Missouri Gun Laws: Concealed Carry, Open Carry and Buying a Gun

Yes. Missouri's unlawful-use-of-weapons law makes it a crime to carry a concealed firearm only 'into any area where firearms are restricted under section 571.107' (the list of off-limits places), so concealed carry elsewhere does not require a permit. Permit holders (Missouri or another state's) are exempt from that restriction, from the ban on carrying into churches, polling places and government buildings in § 571.030.1(8), and from the school ban in § 571.030.1(10). The carry statute does not set a separate minimum age; the vehicle exception in § 571.030.3 is limited to people 19 or older (18 if a member or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces).

Concealed carry permit, issued by the sheriff of the applicant's county or city of residence; 'the county or city sheriff shall issue' when the applicant qualifies (shall-issue). Age: at least 19, or at least 18 and a member of or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. Training: a firearms safety course 'of at least eight hours in length' with a live-fire test of twenty rounds at seven yards (or listed alternatives such as law enforcement training). Fee: 'a nonrefundable fee not to exceed one hundred dollars' for a new permit and 'not to exceed fifty dollars' for a renewal. Valid 'until five years from the last day of the month in which the permit was issued or renewed.'

State law does not require a permit to carry openly, but cities and counties may pass ordinances regulating 'the open carrying of firearms readily capable of lethal use.' Even where such an ordinance exists, a person with a valid Missouri concealed carry permit or endorsement (or a permit from another state recognized by Missouri) may open carry, must have the permit with them, and must show it to an officer on demand. Permit holders may also 'briefly and openly display' a lawfully concealed firearm unless done in an angry or threatening manner.

It is a class A misdemeanor to recklessly sell, lease, loan, give away or deliver 'any firearm to a person less than eighteen years old without the consent of the child's custodial parent or guardian' (exceptions for peace officers and military on duty). It is a class E felony to knowingly transfer a firearm or ammunition to anyone not lawfully entitled to possess it under § 571.070. The rule applies to private transfers as well as dealers; the statute does not set a separate age for handguns versus long guns.

Missouri has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. It is a crime to knowingly transfer a firearm or ammunition to a person not lawfully entitled to possess one (class E felony), to recklessly transfer a firearm to a person under 18 without a custodial parent's or guardian's consent, or to an intoxicated person (class A misdemeanor), and to fraudulently purchase a firearm.

Missouri has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery.

Missouri has no state law that sets up extreme risk protection orders (red flag orders). Orders of protection under the Adult Abuse Act and the Child Protection Orders Act require abuse, stalking or sexual assault of the petitioner (or the child).

Missouri has no state law that bans assault weapons or limits magazine capacity. Possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing or selling a machine gun, short-barreled rifle or shotgun, or firearm silencer is a state offense only when done in violation of federal law.

The ban on concealed carry into restricted areas 'does not apply to any person nineteen years of age or older or eighteen years of age or older and a member of the United States Armed Forces, or honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces, transporting a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, so long as such concealable firearm is otherwise lawfully possessed.' It also does not apply when the gun is unloaded with ammunition not readily accessible, or not readily accessible, or when traveling 'in a continuous journey peaceably through this state.' For many listed restricted places (police stations, polling places, courthouses, schools, bars, hospitals and others), keeping the gun in the vehicle on the premises is not a crime so long as it is not removed or brandished.

Missouri honors all other states' permits: 'a concealed carry endorsement or permit issued by another state or political subdivision of another state shall authorize the person in whose name the permit or endorsement is issued to carry concealed firearms on or about his or her person or vehicle throughout the state.'

For everyone, it is a crime to carry a firearm into any church or place of worship, into an election precinct on election day, into a building owned or occupied by a federal, state or local government agency, or into any school, school bus or school-sponsored event (§ 571.030.1(8), (10)), though permit holders are exempt from these subdivisions. Permits do not authorize concealed carry into: police, sheriff or highway patrol stations (without consent); within 25 feet of a polling place on election day; jails and prisons; courthouses and court offices; meetings of local governing bodies or the General Assembly; government buildings posted by rule or ordinance; the bar area of places licensed to serve liquor (without the owner's consent; restaurants seating 50+ with 51% food sales excepted); secured areas of airports; places barred by federal law; colleges and K-12 schools (without consent); child care facilities; riverboat casinos; gated amusement parks; churches (without consent); private property posted with signs at least 11 by 14 inches; sports arenas or stadiums seating 5,000 or more; and public hospitals. For permit holders, carrying in these § 571.107 places is not a crime but can lead to removal and a citation of up to $100 for a first offense.

Missouri has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits. Defacing a firearm and knowingly possessing a defaced firearm are crimes (possession is a class B misdemeanor).