Simone Lawson
Mississippi is a
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permit requirement | No permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer. |
| Permit types | Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP) |
| Permit requirements | 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 be a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state. |
| E-SFP requirements | A firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. |
| Castle doctrine | Yes |
| Stand your ground law | Yes |
| Open carry | Legal for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm, with several restrictions, including that the firearm be carried in a holster, sheath or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing. |
| 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. |
| Concealed carry in vehicles | Legal for anyone over the age of 18. |
| Concealed carry in public spaces | Prohibited in schools, bars, courthouses, churches, airports, and other places where federal law prohibits firearms. |
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What You'll Learn
Mississippi is a shall-issue state
Mississippi is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state. This means that, in most cases, a permit is not required to carry a firearm, and the Department of Public Safety will issue a permit to anyone who meets the requirements to carry a firearm.
In Mississippi, a person over the age of 18 may carry a concealed weapon within a motor vehicle without a permit, as long as they are not engaged in criminal activity, are not prohibited from possessing a firearm, and are not in a location that is off-limits. These off-limits locations include schools, bars, airports, and churches. Additionally, private property owners may exclude firearms from their premises if they choose to do so.
Mississippi offers two types of permits: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP). The minimum age for a standard permit is 21, or 18 for members of the military or veterans. The E-SFP requires a firearms training course and allows the carrier to bring their firearm to more locations.
Mississippi is also a "stand your ground" state, meaning 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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Permitless carry
The minimum age for permitless carry is not addressed in Mississippi statutes. However, standard and enhanced firearms permits are issued to applicants aged 21 and over, or to those aged 18 and over who are members of the military or veterans. The enhanced permit requires 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, with several restrictions. These include that the firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing, and that the individual cannot carry the firearm in areas where guns are prohibited, such as schools and bars.
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Concealed carry permits
Mississippi is a
To be eligible for a permit, an individual must:
- 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.
- Be 21 years old (or at least 18 and a member of the military or a veteran).
- Have been a resident of the state for more than 12 months (this may be waived if the applicant is on active military duty and stationed in the state, or is a retired law enforcement officer).
- Not have been convicted of a felony without having been pardoned.
- Not be suffering from a physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun.
- Have no violent misdemeanour convictions within the last 3 years.
- Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or must wait 5 years from the date of restoration of mental capacity by court order.
- Not have been committed to a mental health facility, unless possessing a certificate from a psychiatrist stating that they have not suffered from a disability for a period of 5 years.
- Not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired.
There are several places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, including:
- Any place where it is prohibited by federal law.
- Any place where a "no firearms" sign has been posted.
- Courthouses or courtrooms (unless the judge has given express permission).
- Establishments that are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
- Elementary or secondary schools, and any college or university facilities (unless for the purpose of participating in an authorized firearms-related activity).
- Inside the passenger terminal of any airport (unless the firearm is encased for lawful shipment as checked baggage).
- Churches or other places of worship (unless they have established a security program).
- Bars, churches, restaurants serving alcohol, private schools, and professional athletic events.
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Open carry laws
Mississippi is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state, meaning that a permit is not required to carry a firearm. The state also issues concealed carry permits. Mississippi is a "constitutional carry" state, meaning that a license is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver to be carried upon the person in a sheath, belt holster, or shoulder holster or in a purse, handbag, satchel, or briefcase. Anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm can open carry in Mississippi without a permit, as long as the firearm is carried in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing. Some areas are off-limits for carrying firearms, including schools, bars, courthouses, and airports. Additionally, Mississippi is a "castle doctrine" state and has 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.
While Mississippi does not regulate the open carrying of firearms, there are still some restrictions and prohibitions in place. For example, private property owners can choose to exclude firearms from their premises, and there are also state and federal laws that prohibit the carrying of firearms in certain locations, such as schools and government buildings. Mississippi also has laws that prohibit the carrying of firearms by certain individuals, such as felons and those with a history of mental illness.
In terms of obtaining a permit, Mississippi offers both Standard Firearms Permits (SFP) and Enhanced Firearms Permits (E-SFP). A permit applicant must be 21 years old or at least 18 years old and a member of the military or a veteran. The E-SFP requires a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Mississippi residents with a concealed carry permit can carry their firearms in other states, such as Oklahoma, without any additional permits. However, it is important to always check the laws of the state you are visiting before traveling with firearms.
It is important to note that Mississippi statutes do not address the minimum age for permitless concealed carry. While the Department of Public Safety generally requires individuals to be 21 years of age, there is no specific minimum age listed in the state's statutes. This lack of a specified minimum age has led to some confusion and debate over the legality of permitless concealed carry for individuals under the age of 21.
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Stand your ground law
Mississippi is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state. This means that a person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on their person without a license or permit. Mississippi also offers two types of permits: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP), which allows carry in more locations.
Mississippi is a "stand your ground" state. This 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 in self-defence. The individual who claims to have acted in self-defence must have perceived an imminent threat of bodily harm and must not have provoked the threat.
The "castle doctrine" is similar to the "stand your ground" law, but it applies specifically to a person's home, car, or place of business. It allows a person to protect themselves using force or deadly force if they are in imminent fear of death or reasonable bodily injury. The castle doctrine creates a presumption that the perpetrator is there illegally and that the resident can defend themselves and their property.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mississippi is a constitutional carry state. Mississippi is a “shall-issue, permitless carry state”, meaning that any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on their person without a license or permit.
The minimum age for permitless open carry in Mississippi is 18 years old. However, for a Standard or Enhanced Firearms Permit, the minimum age is 21 years old (or 18 years old for members of the military or veterans).
Some areas are off-limits for carrying firearms in Mississippi, including schools, bars, churches, and courthouses. Additionally, private property owners may exclude firearms from their premises if they choose to do so.
Mississippi offers two types of permits: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and the Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP). The E-SFP allows carry in more locations and requires completion of a firearms training course offered by a certified instructor.
