In 2017, Missouri became a constitutional carry state. This means no permit is necessary to conceal carry or openly carry a firearm. It’s important to know Missouri issues permits on a “Shall Issue” policy because of reciprocity with other states. There’s no registration requirements for firearms.
Missouri also allows specially trained school employees to carry firearms on school grounds. You must be 19 to obtain a permit, and they’re issued at the county sheriff at the local level.
Missouri Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - Missouri is considered a constitutional carry state. However, it's important to note that individuals without a permit can commit a crime if they carry firearms into a restricted area (which is written into the Missouri code). |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Missouri allows for open carry without a permit so long as you're over the age of 19 and are legally allowed to own a firearm. However, you should know that local municipalities can restrict open carry in their counties. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Missouri allows for concealed carry within a vehicle without a permit. You can also carry the firearm in your vehicle if you're driving on restricted areas, so long as the firearm remains in the vehicle. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Missouri allows concealed carry within their state parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - Missouri allows for concealed carry in restaurants but you must have the approval of the general manager of the establishment. You cannot be intoxicated and carry also. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We did find code mentioning legal repercussions for entering into a building that has a no weapons sign. However, there is language which states that if a person asks you to leave and you refuse is when you can be convicted of a crime. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - We were not able to find any duty to inform laws within Missouri code. |
Missouri CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Missouri
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Missouri
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Missouri. During their time in Missouri, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
Reciprocity Agreements In Missouri
Missouri: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- Within twenty-five feet of any polling place on any election day
- Law enforcement agency facilities
- Any courthouse solely occupied by the circuit, appellate or supreme court, or any courtrooms, administrative offices, libraries or other rooms of any such court
- Any meeting of the governing body of a unit of local government; or any meeting of the general assembly or a committee of the general assembly
- Any adult or juvenile detention or correctional institution, prison or jail
- Any establishment licensed to dispense intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises
- Any higher education institution or elementary or secondary school facility
- Any area of an airport to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property.
- Any portion of a building used as a child care facility
- Any riverboat gambling operation accessible by the public
- Any gated area of an amusement park.
- Any church or other place of religious worship
- Any private property whose owner has posted the premises as being off-limits to concealed firearms
- Any sports arena or stadium with a seating capacity of five thousand or more.
- Any hospital accessible by the public
- Public passenger bus
- School bus
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Missouri: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal without a permit in Missouri. Local authorities can regulate open carry if a person does not have a CCW permit. If a person does have a CCW permit then they are entitled to open carry anywhere that is not on the prohibited places list and local authorities are by law not allowed to place any restrictions on them.
The Law Title III 21.750
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, a weapon may be carried without a permit anywhere in a vehicle, even concealed on the person.
The Law 571.030
Carry In State Parks
Yes, it is legal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: YES – 10 CSR 90-2.020
- State/National Forests: YES – 3 CSR 10-7.432 (1)
- State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – 3 CSR 10-7.432 (1)
- Road Side Rest Areas: YES
Carry In Restaurants
Yes
In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol You can carry in a restaurant but not if you are intoxicated. “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 571.107
Constitutional Carry
Yes, Missouri is a constitutional carry state, no permit is required to carry a firearm if you meet the requirements to possess a firearm.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, Missouri gun laws are a bit confusing on “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. However, according to the law, you only commit an offense if you refuse to leave the property after being asked to do so, or repeat the offense in a set period of time.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in Missouri gun laws that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business.
The Law 571.121
Additional Resources
Missouri Concealed Carry Laws
Missouri Open Carry Laws
Missouri Gun Permit Laws