Jonah Patel
Mississippi's gun laws have changed from being fairly restrictive to among the most permissive in the country. The state permits the open carrying of a long gun or a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit or license. In 2015, the governor signed what’s been called the purse carry law, which allows Mississippians to carry guns concealed in a purse, briefcase, satchel, or bag without a permit. In 2016, Mississippi became one of 11 states that allow constitutional carry of a firearm concealed without a state permit. The minimum age for permitless concealed carry is not addressed in Mississippi statutes, but the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry | Legal without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm as long as the handgun is carried in a holster or sheath |
| Minimum age for permitless concealed carry | Not addressed in Mississippi statutes, but the Department of Public Safety requires individuals to be 21 years of age |
| Permit types | Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP) |
| Permit requirements | Applicants 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 |
| Permit training requirements | E-SFP requires an 8-hour firearms safety course taught by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety |
| Open carry | Allowed in public if the firearm is at least partially visible outside of clothing |
| "Purse carry" | Legal since 2015, allowing individuals to carry guns concealed in a purse, briefcase, satchel, or bag without a permit |
| "Constitutional carry" | Mississippi is one of 11 states that allow the "constitutional carry" of a firearm concealed without a state permit |
| Castle Doctrine state | Yes |
| "Stand your ground" law | Yes |
| Stun guns | Requires a concealed carry permit or license to purchase or possess |
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What You'll Learn
Permits and eligibility
Mississippi permits the open carrying of a long gun or a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit or license. The minimum age for permitless concealed carry is not addressed in Mississippi statutes, but the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age. However, individuals over the age of 18 can carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle without violating the concealed weapon law.
Mississippi offers two types of permits: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP). The E-SFP allows carry in more locations but requires an 8-hour firearms safety course taught by a certified instructor. To be eligible for either permit, applicants must be 21 years old (or at least 18 and a member of the military or a veteran) and meet one of the following residency requirements:
- Be a resident of Mississippi
- Be a non-resident with a valid permit from another state
- Be an active-duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi
- Be a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state
Mississippi is a "shall-issue" state, meaning the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is authorised to issue licenses to carry stun guns, concealed pistols, or revolvers to qualified individuals. These licenses are valid for five years and must be carried with valid identification at all times when carrying a concealed weapon.
It is important to note that Mississippi has specific requirements for individuals who have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution. In such cases, individuals must wait five years from the date of their restoration of mental capacity by court order or possess a certificate from a licensed Mississippi psychiatrist stating that they have not suffered from any disability for five years. Additionally, individuals with a felony record must wait three years from the fulfilment of any court-set conditions before applying for a permit.
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Concealed carry laws
Mississippi's gun laws have changed from being fairly restrictive to among the most permissive in the country. The state permits the open carrying of a long gun or a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit or license. Anyone over the age of 18 may carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle anywhere within the state without violating the concealed weapon law.
In 2015, the governor of Mississippi signed what has been called the "purse carry" law, which allows residents to carry guns concealed in a purse, briefcase, satchel, or bag without a permit, subject to certain restrictions. In 2016, Mississippi became one of 11 states that allow "constitutional carry" of a firearm concealed without a state permit. The gun must be in a holster or sheath and not in a pocket or waistband.
Mississippi offers two types of permits: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP), which allows carry in more 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, or an active-duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi. The E-SFP requires a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Mississippi is a "shall-issue" state, and the permit is issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The minimum age for permitless concealed carry is not addressed in Mississippi statutes, but the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age. Mississippi is also a Castle Doctrine state with a "stand your ground" law, which means that a person who is not the initial aggressor and is not engaged in unlawful activity has no duty to retreat before using deadly force if they are in a place where they have a right to be.
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Open carry laws
Mississippi's gun laws have changed from being fairly restrictive to among the most permissive in the country. The state permits the open carrying of a long gun or a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit or license. The minimum age for permitless concealed carry is not addressed in Mississippi's statutes, but the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age.
In 2013, a law clarified that the "open carry" of a firearm, at least partially visible outside of clothing, is allowed in public by the Mississippi Constitution. This means that individuals over the age of 18 can carry a firearm in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above their clothing anywhere where guns are not otherwise prohibited. Federal law requires individuals to be 21 to purchase a firearm. The attorney general has opined that some restrictions that apply to concealed carry also apply to open carry, such as carrying on school property.
In 2014, a law was passed that allows people to challenge local governments that adopt firearms regulations more restrictive than state laws. Government boards can declare some places—generally those not open to the general public—as sensitive areas and ban firearms there. However, the law passed in 2014 also allows a process for people to appeal such decisions and to require specific signage.
In 2015, the governor signed what's been called the "purse carry" into law, allowing Mississippians to carry guns concealed in a purse, briefcase, satchel, or bag without a permit, subject to places with restrictions. In 2016, a bill was signed into law that made Mississippi one of 11 states that allow "constitutional carry" of a firearm concealed without a state permit. The new law states that the gun must be in a holster or sheath, not just in a pocket or waistband.
Mississippi offers resident and non-resident permits (for military stationed in Mississippi and retired law enforcement officers establishing residency in the state). Two types of permits are available at the state level: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP), which allows carry in more locations. A permit applicant must be 21 years old (or at least 18 and a member of the military or a veteran) and 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. The E-SFP requires a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
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Permitless carry
Mississippi is a “constitutional carry” state, which means that any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on their person without a license or permit. This is also known as "permitless carry".
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. However, individuals who are 18 years or older and are members of the military or veterans can also apply for a permit.
In Mississippi, it is not a violation of state law for any person over the age of 18 to carry a concealed firearm within the confines of their own home, place of business, on real property associated with the home or business, or within any motor vehicle. Additionally, individuals over the age of 18 can carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle anywhere within the state without violating the concealed weapon law.
Mississippi also allows people to carry loaded handguns inside a purse, handbag, satchel, briefcase, or fully enclosed case without a permit, subject to certain restrictions. These restrictions include places of nuisance, police stations, jails, courthouses, schools, polling places, government meetings, bars, churches, and private property.
It is important to note that Mississippi recognizes all valid out-of-state weapon permits, regardless of the age of the permit holder. However, firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state being visited.
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Gun safety courses
Mississippi's gun laws have changed from fairly restrictive to among the most permissive in the country. The state allows
For those seeking gun safety courses, there are several options available in Mississippi. One option is the "Introduction to Handgun Safety" course offered by gun-safety.com. This course is filmed in a professional production studio with a law enforcement instructor and covers the fundamentals of safety and gun handling, including transportation, storage, and firing in defensive situations. The class is free to take, and individuals can choose to purchase a completion certificate at the end for $89.99.
Another option is the American Firearms Training Course: Mississippi, also offered online. This course has been designed to be easily accessible from any device at any time, and individuals can start and stop at their own convenience.
In addition, ShootingClasses.com offers CCW courses to attain a concealed carry permit. These classes are held at a private address, and individuals can contact the instructor for more information.
Lastly, Northeast Mississippi Community College also offers firearms training courses.
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Frequently asked questions
Mississippi is a "constitutional carry" state, meaning that any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.
To carry a firearm in Mississippi, you must be at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm. The minimum age for permitless concealed carry is not addressed in Mississippi statutes, but the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age.
Mississippi statutes prohibit the concealed carrying of any "pistol, revolver, or any rifle with a barrel of less than sixteen (16) inches in length, or any shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen (18) inches in length, machine gun or any fully automatic firearm." Additionally, you cannot carry a firearm on school property.
