Concealed Carry in Mississippi

Yes. 'A license under this section is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver' carried on the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster, or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag, briefcase or fully enclosed case, as long as the person is not engaged in criminal activity other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, is not otherwise barred from having a gun under state or federal law, and is not in a place listed in § 45-9-101(13). This subsection does not state its own minimum age; separately, a person under 18 may not possess a handgun except in listed situations such as hunting, target shooting or with an adult's permission on that adult's property (§ 97-37-14).

Mississippi firearm license (license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers), issued by the Department of Public Safety. The statute directs that a license be issued to applicants who meet the listed requirements (shall-issue). Age: 21 or older, or 18 to 20 if a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve. Fee: 'a nonrefundable license fee of Eighty Dollars ($80.00)'; renewal $40. Valid 'for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance.' The basic license has no training requirement. An optional enhanced endorsement (§ 97-37-7(2)) requires 'an instructional course in the safe handling and use of firearms' from a DPS-certified instructor (or qualifying military/law-enforcement training) and lets holders carry in more of the places listed in § 45-9-101(13).

Mississippi honors all other states' licenses: 'Mississippi recognizes valid, unrevoked and unexpired license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols, or revolvers issued in other states.' DPS may also sign written reciprocity agreements with states that require one; the DPS page lists Alabama.

A license does not authorize carrying in: places of nuisance; police, sheriff or highway patrol stations; detention facilities, prisons or jails; courthouses and courtrooms (a judge may still carry); polling places; meetings of a governing body; meetings of the Legislature or its committees; school, college or professional athletic events not related to firearms; the part of a place licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises drinking that is primarily devoted to dispensing drinks; elementary and secondary school facilities; junior college, community college, college or university facilities (except for authorized firearms activities); inside the passenger terminal of an airport (except encased guns being checked); churches or other places of worship (subject to § 45-9-171); places where federal law bars carrying; and any place where the person in control posts a notice that 'carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited' readable from ten feet. Holders of the enhanced endorsement may carry in many of these places (not nuisance places, police stations, jails, or courtrooms during proceedings).

'It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.' No license is needed for this.