Missouri grants a great deal of freedom for its citizens to own, possess and carry firearms. It does not require registration or a license to purchase or own firearms, however a permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. However, if you are at least 21 years old and legally possess the gun, the prohibition on concealed carry does not apply when
- the gun is in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle
- you are legally hunting
- you are in your home, or
- you are traveling “peaceably” in a continuous journey” through the state.
Missouri Requirements for Purchase and Possession of Firearms
| Age | Registration | License | Permit | |
| Handguns | 18 years of age | None required | None required | Required for Carry |
| Rifles | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None required |
| Shotguns | 18 years of age | None required | None required | None required |
Concealed Carry – Permit Required
Missouri requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon. You apply for a permit through the sheriff’s office, and if the sheriff grants your application, you receive will a “concealed carry endorsement” on your driver’s license or state identification card. The application involves a fee, a background check and a three-day waiting period.
To qualify for the permit, you must
- Be at least 23 years old
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a resident of Missouri or in the armed forces stationed in Missouri
- Take a firearms safety training course
The sheriff cannot issue you a permit if you: have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor; have been convicted of a crime of violence or two or more misdemeanor DUIs in the last five years; are a fugitive from justice, received a dishonorable discharge from the military; are a danger to yourself or others, as determined by the sheriff; are legally determined to be mentally incompetent; or are subject to a restraining order.
If you do receive a permit to carry, you may not carry your weapon into law enforcement facilities, schools, hospitals, legislative Chambers, or airports.
Importantly, counties, cities, and towns are free to pass their own open carry restrictions. So although you may have a permit to carry issued by the state, a local ordinance may limit that right. Check with the local authorities to make sure you know the rules in your area.
Penalties
Although the Missouri laws for purchasing and owning guns are fairly relaxed compared to other states, Missouri does limit the use of firearms and punishments for disobeying the law can be severe. Here are some examples of Missouri gun law penalties.
- Unlawful shooting. Discharging a firearm at or from a motor vehicle, at any person, or at any building is a class B felony. A conviction of this charge will result in a prison term between five and 15 years. If anyone is injured or killed in the shooting, it a class A felony, which results in a ten to 30 year prison term.
- Unlawful carry into church or school, or government building. Carrying a loaded firearm into a church, school or school bus, election precinct, or government building is a class D felony, punishable for up to four years in prison. If the gun is unloaded, it is a class A or B misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of six to 12 months in prison.
- Unlawful possession. Felons, fugitives, those habitually intoxicated, and those determined by a court to be mentally incompetent may not possesses firearms. Illegally possessing firearms is a class C felony, punishable for up to seven years in prison.
- Illegal transfer. Transferring (selling or giving) a firearm to a person not legally allowed to possess guns (described above) is a class D felony, punishable for up to four years in prison. Illegally transferring a firearm to a minor less than 18 years old is a class A misdemeanor, punishable for up to a year in prison.
- Defacing a firearm. Defacing a firearm is a class A misdemeanor, punishable for up to one year in prison. Possessing a defaced firearm is a class B misdemeanor, punishable for up to six months in prison.
Self Defense in Missouri
Missouri allows the use of firearms to stop the commission of crimes of violence on public property or private property. However, lethal force is only permitted if the crime of violence is one that lethally endangers one or another’s life.
Help with Gun Charges
To learn more about your state's gun laws, read the WEAPONS OFFENSES section of the Missouri Revised Statutes, starting at M.R.S 202.253.
If you face gun charges in Missouri or anywhere else, seek the advice of an attorney.
