Jonah Patel
Missouri's gun laws have changed significantly in recent years, with the state becoming a constitutional carry state in 2017. This means that, as of August 28, 2021, eligible individuals can carry concealed firearms without a permit. However, there are still some important restrictions in place. For example, individuals must be at least 19 years old to carry a firearm, and certain locations, such as schools and churches, prohibit the open carry of firearms. Missouri's constitutional carry law also does not apply to assault weapons, and individuals are still required to carry a permit and photo ID when in actual possession of a concealed gun.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Effect | August 28, 2021 |
| Requirements | Individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, be 19 years or older, or be a member of the U.S. armed forces or an honorably discharged veteran |
| Permit Requirement | No permit required for open or concealed carry |
| Restrictions | Cannot possess, sell, manufacture, or purchase assault weapons; cannot carry into schools, churches, or other places of worship; cannot display a firearm in an angry or threatening manner |
| Reciprocity | Obtaining a concealed carry permit provides access to reciprocity agreements with other states |
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What You'll Learn
- Missouri's constitutional carry law took effect on January 1, 2017
- There is no requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in Missouri
- Individuals must be 19+ to carry a firearm, or 18+ for military personnel
- Missouri prohibits possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons
- Missouri allows open carry without a permit, unless in prohibited places
Missouri's constitutional carry law took effect on January 1, 2017
Missouri's constitutional carry law, which allows individuals to carry a firearm without a permit, took effect on January 1, 2017. This law, also known as permitless carry, applies to both open carry and concealed carry. However, it is important to note that there are still regulations and restrictions in place. Missouri residents who intend to carry a firearm should be well-versed in these laws to ensure safe and legal firearm possession and use.
Missouri's constitutional carry law removes the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm, but individuals must still adhere to specific criteria to legally possess and carry a firearm. The minimum age to carry a firearm in Missouri is generally 19 years old. However, members of the U.S. armed forces or honorably discharged veterans only need to be at least 18 years old.
While Missouri's constitutional carry law allows for greater flexibility in carrying firearms, obtaining a concealed carry permit (CCP) is still advisable for several reasons. A CCP can provide access to reciprocity agreements with other states, making it possible to carry a concealed weapon in states other than Missouri. Additionally, having a CCP can simplify the process of purchasing firearms, as it demonstrates that the individual has undergone the necessary background checks and training.
It is important to note that Missouri's constitutional carry law does not permit the possession, sale, manufacturing, or purchase of assault weapons. Additionally, individuals are still required to carry their permits, along with a photo ID, when they are in actual possession of a concealed firearm. Local authorities also have the power to regulate open carry if an individual does not have a CCP. There are also restrictions on carrying firearms in specific locations, such as schools, churches, and government buildings.
Missouri's constitutional carry law, in effect since January 1, 2017, represents a significant shift in the state's gun laws. While it allows for permitless carry, individuals must still adhere to regulations and restrictions to ensure safe and legal firearm possession and use. It is crucial for Missouri residents to stay informed about current laws and prioritize safety and responsible firearm ownership.
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There is no requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in Missouri
Missouri is a constitutional carry state, meaning individuals are not required to have a permit to carry a firearm, whether they want to carry it openly or as a concealed weapon. This law, which came into effect on January 1, 2017, applies to anyone aged 19 or older who can legally possess a firearm (or 18 for members of the military or honorably discharged).
While Missouri does not require a permit to carry a firearm, there are still some important restrictions and regulations in place. For example, individuals are prohibited from possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons. Additionally, local authorities can restrict concealed carry in certain buildings or localities, and they may require a permit for open carry in certain localities.
It's also important to note that while there is no permit requirement, individuals must still adhere to Missouri's gun laws, which include restrictions on carrying firearms into certain places, such as schools, churches, and other areas designated as off-limits. Displaying a firearm in an angry or threatening manner is also forbidden.
Although Missouri does not require a permit for carrying a firearm, obtaining a concealed carry permit can still be advantageous. A permit can provide access to reciprocity agreements with other states, simplify the process of purchasing firearms, and may offer additional legal protections. It is also important to note that Missouri aligns with federal laws prohibiting firearm possession by individuals convicted of certain crimes.
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Individuals must be 19+ to carry a firearm, or 18+ for military personnel
Missouri is a permitless carry state, meaning no permit or firearms registration is required to buy a handgun from a private individual. Open carry and concealed carry are legal in Missouri without a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) for anyone 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. The minimum age to carry or transport a firearm in Missouri is 19, with or without a permit. However, this minimum age is lowered to 18 for members of the military or those who have been honorably discharged.
Missouri also prohibits anyone from violating federal laws that prohibit selling or transferring a handgun or handgun ammunition to anyone under the age of 18. Missouri law also prohibits "recklessly" selling, leasing, loaning, giving away or delivering any firearm to a person under 18 without the consent of the child's custodial parent or guardian.
While Missouri does not require a permit to carry a firearm, it does issue permits for reciprocity purposes at the local level by county sheriffs. Additionally, local authorities can restrict concealed carry in any building owned, leased, or controlled by the county or municipality and may require a CCP for open carry.
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Missouri prohibits possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons
Missouri became a constitutional carry state in 2017, meaning that individuals are not required to obtain a permit to carry a firearm. However, Missouri gun laws prohibit the possession, sale, manufacture, or purchase of assault weapons. The state does not require firearm registration, including for handguns, long guns, or other types of firearms, and no special license is issued to firearm owners. Nevertheless, individuals in Missouri are mandated to carry a permit and a photo ID when they are in actual possession of a concealed gun.
Missouri's constitutional carry status aligns with the state's commitment to protecting the right of its citizens to bear arms, as outlined in Article 1, Section 23 of its constitution. This provision guarantees the unalienable right of citizens to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and accessories for the defence of their homes, persons, families, and property. It also emphasizes that any restrictions on these rights should be subject to strict scrutiny, and the state is obligated to protect against their infringement.
Despite Missouri's strong support for the Second Amendment, it does have some gun control measures in place. For instance, the state allows local authorities to regulate open carry if an individual does not have a concealed carry permit (CCP). Additionally, Missouri has location restrictions for firearms, prohibiting their presence in certain places such as meetings of local governing bodies or licensed establishments that sell liquor for consumption.
While Missouri does not mandate background checks for gun purchases from private individuals, it adheres to federal laws that prohibit firearm possession by individuals convicted of certain crimes. The state also has a preemption law that prevents cities and counties from enacting gun laws that conflict with state legislation. However, these entities are permitted to prohibit firearms in their local government buildings.
In terms of specific restrictions on assault weapons, Missouri has enacted laws such as the "Gun Show Enforcement and Security Act," which requires gun show producers to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, the state mandates that firearm manufacturers include ballistic fingerprinting information when transporting guns for sale or transfer, aiding law enforcement in tracking guns used in crimes.
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Missouri allows open carry without a permit, unless in prohibited places
Missouri is a permitless carry state, meaning that open carry and concealed carry are legal in the state without a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) for anyone aged 19 or older who can legally possess a firearm (or 18 for members of the military or those honorably discharged). However, local authorities can restrict concealed carry in buildings owned, leased, or controlled by the county or municipality, and a CCP may be required for open carry in these places.
Missouri's definition of "unlawful use of a weapon" only applies when a person carries a weapon into a place that is off-limits per Missouri law. There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Missouri offers resident and non-resident permits (for active-duty military and veterans stationed in Missouri), and permits are issued for reciprocity purposes at the local level by county sheriffs.
Missouri's constitution guarantees the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and accessories typical to the normal function of such arms, in defense of their home, person, family, and property, or when lawfully summoned in aid of the civil power. These rights are unalienable, and any restriction is subject to strict scrutiny. The state is obligated to uphold these rights and must protect against their infringement. However, the general assembly may enact laws limiting the rights of convicted violent felons or those adjudicated as a danger to themselves or others due to mental disorder or infirmity.
Missouri is a Castle Doctrine state and has adopted a "stand your ground" law, empowering gun owners to defend themselves outside of their homes or properties. While Missouri does not require a permit for open carry, there are still prohibited places and circumstances where carrying a firearm is illegal. These may include schools, courthouses, public passenger buses and trains, and other sensitive areas. It is important to note that Missouri's laws may change, and individuals should stay informed about the latest regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional carry took effect in Missouri on August 28, 2021.
Constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry, allows individuals to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, without a permit.
Yes, there are some restrictions on constitutional carry in Missouri. Individuals must be at least 19 years old or a member of the U.S. military/honorably discharged to carry a firearm. Additionally, local authorities can restrict concealed carry in certain areas, such as schools and churches.
While not required, obtaining a concealed carry permit in Missouri can provide benefits such as reciprocity agreements with other states and simplified firearm purchases.
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