Jonah Patel
Mississippi is a constitutional carry state, meaning residents and visitors can open carry firearms without a permit. The state's constitution acknowledges every citizen's right to keep and bear arms, and its firearm laws are rooted in the concept of constitutional carry. Mississippi's constitutional carry policy permits individuals aged 18 and above to openly carry firearms without a permit, as long as they are not prohibited from doing so and the firearm is holstered or carried in a sheath. However, there are some places where open carry is prohibited or restricted, including schools, government buildings, bars, churches, and airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for constitutional carry | 18 years |
| Minimum age for a concealed carry permit | 21 years |
| Minimum age for open carry | 18 years |
| Minimum age for a Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) | 21 years or 18 years if a member of the military |
| Minimum age to carry a firearm in a motor vehicle | 18 years |
| Off-limit areas for firearms | Schools, colleges, bars, churches, government buildings, airports, prisons, places of worship, government meetings, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Minimum age for permitless carry
Mississippi is a constitutional carry state, which means that residents and visitors can open carry firearms without a gun permit. The Mississippi Constitution acknowledges every citizen's right to keep and bear arms. However, it also gives the legislature the right to "regulate or forbid" the carrying of concealed weapons.
While Mississippi statutes do not address the minimum age for permitless concealed carry, the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age. The Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP) are still available for those who meet the age and residency requirements. To obtain an E-SFP, applicants must complete a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Open carry is legal in Mississippi for anyone aged 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm. The firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing. Some areas are off-limits for open carry, including schools, bars, and government buildings.
While Mississippi allows permitless carry, there are still restrictions in place. For example, it is a felony to carry a firearm, openly or concealed, on educational property or to any school, college, or professional athletic event. Additionally, private property owners can prohibit firearm possession on their premises.
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Concealed carry permits
Mississippi is a
Mississippi statutes do not address the minimum age for permitless concealed carry. However, according to the Department of Public Safety, individuals must generally be 21 years old to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. For those seeking a permit, the minimum age is also 21, or 18 for members of the military or veterans.
Mississippi offers two types of permits: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP), which allows carry in more locations. To obtain an E-SFP, applicants must complete a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Open carry is legal in Mississippi without a permit for anyone aged 18 or over who can legally possess a firearm. The firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing, and it cannot be carried in certain locations, such as schools and bars. Additionally, any person over the age of 18 may carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle anywhere within the state without a permit.
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Open carry laws
In Mississippi, open carry is legal for anyone aged 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm. This includes handguns. There are several restrictions, including that the firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing. In addition, some areas are off-limits, including schools and bars.
Mississippi is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that the state will issue a permit to carry a firearm if certain qualifications are met. The state does not regulate the open carrying of firearms. However, there is no requirement for standard firearms permit applicants to complete a handgun training course. The minimum age for a permit is generally 21 years, according to the Department of Public Safety, although there are exceptions for those who are at least 18 years old and members of the military or veterans.
Mississippi also permits the open carrying of a long gun or a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit or license. Any person over the age of 18 may carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle anywhere within the state without violating the concealed weapon law.
It is important to note that Mississippi statutes do not address the minimum age for permitless concealed carry. However, for reciprocity reasons, two types of permits are available at the state level: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP), which has greater carry capacity in terms of locations. A permit applicant must be 21 years old (or at least 18 and a member of the military or a veteran) and either be a resident of Mississippi, a non-resident with a valid permit from another state, an active-duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi, or a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state.
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Restricted areas
In Mississippi, open carry is legal for anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm. However, there are several restrictions on where firearms can be carried.
Firstly, the firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing. This is a requirement for carrying a firearm anywhere that they are not prohibited.
There are several off-limit areas for carrying firearms in Mississippi. These include schools and bars or bar areas of restaurants. It is also illegal to carry a firearm in a church or a polling place. Firearms are also prohibited in any location where the property owner has placed a conspicuous written notice stating "carrying of firearms prohibited", with the text no less than one inch in height, posted at each entrance.
In Mississippi, it is permitted to openly carry a long gun or a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit or license. Additionally, any person over the age of 18 may carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle anywhere within the state without violating the concealed weapon law.
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Application process
Mississippi is a constitutional carry state, meaning eligible individuals can carry firearms openly without a permit. The state's constitutional carry policy permits individuals aged 18 and above to openly carry firearms without a permit, as long as they do not have federal or state prohibitions. However, the minimum age for permitless concealed carry is not addressed in Mississippi statutes, but the Department of Public Safety recommends that individuals be at least 21 years old.
The application process for a concealed carry permit in Mississippi involves several steps to ensure adherence to specific requirements. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process:
- Completing the Application Form: Applicants must fill out the required application form, which can often be completed online and then printed. The application form includes a Qualifying Questionnaire, where certain responses may indicate the need for additional forms. It is important to carefully review the questions and provide accurate information.
- Meeting Age and Residency Requirements: Applicants must satisfy the age and residency criteria. The minimum age requirement is typically 21 years, although there may be exceptions for individuals aged 18 and above who are members of the military or veterans. Residency requirements include being a resident of Mississippi, a non-resident with a valid permit from another state, an active-duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi, or a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state.
- Background Checks: Applicants are required to undergo background checks as part of the application process. This involves submitting fingerprints and paying a fee for the background check, which is currently $32.00.
- Firearm Training Course: Depending on the type of permit sought, applicants may need to complete a firearm training course. The enhanced carry option, for example, requires applicants to undergo acceptable firearms training. This training is typically a 8-hour course on firearms safety taught by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
- Submission and Processing: Once the application is complete, applicants need to visit one of the designated locations that offer Firearm Permit processing, such as a Driver Service Bureau office. Both walk-in services and appointments are available for first-time firearm applicants. It is important to have the necessary documentation, such as the Affidavit and Release of Information, along with any additional forms indicated by the application.
- Photography and Fingerprinting: During the application process, applicants will have their photo taken, and their fingerprints will be captured. It is important to ensure that there are no open wounds or bandages on the fingers and hands, as this may impact the fingerprinting process.
- Special Designations and Enhanced Endorsement: Section C of the application addresses Special Designations, which may qualify applicants for a waiver of the application fee and other benefits. Section D pertains to the Enhanced Carry Endorsement, which offers additional benefits and allows carry in more locations.
- Renewal Process: For individuals renewing their firearm permit, a separate application process is in place. If the permit has been expired for more than 6 months, applicants will need to follow the first-time application process. Renewal applicants with no material changes to their status can use a specific renewal application form. Any changes to their status, including Special Designations or adding the Enhanced Endorsement, will require additional documentation as outlined in the First Time Application Process.
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Frequently asked questions
Mississippi's constitutional carry policy permits individuals aged 18 and above to openly carry firearms without a permit.
To constitutional carry in Mississippi, one must be at least 18 years old, legally entitled to possess a firearm, and the firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing.
Yes, there are several places where constitutional carry is prohibited in Mississippi, including schools, colleges, bars, government buildings, airports, and places of worship.
Constitutional carry allows individuals to openly carry firearms without a permit, while concealed carry permits allow individuals to carry firearms that are hidden from view.
