Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Mississippi gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in The Magnolia State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Mississippi
Open carry is legal in Mississippi for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm. There are several restrictions, including that the firearm must be carried in a holster, sheath or scabbard that is at least partially visible above the clothing (anywhere that guns are not otherwise prohibited). Some areas are off-limits, including schools and bars.
Concealed carry is legal without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm as long as the handgun is carried in a holster or sheath.
Mississippi Concealed Carry Permit
For reciprocity reasons, two types of permits are still available at the state level: the Mississippi Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and the Mississippi Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP), which allows carry in more locations. A permit applicant must be 21 years old (or at least 18 and a member or 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.
An applicant for a Mississippi Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) or an enhanced version (E-SFP) must be a resident of Mississippi and a minimum of 21 years old or at least 18 and a member or 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 and allows carry in more locations and is only available to residents. The cost for an initial permit is $112, with renewal fees of $72 or $52 for individuals 65 or older.
Find concealed carry permit classes in Mississippi
Stand Your Ground
Mississippi is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person who is not the initial aggressor and is not engaged in unlawful activity shall have no duty to retreat before using deadly force if the person is in a place where the person has a right to be. The statute provides that a person acting in justifiable self-defense shall have similar presumptions in civil cases and is immune from civil suits if found “not guilty” in criminal proceedings.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Permits are not required when buying a handgun. There is no firearms registration in Mississippi. No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases or magazine-capacity or ammunition restrictions.
There is no firearms registration in the state. There is no permit or background check required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
While no permit is required for purchase, a concealed carry permit is required to carry a stun gun or Taser. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Mississippi.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Mississippi?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Mississippi’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried without a permit for anyone not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm include:
- Private passenger vehicles
- Restaurants that serve alcohol (although not in bars or the bar areas of restaurants unless posted)
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Roadside rest areas
Locations where carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Elementary or secondary school facilities, junior colleges, community colleges, colleges or university facilities
- Schools, colleges or professional athletic events not related to firearms
- Courthouses
- Police, sheriff or highway patrol stations
- Detention facilities, prisons or jails
- Polling places
- Places of nuisance as defined in Miss. Code Ann. § 95-3-1
- Meeting of a government or legislative body
- Churches or places of worship (except for a church’s authorized armed security team)
- Premises posted “Carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited”
- Day use areas, campgrounds and other developed recreational lands on Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA Property)
- Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises that is primarily devoted to dispensing alcoholic beverages
- Parades or demonstrations for which a permit is required to carry a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver
- Passenger terminals of any airport (except if the firearm is encased for shipment)
- Places where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Mississippi?
Yes, without a permit for anyone not otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun. A handgun may be carried upon the person if it is in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster; in a purse, handbag, satchel or other similar bag; or in a briefcase or fully enclosed case.
Can You Carry a Gun in a Casino in Mississippi?
Although casinos are not included in the off-limits locations in Mississippi Code Annotated § 97, private premises may be posted “Carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.” In addition, any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, with such being the primary function, is off-limits in Mississippi.
Ready to Learn More About Mississippi Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Mississippi’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Mississippi gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
