Missouri Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

You must be at least 19 years old to carry a concealed handgun in Missouri.

Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.

Yes. Missouri is a permitless carry state. A person without a permit only commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons, if he or she knowingly carries a concealed weapon into any area where firearms are restricted per state or Federal law.

[§ 571.030(1)(1), RSMo]

Yes. The possession and sale of "exploding bullets" (bullets or projectiles that explode or detonate on impact due to an independent explosive charge after being shot from a firearm) is prohibited. The minimum age to purchase or possess handgun ammunition is 18 years old.

[Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.020.1(4)]

Yes, without a permit for anyone 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. However, local authorities can regulate open carry for those who do not have a concealed carry permit. 

[§ 21.750, RSMo]

Yes. You may carry a concealed weapon at roadside rest areas.

Yes, without a permit and on restricted premises, so long as the firearm is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is on restricted premises. Restricted premises are locations where concealed carry is not allowed in the state of Missouri.

[§ 571.030, RSMo][§ 571.107.1, RSMo]

Any private business may prohibit a permitholder from carrying a concealed handgun on the premises provided the owner has posted the premises as being off-limits to concealed firearms by means of one or more signs displayed in a conspicuous place of a minimum size of eleven inches by fourteen inches with the writing thereon in letters of not less than one inch. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

[§ 571.107.1, RSMo]

No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Missouri unless the officer asks.

[§ 571.121, RSMo]

Yes. Non-resident permits are only available to persons who are on active duty military or veterans who are at least 18 years old and stationed in Missouri. The spouses of active military personnel can also apply for a permit if they are at least 19 years old and reside in the state.

No. Missouri does not have a red flag law.

Not while intoxicated. 

[§ 571.107.1(7), RSMo]

As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Missouri. However, counties and municipalities may:

• Prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms, even by persons permitted to do so under state law, in any building or portion of a building owned, leased or controlled by the county or municipality [§ 571.107.1(6) RSMo];
• Require a concealed carry permit for open carry; and
• Regulate the discharge of firearms.

[§ 21.750, RSMo]

No. Missouri does not require you to register handguns.

Yes. Permitless carry is allowed for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in Missouri. Carrying a handgun is permitted, without a license, in or on premises over which the actor has possession, authority or control. 

[§ 571.030.3 RSMo]

No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.

No. There is no waiting period when buying a handgun in Missouri.

​Link to application​

Boone County Online Permit Application 

An applicant must:

• Be at least age 19, or be at least 18 and a member of the United States Armed Forces or honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces;
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
• Be either a resident of Missouri, a member of the Armed Forces stationed in Missouri or the spouse of such a military member;
• Have taken a firearms training course;
• Not have pled guilty to or entered a plea of no contest or have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, other than a crime classified as a misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less that does not involve an explosive weapon, firearm, firearm silencer or gas gun;
• Not have been convicted of, pled guilty to or entered a plea of no contest to one or more misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence during the immediately preceding 5-year period, or not have been convicted of 2 or more misdemeanor offenses involving driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or the possession or abuse of a controlled substance during the immediately preceding 5-year period;
• Not be a fugitive from justice or currently charged in an information or indictment with the commission of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, other than a crime classified as a misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less that does not involve an explosive weapon, firearm, firearm silencer or gas gun;
• Not have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces;
• Not have been engaged in a pattern of behavior, documented in public records, that causes the sheriff to have a reasonable belief that the applicant presents a danger to himself, herself or others;
• Not have been adjudged mentally incompetent at the time of application or for 5 years prior to application, or committed to a mental health facility or a similar institution located in another state following a hearing at which the applicant was represented by counsel or a representative;
• Not be the respondent of a valid “full order of protection” that is still in effect; and
• Must meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Missouri.

5 years

There are options for 10 and 20-year extended permits as well as lifetime permits. Consult with your county Sheriff's office before applying for an extended permit.

Non-resident permits are only available to persons who are on active military duty or veterans who are at least 18 years old and stationed in Missouri. The spouses of active military personnel can also apply for a permit if they are at least 19 years old and reside in the state. The application and process are similar to that for residents.

Within 7 days of actually discovering the loss or destruction of the permit, the permit holder must appear at the sheriff’s department to furnish a written statement that the permit is lost/destroyed. A replacement permit will be issued within 3 days for a fee.

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, in the restaurant area only without the consent of the manager. [§ 571.107(7), RSMo]
• Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes, even concealed on your person. [§ 571.030.3, RSMo]
• Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes. [§ 571.030.3, RSMo]
• Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes. [10 CSR 90-2.020, 3 CSR 10-7.432(1)]

There is no known statute in Missouri making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, the governor’s office is not aware of any specific provision that would restrict an individual who lawfully conceals and carries from doing so in public while simultaneously wearing a protective facial mask.

Yes, but they cannot be used to take wildlife while deer hunting.

[MO Admin. Rules Dept of Conservation 3 CSR 10-7.432]

It is legal to own and openly carry any type of knife in Missouri. You may concealed carry only a pocketknife with a folding blade less than 4 inches. You may not concealed carry any other knife on your person or in your vehicle. You may not concealed carry a knife into any area where firearms are restricted under section 571.107.

[§§ 571.107, 571.030 & 571.010, RSMo]