Missouri Gun Laws

Missouri Gun Laws Overview 🏆 Overall Ranking and Performance: 38 in the country for gun law strength (same rank as last year) Gun law strength score: 9/100 Gun violence rate: 24.2 deaths per 100k residents (national average: 14.2) One of the highest rates of gun deaths, gun homicide rates, and household firearm ownership 📜 Recent Legislation: In 2007, repealed an 80-year-old permit-to-purchase law, leading to up to 27% increase in gun homicide rate 🛡️ Foundational Laws: No background checks required for handgun purchases No concealed carry permit required No Extreme Risk Law Has a "Shoot First" law No secure storage requirements 🏭 Gun Industry and Product Safety: No regulations on assault weapons, ghost guns, or high-capacity magazines No consumer safety requirements for handguns No microstamping requirements Special immunity for gun industry not addressed 🏙️ Guns in Public: No restrictions on guns in colleges, state capitols, bars, or K-12 schools Open carry not regulated No strong concealed carry authority 🚫 Keeping Guns Out of the Wrong Hands: Few prohibitors in place No minimum age requirements for gun purchases No relinquishment requirements for prohibited individuals No school threat assessment teams required 👮 Policing and Civil Rights: No funding for gun violence victim services No Office of Violence Intervention No specific police use of force standards or data collection requirements No limitations on qualified immunity No violence intervention program funding 🏪 Sales and Permitting: No authority to deny gun purchases for public safety "Charleston Loophole" not addressed No dealer license required No lost and stolen gun reporting mandatory Mental health record reporting to background check system in place No notification of failed background checks No [sales records sent to law](https://thegunlaws.com/private-gun-sales-law/) enforcement No training required for [gun purchases](https://thegunlaws.com/gun-purchase-laws/) No waiting periods 📊 Additional Statistics: Potential to save 14,959 lives in the next decade if Missouri had the gun death rate of states with strongest [gun safety laws](https://thegunlaws.com/cities-with-strictest-gun-laws/) Detailed St. Louis among top US cities with highest gun murder rates In 2017, [Missouri became a constitutional carry](https://thegunlaws.com/constitutional-carry-missouri/) state, meaning no permit is necessary to conceal carry or openly carry a firearm. It's essential to understand that Missouri issues permits on a "Shall Issue" policy due to reciprocity with other states, and there are no registration requirements for firearms. Missouri also permits specially trained school employees to carry firearms on school grounds. To obtain a permit, individuals must be at least 19 years old, and permits are issued by the county sheriff at the local level. Missouri gun laws in vehicles [Missouri state law](https://revisor.mo.gov/) generally allows the transportation of lawfully owned firearms in vehicles without special restrictions. This applies to both concealed and visible firearms. No permit or registration is required to transport legal firearms in a vehicle. The law prohibiting unlawful use of weapons does not apply specifically to firearms carried within or exiting a vehicle, even on publicly owned property like rest areas. However, some limitations may still apply, such as restrictions on firearms at higher education institutions or government buildings with adequate security measures. Additionally, it is prohibited under [federal law](https://thegunlaws.com/federal-gun-laws/) to have firearms that are considered "readily accessible" while driving on public roadways. They would need to be stowed in a closed compartment like a glove box or trunk. Missouri Gun Laws Quick Facts Constitutional Carry? Yes - Missouri is considered a constitutional carry state. However, it's important to note that individuals without a permit can commit a crime if they carry firearms into a restricted area (which is written into the Missouri code). Open Carry Permitted? Yes - Missouri allows for open carry without a permit as long as you're over the age of 19 and are legally allowed to own a firearm. However, you should know that local municipalities can restrict open carry in their counties. Carry In Vehicle? Yes - Missouri allows for concealed carry within a vehicle without a permit. You can also carry the firearm in your vehicle if you're driving in restricted areas, as long as the firearm remains in the vehicle. Carry In State Park? Yes - Missouri allows concealed carry within their state parks. Carry In Restaurants? Yes - Missouri allows for concealed carry in restaurants, but you must have the approval of the general manager of the establishment. Also, you cannot be intoxicated while carrying. No Weapon Sign Enforced? No - There is a code mentioning legal repercussions for entering a building with a "no weapons" sign. However, there is language stating that if a person asks you to leave, and you refuse, you can be convicted of a crime. Must Notify Officer? No - There are no duty-to-inform laws within the Missouri code. Missouri CCW Reciprocity List States Honoring CCW Alabama, Alaska\, Arizona\, Arkansas, Colorado\, Delaware, Florida\, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana\, Iowa\, Kansas\, Kentucky\, Louisiana\, Maine\, Michigan\, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico\, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio\, Oklahoma\, Pennsylvania\, South Carolina\, South Dakota, Tennessee\, Utah\, Vermont, Virginia\, West Virginia\, Wisconsin\, Wyoming\ States NOT Honoring CCW California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Washington D.C Honors These States CCW Permits Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming  How Reciprocity Works In Missouri Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Missouri. During their time in Missouri, they will be subject to the [laws](https://thegunlaws.com/gun-silencer-laws/) of the county and state. Reciprocity Agreements In Missouri Places Allowed State parks State and national forests Roadside rest areas Vehicle All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits Places Not Allowed Within twenty-five feet of any polling place on any election day Law enforcement agency facilities Any courthouse solely occupied by the circuit, appellate, or supreme court, or any courtrooms, administrative offices, libraries, or other rooms of any such court Any meeting of the governing body of a unit of local government; or any meeting of the general assembly or a committee of the general assembly Any adult or juvenile detention or correctional institution, prison, or jail Any establishment licensed to dispense intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises Any higher education institution or elementary or secondary school facility Any area of an airport to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property. Any portion of a building used as a childcare facility Any riverboat gambling operation accessible by the public Any gated area of an amusement park Any church or other place of religious worship Any private property whose owner has posted the premises as being off-limits to concealed firearms Any sports arena or stadium with a seating capacity of five thousand or more. Any hospital accessible to the public Public passenger bus School bus Any place where the carrying of [firearms is prohibited by Federal Law](https://thegunlaws.com/federal-private-firearm-transfer-laws/). Missouri: Conceal Carry Laws Open Carry Yes, [open carry is legal without a permit in Missouri](https://thegunlaws.com/missouri-gun-permit/). Local authorities can regulate open carry if a person does not have a CCW permit. If a person does have a CCW permit, they are entitled to open carry anywhere that is not on the prohibited places list, and local authorities are by law not allowed to place any restrictions on them. Carry-In Vehicle Yes, a weapon may be carried without a permit anywhere in a vehicle, even concealed on the person. Carry-In State Parks Yes, it is legal to carry in the following areas: State Parks: YES – 10 CSR 90-2.020 State/National Forests: YES – 3 CSR 10-7.432 (1) State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – 3 CSR 10-7.432 (1) Roadside Rest Areas: YES Carry-In Restaurants Yes, in restaurants that serve alcohol, you can carry, but not if you are intoxicated. "Yes" or "No" indicates if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with "NO GUN" signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a "Yes," then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol. Constitutional Carry Yes, Missouri is a constitutional carry state, and no permit is required to carry a firearm if you meet the requirements to possess a firearm. No Weapon Signs Enforced No, Missouri [gun laws](https://thegunlaws.com/) are a bit confusing on "No Weapons" signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. However, according to the law, you only commit an offense if you refuse to leave the property after being asked to do so or repeat the offense in a set period. Must Notify Officer No, there is nothing in Missouri [gun laws that states](https://thegunlaws.com/states-with-weakest-gun-laws/) you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. Conclusion Missouri's concealed carry reciprocity policies and constitutional carry [laws make it an attractive state for gun](https://thegunlaws.com/states-with-strictest-gun-laws/) owners. With 34 reciprocating states and honoring 50 states, Missouri is an excellent destination for travelers who hold permits from other states. However, it's essential to understand the specific regulations and prohibited areas to ensure compliance with the law. FAQs Is a permit required to carry a firearm in Missouri? No, Missouri is a constitutional carry state, and no permit is required for concealed carry or open carry. Can I carry a firearm in state parks in Missouri? Yes, concealed carry is allowed in Missouri state parks. Are there any restrictions on carrying a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, you can carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, but you must have the approval of the general manager, and you cannot be intoxicated while carrying. Are "No Weapons" signs enforced in Missouri? No, there are legal penalties for entering a property with a "No Weapons" sign, but the offense is committed only if you refuse to leave the property after being asked to do so. Do I need to inform a law enforcement officer about carrying a firearm in Missouri? No, there are no duty-to-inform [laws within Missouri gun](https://thegunlaws.com/missouri-open-carry/) laws.