Missouri Gun Laws
Missouri Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview
- 6.1M – STATE POPULATION
- YES – CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY
- 160K – LICENSES ISSUED
- 34 – RECIPROCATING STATES
- 50 – STATES HONORED
- 19 – MINIMUM AGE TO CC
- 5 – YEARS LICENSE VALID
- YES – STAND YOUR GROUND
- 2.62% – LICENSE PERCENTAGE
Overview of Missouri Gun Laws
In 2017, Missouri became a constitutional carry 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 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 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 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.
Missouri: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal without a permit in Missouri. 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 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 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 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 laws.
