Buying a Gun in Missouri
The age to buy a gun in Missouri, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: 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). RSMo § 571.060
| Age to buy a gun | 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. Source: RSMo § 571.060 |
|---|---|
| Background checks and private sales | 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. Reviewed RSMo chapter 571 (Weapons Offenses, §§571.010-571.510) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Section 571.080 (transfer of concealable firearms) only makes violating 18 U.S.C. 922(b) or 922(x) a state crime. |
| Waiting period | Missouri has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery. Reviewed RSMo chapter 571 (Weapons Offenses, §§571.010-571.510) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Source: RSMo ch. 571 (reviewed) |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | 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). Reviewed RSMo chapter 571 (Weapons Offenses, §§571.010-571.510) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
More Missouri gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Missouri
- Open Carry in Missouri
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Missouri
- All Missouri gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Missouri?
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.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Missouri?
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.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Missouri?
Missouri has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery.
Are ghost guns legal in Missouri?
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).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.