Mississippi Gun Laws

Mississippi is known for its liberal gun laws. Mississippi is a constitutional carry state where no permit is necessary to carry a firearm. However, for reciprocity reasons 2 types of permits are available at the state level. The first is the standard firearms permit, and the 2nd is an enhanced version which allows carry in more locations. The enhanced permit can only be obtained by residents. There’s no requirement for firearm registration or back ground checks on private firearm sales.

Mississippi Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted?	Yes – Mississippi allows for open carry for individuals without a permit necessary. You must be 18 years or older and legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Carry In Vehicle?	Yes – Mississippi allows for concealed carry on your person (without a permit) in a vehicle so long as you’re 18 and legally allowed to possess a handgun. You must carry the handgun in either a holster, bag, or briefcase.
Carry In State Park?	Yes – Individuals can concealed and open carry in a state park so long as they’re legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Carry In Restaurants?	Yes – You are allowed to concealed carry in restaurants that make the majority of their revenue from food. However, you’re not allowed to concealed carry into a bar or the bar section of a restaurant.
Constitutional Carry?	Yes – Mississippi is considered a constitutional carry state. They allow for premit-less carry within their state for individuals who are legally allowed to own a firearm.
No Weapon Sign Enforced?	Yes – Mississippi allows property owners to place no weapons signs on their property and these signs have the force of law behind them.
Must Notify Officer?	No – We were not able to find any duty to inform law for Mississippi.

Mississippi CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring CCW

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Michigan
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

States NOT Honoring CCW

California
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Washington

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
Missouri
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
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

How Reciprocity Works In Mississippi

Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Mississippi. During their time in Mississippi, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.

Reciprocity Agreements In Mississippi

Mississippi: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

State parks
State and national forests
Road side rest areas
Vehicle
All areas of the state – except those listed as off limits

Places Not Allowed

Any courthouse
Police, sheriff or highway patrol station
Any detention facility, prison or jail
Polling place
Meeting of a government or legislative body
Any elementary or secondary school facility; any junior college, community college, college or university facility
School, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms
Church or place of worship
Premises posted “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited”
Establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
The passenger terminal of any airport, except if the firearm is encased for shipment
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Mississippi: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

Yes

WITHOUT A LICENSE

You can open carry in Mississippi without any type of permit. Places listed as “Off Limits” still apply to those that open carry.

Carry In Vehicle

Yes

WITHOUT A LICENSE A permit is not required for a loaded or unloaded handgun to be carried within a vehicle if it is in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case.

Carry In State Parks

Yes

You are permitted to carry in the following areas:

State Parks: YES – 45.9.101

State/National Forests: ? Nothing to say carry is not allowed

State Wildlife Management Areas: YES — WMA regulations

Road Side Rest Areas: YES

Carry In Restaurants

Yes

In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol “Yes” or “No” states 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.

The Law 45.9.101

Constitutional Carry

Yes

No permits are required to carry a firearm in Mississippi making it a constitutional carry state.

No Weapon Signs Enforced

Yes

YES/NO Non Enhanced permit – YES Enhanced permit – YES/NO? see Attorney Generals opinion

Must Notify Officer

There is nothing in Mississippi gun law that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business.

Additional Resources

Mississippi Concealed Carry Laws
Mississippi Open Carry Laws
Mississippi Gun Permit Laws