCP often allows you to carry concealed weapons in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Missouri. On the other hand, constitutional carry may not provide the same reciprocity. A CCP can also simplify the process of purchasing firearms, as it demonstrates that the individual has already undergone the necessary background checks and training.
Additionally, some self-defense laws offer legal protections to individuals with CCPs that may not extend to those carrying without permits. Missouri's concealed carry laws are continually evolving, and it is important to stay informed about the key aspects, requirements, rights, and responsibilities. For example, while Missouri allows the open carry of firearms, local authorities can restrict concealed carry in certain areas.
It is also important to note that while Missouri does not require individuals to register their firearms, there are still restrictions on where individuals can carry concealed weapons. For instance, individuals cannot carry concealed weapons inside establishments where more than 51% of revenue is based on alcohol sales. Private property owners have the right to restrict or allow concealed carry on their premises, and certain places, such as schools and hospitals, are off-limits for open carry.
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Missouri does not require a permit to purchase handguns or long guns, and there is no waiting period for firearm purchases
Missouri has relatively relaxed gun laws compared to some other states. Missouri became a constitutional carry state in 2017, and in 2021, the state passed legislation that allows for "constitutional carry". This means that individuals in the state do not need a permit to carry a firearm openly or to conceal carry. However, there are some important exceptions and restrictions to this rule.
Firstly, Missouri does not require a permit to purchase handguns or long guns. This is in contrast to states like California and New York, where open carry is heavily restricted or banned. Missouri also has no waiting period for firearm purchases, unlike California, which imposes a ten-day waiting period. This means that individuals in Missouri can purchase firearms and immediately take possession of them, without any mandatory cooling-off period.
While Missouri does not require a permit to carry a firearm openly or to conceal carry, there are some places where carrying a firearm is prohibited. These include any elementary or secondary school facility, college, university, church, or other place of religious worship. Additionally, open carry is not allowed in stadiums, hospitals, or on school buses. Carrying a firearm, even with a permit, is also prohibited in any establishment where more than 51% of revenue is based on alcohol sales. It is worth noting that Missouri law does not explicitly require individuals with concealed carry permits to inform law enforcement officers during routine stops, but it is generally advisable to disclose for transparency and safety.
Despite the lack of a permit requirement, there are still some regulations and restrictions on firearm possession and use in Missouri. For example, individuals are required to carry their permit and a photo ID when they are in actual possession of a concealed gun. Additionally, local authorities can regulate open carry if an individual does not have a CCW permit, and they may place restrictions on carry in certain buildings or areas. Missouri gun laws also prohibit possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons.
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Missouri residents can carry firearms and concealed weapons for protection, but must meet certain eligibility criteria
Missouri residents can carry firearms and concealed weapons for protection, but they must meet certain eligibility criteria. The state's gun laws are based on the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Missouri became a constitutional carry state in 2017, allowing individuals to carry a firearm without a permit. However, there are specific criteria that must be met for an individual to legally carry a firearm in the state.
Firstly, Missouri residents must be at least 19 years old to carry a firearm, with the minimum age being 18 for members of the military and veterans. It is important to note that this applies to both open carry and concealed carry. Additionally, individuals must legally possess a firearm, meaning they cannot have a felony conviction or any misdemeanor offenses involving crimes.
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Missouri, individuals must complete a firearms training course, submit an application, and pass a background check. While a permit is not required for constitutional carry, obtaining one can provide benefits such as reciprocity agreements with other states and simplified firearm purchases. Missouri's concealed carry laws also allow private property owners to restrict or permit concealed carry on their premises, and individuals must adhere to these rules.
Missouri's gun laws also prohibit the possession, sale, manufacturing, or purchase of assault weapons. The state does not require the registration of handguns, long guns, or other types of firearms, and there is no waiting period for firearm purchases. However, individuals are required to carry their permit and photo ID when in actual possession of a concealed gun.
It is important to note that there are restrictions on where individuals can carry firearms in Missouri. Open carry is not permitted in schools, universities, churches, stadiums, hospitals, or public transportation. Additionally, individuals cannot carry concealed firearms into establishments where more than 51% of revenue is based on alcohol sales.
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Missouri gun laws prohibit possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons
Missouri has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States. Since 2017, the state has allowed constitutional carry, meaning an individual does not need a permit to carry a concealed or open firearm. Despite this, Missouri gun laws do prohibit the possession, sale, manufacture, or purchase of assault weapons.
Missouri's gun laws are unique when compared to other states. Unlike states such as California and New York, Missouri does not require a permit to purchase handguns or long guns. Open carry is generally permitted without a license, whereas in other states it is heavily restricted or banned. Missouri also has no waiting period for firearm purchases, in contrast to states like California, which imposes a ten-day waiting period.
Missouri's gun laws have been criticised for their lack of stringency. In 2007, the state repealed an 80-year-old permit-to-purchase law, leading to an increase in the state's gun homicide rate of up to 27%. Missouri also has one of the country's highest gun death rates, with 1,381 people dying from gun violence in an average year. In response to a school shooting in 2022, St. Louis leaders called for a ban on assault rifles, deeming Missouri's legislature responsible for making gun violence more likely to occur.
Despite the lack of stringent regulations, there are still some restrictions on carrying firearms in Missouri. Individuals must be at least 19 years old to carry a concealed firearm, or 18 if they are a member of the military. Open carry is forbidden in schools, universities, churches, stadiums, hospitals, and school buses. Additionally, Missouri law prohibits the intentional display of a firearm in an angry or threatening manner that is not necessary for self-defence.
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Missouri allows a specially trained school employee, such as a school protection officer, to carry firearms on school grounds
Missouri has experienced a significant shift in its concealed carry laws in recent years. In 2017, Missouri became a constitutional carry state, allowing individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria to carry concealed firearms without a permit. However, obtaining a concealed carry permit is still advisable as it allows for carrying concealed weapons in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Missouri, simplifies the purchasing process, and may offer additional legal protections.
Missouri's concealed carry laws, including its constitutional carry provision, do not apply in certain locations. Open carry is prohibited in schools, colleges, universities, places of religious worship, stadiums, hospitals, and school buses. While Missouri generally allows individuals to carry concealed firearms, they are not permitted to do so in establishments where more than 51% of revenue is derived from alcohol sales.
Despite these restrictions, Missouri allows a specially trained school employee, such as a school protection officer (SPO), to carry firearms on school grounds. This policy is outlined in Section 160.665 RSMo of the Missouri legislature. School districts may designate one or more teachers or administrators as SPOs, and these individuals must undergo specific training and meet eligibility requirements. The duties of an SPO are voluntary and are in addition to their regular responsibilities.
To become an SPO, a teacher or administrator must submit a written request to the superintendent of their school district. Along with this request, they must provide proof of a valid concealed carry endorsement or permit and complete a school protection officer training program approved by the director of the department of public safety. The training program includes a 120-hour course provided by the Department of Public Safety's Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program. It is important to note that SPOs are required to maintain control over their firearms while on school property at all times.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Missouri became a constitutional carry state in 2017, allowing individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, obtaining a concealed carry permit is still advisable for reciprocity agreements with other states.
Applicants must be at least 19 years old (18 for military personnel and veterans), be a Missouri resident or a member of the military stationed in Missouri, and have passed a firearms training course.
Yes, you cannot carry a concealed firearm in any establishment where more than 51% of their revenue is based on alcohol sales. Additionally, local authorities can restrict concealed carry in any building owned, leased, or controlled by the county or municipality.
No, Missouri law does not explicitly require individuals to inform law enforcement officers during routine stops. However, it is generally advisable to disclose your concealed carry status for transparency and safety.
Yes, Missouri gun laws prohibit the possession, sale, manufacture, or purchase of assault weapons.

























