Can I Carry a Concealed Weapon in Missouri?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, Missouri is a constitutional carry state allowing concealed carry without a permit for anyone 19+ who can legally possess firearms. You can also get a concealed carry permit for reciprocity with other states.
What This Means for You
Missouri's constitutional carry law means you can build and carry defensive firearms without the permit process that many states require. However, getting a Missouri concealed carry permit still provides legal benefits, especially when traveling to states that recognize Missouri permits but not constitutional carry from other states.
The Detail
Missouri adopted constitutional carry in 2017, meaning any person 19 years or older who can legally possess a firearm can carry it concealed without a permit. The same age restrictions and prohibited locations that apply to permitted carry also apply to constitutional carry. You cannot carry in federal buildings, schools, government buildings, and other posted prohibited areas.
The state still issues concealed carry permits, and getting one provides several advantages even though it's not required. A Missouri permit gives you reciprocity with numerous other states that don't recognize constitutional carry from Missouri residents. The permit also allows you to skip the background check when purchasing firearms from dealers since you've already passed the enhanced background check required for the permit.
Missouri permit requirements include being 19 or older, completing an 8-hour training course, passing a background check, and meeting residency requirements. The training must cover firearm safety, basic marksmanship, and state laws regarding firearm use and carry. Some states recognize Missouri's permit while others do not, so you need to research reciprocity agreements before traveling.
Certain locations remain off-limits regardless of whether you have a permit or are carrying under constitutional carry. These include federal facilities, schools, courthouses, and private property where carry is prohibited by the owner. Violating these restrictions can result in serious criminal charges, so understanding prohibited areas is crucial for legal carry.
Build Impact
Constitutional carry gives you flexibility in building compact and subcompact firearms optimized for concealed carry without worrying about permit timelines. However, if you plan to travel frequently to other states, getting a Missouri permit while building your carry setup makes sense for broader legal coverage.