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
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. |
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. |
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
* Restricted Reciprocity with Mississippi
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
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, 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, 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: YES
- 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, the business or owner of a property has the authority to prohibit carrying a stun gun, concealed handgun, or revolver by putting a sign that reads "carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited."
Must Notify Officer
No, 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