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 but according to the Department of Public Safety, they generally require you to be 21 years of age. 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.
Where can I carry with my Mississippi permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
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:
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?
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.
red flag law?
No. Mississippi does not have a red flag law.
non-resident permitting?
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.
driver's license linked to 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.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. However, the information is available for law enforcement.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Mississippi.
preemption?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Mississippi.However, local governments may regulate the discharge of firearms and the carrying of firearms at:
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.
Carry Basics
ammunition restrictions?
No. There are no ammunition restrictions in Mississippi.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
Yes. You can carry a stun gun or a concealed handgun with a concealed carry permit.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. Mississippi does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
minimum age for concealed carry?
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. According to the Department of Public Safety, 21 is the age for concealed carry.
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.
gun permit licensure?
Mississippi is a shall issue state.
open carry permitted?
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)][Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1(4)]
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS AND TASERS - 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.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Mississippi imposes no restrictions on size or concentration. Misuse may result in criminal charges.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Mississippi. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Mississippi law. There are no explicit bans on possession, sale, or use.
byrna's?
Yes. These are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Mississippi law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
minimum age to possess and transport?
18 years old. A person may possess and transport a handgun in Mississippi if he or she is at least 18 years of age.
purchase permits?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Mississippi.
background checks for private gun sales?
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.
handgun registration?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Mississippi.
possess a handgun on my private property 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.
waiting period?
No. There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Mississippi.
mississippi permit exempts from background check?
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.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Mississippi Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while bow hunting?
Yes. Anyone can open carry and concealed carry permit holders can conceal carry.
carry while gun hunting?
Yes. Anyone can open carry and concealed carry permit holders can conceal carry.
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.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall intentionally interfere with or attempt to prevent the lawful taking of wildlife by another person.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Mississippi making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
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:(a) Is a resident of the state and has been a resident for twelve (12) months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application. However, this residency requirement may be waived, provided the applicant possesses a valid permit from another state, is active military personnel stationed in Mississippi or is a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state.
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.
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 P.O. Box 958 Jackson, MS 39205-0958.
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.
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.
Application:
Processing Time:
45 days
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?Mississippi issues standard permits to residents and non-residents, although enhanced permits are only issued to residents, so you can apply for your standard permit at any time. In order to apply for a standard resident permit, you may need to provide a Mississippi driver's license or state ID.
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?If a person with a Mississippi firearms permit establishes residency in another state, the permit may not be valid. Contact the Firearm Permit Unit for details.
Valid For:
5 years for initial permit
4 years for renewals
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.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
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 in vehicle?
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)][Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(24)]
carry/possess at a hotel?
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?
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.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at Mississippi roadside rest stops.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, for anyone not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm and not engaged in criminal activity.
tribal land
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - No
Self-Defense
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]
Mississippi Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-07
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-12-26
Added tribal land information under the carry location section.
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
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