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Mississippi is a shall-issue, permitless carry state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Open carry is legal in Mississippi without a permit for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm with several restrictions, including that the firearm be carried in a holster, sheath or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing anywhere where 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 statutes don’t address the minimum age for permitless concealed carry. For reciprocity reasons, two types of permits are still available at the state level: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (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) and either be a resident of Mississippi, a non-resident with a valid permit from another state, active duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi or be a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state. The E-SFP requires a firearms training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. In terms of reciprocity, since Mississippi has permitless carry, any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.
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.
Justifiable Homicide
Homicide may be justified in the following cases.
“Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind that has a roof over it, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, including a tent, that is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night, including any attached porch.
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.
[Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-15]
Permitless Carry?Does Mississippi allow permitless carry? |
Yes. Mississippi allows permitless carry with some limitations. A license is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver to be carried upon the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case if the person is not engaged in criminal activity other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a pistol or revolver under state or federal law, and is not in a prohibited location. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Mississippi? |
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. [Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(24)] |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Mississippi requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Mississippi is a shall issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Mississippi to get a concealed carry permit? |
The minimum age for permitless concealed carry isn't addressed in Mississippi statutes. However, standard and enhanced firearms permits are issued to applicants that qualify and are a minimum of 21 years old or at least 18 and a member of the military or a military veteran. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Mississippi with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Yes. You can carry a stun gun or a concealed handgun with a concealed carry permit. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Mississippi? |
Yes. While no permit is required for purchase, a concealed carry permit is required to carry a stun gun or Taser. The same areas that are off-limits for concealed handguns apply to carrying stun guns. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Mississippi? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Mississippi. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Mississippi have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. Mississippi does not have magazine capacity restrictions. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Mississippi have ammunition restrictions? |
No. There are no ammunition restrictions in Mississippi. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle 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, other similar bag; or in a briefcase or fully enclosed case. [Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1(2)] |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Mississippi? |
Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at Mississippi roadside rest stops. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Mississippi? |
Yes, for anyone not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm and not engaged in criminal activity. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Mississippi? |
Yes, for anyone not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Mississippi? |
Private businesses may restrict or deny concealed carry on their premises. To ban firearms, a property owner must place written notice, clearly readable at a distance of not less than 10 feet, that says “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.” The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Mississippi have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
A public or private employer may not establish, maintain or enforce any policy or rule that has the effect of prohibiting a person from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage or other designated parking area. There are exceptions for secured parking lots and properties where firearms are prohibited. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Mississippi? |
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Mississippi. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?Is my Mississippi driver’s license linked to my Mississippi carry permit? |
Yes. Your Mississippi driver’s license is linked to your Mississippi firearms permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Mississippi? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
Yes. The carrying of a stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver may be disallowed in any place in the discretion of the person or entity exercising control over the location by posting a sign stating “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.” [Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(13)] Enhanced carry permit holders may carry a concealed handgun into any locations in which the carrying of concealed weapons is generally prohibited, except that he or she may not carry a concealed weapon into:
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Preemption?Does Mississippi have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Mississippi.
Signs prohibiting firearms at such places by local ordinance must also indicate that the prohibition does not apply to enhanced permit holders or that the location is one where all license holders are prohibited from carrying. |
Red Flag Law?Does Mississippi have a red flag law? |
No. Mississippi does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Mississippi state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Mississippi law. However, if any person, having or carrying any dirk, dirk-knife, sword, sword-cane, or any deadly weapon, shall, in the presence of another person, brandish or wield the same in a threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, or shall in any manner unlawfully use the same in any fight or quarrel they shall be guilty of a deadly weapons offense. In prosecutions under this section it shall not be necessary that any gun, pistol, or other firearm be loaded, or in condition to be discharged. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Prescription Medication?Does Mississippi have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication? |
Not addressed in state statutes. 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. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Mississippi issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes. Standard permits are available to non-residents. The applicant must have a valid permit from another state, be active duty member of the military stationed in Mississippi or be a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state. If the applicant is a member of the military between the ages of 18 and 21, he/she must have a valid Mississippi driver's license or identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Mississippi allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. However, the information is available for law enforcement. |
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Mississippi? |
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Mississippi. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Mississippi? |
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. |
Mississippi Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Mississippi concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. License to carry concealed pistol or revolver issued to individuals under Miss. Stat. Ann. § 45-9-101 qualify. Security guard permits issued under Miss. Stat. Ann. §97-37-7 do not qualify. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Mississippi? |
No. There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Mississippi. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Mississippi? |
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Mississippi. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Mississippi? |
18 years old. A person may possess and transport a handgun in Mississippi if he or she is at least 18 years of age. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. Any person over the age of 18 and legally entitled to carry a firearm within the confines of his or her own home, place of business, on real property associated with the home or business or within any motor vehicle. |
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Mississippi
USCCA — January 3, 2021
Which states' permits does Mississippi honor?
Since Mississippi has permitless carry, any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit. All valid out-of-state weapons permits are recognized by Mississippi, regardless of the age of the permit holder.
Which states honor permits from Mississippi?
Mississippi residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit. You must carry your driver's license or state-issued ID when carrying your firearm in Mississippi.
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Mississippi offers resident and non-resident (military stationed in Mississippi and retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Mississippi resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*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 Mississippi. |
Fees: |
Initial Permit $112 Renewals $72 or $52 for individuals 65 or older Late renewal fee $15 Honorably retired law enforcement officers, disabled veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt from the payment of the license fee. There will only be a $ 32.00 charge for the processing of fingerprints. |
Valid For: |
5 years for initial permit 4 years for renewals |
Processing Time: |
45 days |
Application: |
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Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Yes and no. Mississippi does not issue non-resident permits. However, according to Mississippi Code 45-9-101, Mississippi will issue a Mississippi non-resident a License to Carry Concealed Pistol or Revolver under the following condition: 45-9-101(2) The Department of Public Safety shall issue a license if the applicant: |
Enhanced Application: |
For reciprocity reasons, two types of permits are available at the state level: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and an enhanced version (E-SFP). The E-SFP allows carry in more locations and is only available to residents. It requires a training course offered by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. With proper documentation, any member or veteran of any active or reserve component branch of the U.S. armed forces, honorably retired law enforcement officer or honorably retired veteran having completed law enforcement or combat training with pistols or other handguns may obtain an enhanced permit. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Within 30 days after the changing of a permanent address, you must notify the Department of Public Safety in writing. Be sure to include in your correspondence your name, permit number, old and new addresses, and a contact number in case of questions. The change of address should be mailed to: Firearm Permit Unit |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
Within 30 days after having a permit lost or destroyed, you must notify the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in writing. A notarized Lost or Destroyed Permit Affidavit or notarized statement to DPS that the permit has been lost or destroyed is required. If your permit is lost or destroyed, you may obtain a duplicate for $15. Duplicates are done at the Firearm Permit Unit at DPS headquarters and at the substations according to their published schedule. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Mississippi and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Moving from Mississippi and have a Mississippi resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Mississippi permit remains valid? |
How to Apply for a Mississippi Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Download the application. |
Step 2: |
Complete the application and have it notarized. |
Step 3: |
Take the notarized application to the Department of Public Safety or a Highway Patrol substation. You will also need:
Your fingerprints will be taken. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
There is no requirement for standard firearms permit applicants to complete a handgun training course. Applicants for enhanced firearms permits must complete an 8-hour course on firearms safety taught by an enhanced permit certified firearm instructor.
Exemptions – With proper documentation, any member or veteran of any active or reserve component branch of the U.S. armed forces, honorably retired law enforcement officer or honorably retired veteran having completed law enforcement or combat training with pistols or other handguns may be exempt from the training requirement for E-SFPs.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Mississippi Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. Renewal packages are mailed out 90 days before a permits expiry date. The licensee must renew his or her license on or before the expiration date by filing with the department the renewal form, a notarized affidavit stating that the licensee remains qualified. There is a late fee of $15 that can be payed for up to 6 months past the expiry date. Any permits expired for more than 6 months are marked as permanently expired and you will need to make a new application for a permit. |
Step 2: |
Download the application. |
Step 3: |
Complete the application and have it notarized. |
Step 4: |
Take the notarized application to the Department of Public Safety or a Highway Patrol substation or mail it to the address below. You will also need:
Renewals may be mailed in for the first renewal and then every other time of renewal. The applicant must appear in person every 10 years for the purpose of obtaining a new photograph. Firearm Permit Division |
Step 5: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Per Miss. Code Ann. § 45-1-101, retired LEOSA who don’t reside in convenient proximity to the law enforcement agency from which the officer retired, may obtain the necessary certification from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Mississippi? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Mississippi?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
With standard firearm permit:
With enhanced firearm permit:
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What Are the Knife Laws in Mississippi? |
It is legal to own any knife in Mississippi, unless you are a minor or have been convicted of a felony. Minors and felons may not own Bowie, dirk, butcher or switchblade knives. You can open carry any knife in Mississippi. You may not concealed carry any Bowie, dirk, butcher or switchblade knife unless it is in your home or place of business, in your vehicle or you are fishing, hunting or participating in some sporting activity in which it is common to use that type of knife. In addition, weapons are not permitted on “educational property,” which includes school buses. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Mississippi, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
There is no known statute in Mississippi making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Mississippi? |
Yes. Anyone can open carry and concealed carry permit holders can conceal carry. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Mississippi? |
Yes. Anyone can open carry and concealed carry permit holders can conceal carry. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Mississippi? |
Yes. No person shall intentionally interfere with or attempt to prevent the lawful taking of wildlife by another person. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2020-11-16 | Added information on training exemption in the Training Section |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-06 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-14 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-29 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-12-03 | Removed age restrictions for out-of-state permit holders per 45-9-101(19) |
2019-11-19 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-15 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
2019-09-06 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-25 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-05-01 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-18 | Links checked |
2019-03-28 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-03-11 | Added 1st Circuit County Courthouses to the Where Can't I Carry section, based on a decision banning firearms in courthouses by 1st Circuit Court |
2019-02-20 | Added info and a link to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-25 | Links checked |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-15 | Updated permitless carry minimum age info |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected]m and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.