Mississippi
Gun Laws
Mississippi is a constitutional carry state with strong self-defense protections. Understand your rights, carry options, and the benefits of Enhanced Carry certification.
Carry Type
Constitutional Carry
Reciprocity
35+ States
Permit Type
Shall-Issue
Permit Valid
5 Years
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations before carrying. For specific legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.
Summary of Mississippi Gun Laws
Mississippi is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. This means you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit as long as you can legally possess a firearm and the handgun is carried in a holster or sheath.
Two types of permits are available for those who want formal credentials: the Standard Firearms Permit (SFP) and the Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP). The Enhanced permit requires an 8-hour training course but provides reciprocity with 35+ states and access to additional carry locations within Mississippi.
There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A background check is required when purchasing from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Castle Doctrine & Stand Your Ground
Castle Doctrine
Mississippi recognizes the Castle Doctrine. You have the right to use force, including deadly force, to protect yourself in your home, vehicle, or place of business without a duty to retreat.
Stand Your Ground
Mississippi has a Stand Your Ground law. If you are not the initial aggressor and are in a place where you have a right to be, you have no duty to retreat before using deadly force if you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger.
Justifiable Use of Force
Under Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-15), the use of deadly force may be justified when:
- Resisting being killed or a felony upon your person
- Defending yourself in your dwelling, vehicle, or place of business
- Lawful defense of yourself or another person in imminent danger of a felony or great personal injury
A person acting in justifiable self-defense is immune from civil suits if found "not guilty" in criminal proceedings.
Types of Carry in Mississippi
Open Carry
Minimum Age: 18+
Permit: No permit required
Firearm must be in a holster, sheath, or scabbard that is at least partially visible above clothing
Concealed Carry
Minimum Age: 21+ (general)
Permit: No permit required (permitless)
Handgun must be carried in a holster or sheath. Permit available for reciprocity benefits
Vehicle Carry
Minimum Age: 18+
Permit: No permit required
Handgun may be in a sheath, belt/shoulder holster, purse, handbag, satchel, briefcase, or fully enclosed case
Standard vs. Enhanced Permits
While Mississippi allows permitless carry, obtaining an Enhanced Firearms Permit provides significant benefits for travel and expanded carry locations.
Standard Firearms Permit (SFP)
Enhanced Firearms Permit (E-SFP)
Location Restrictions
Understanding where you can and cannot carry is critical. The Enhanced permit significantly expands your options compared to standard carry.
Prohibited with Standard/No Permit
- Any courthouse
- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol stations
- Any detention facility, prison, or jail
- Polling places
- Schools (K-12) and educational facilities
- College and university property
- Places of worship (except authorized security)
- Bars and bar areas of restaurants
- Any place posted prohibiting firearms
- Government meetings
- Political rallies and parades
Allowed with Enhanced Permit
- Government buildings (with some exceptions)
- Restaurant dining areas (not bar areas)
- Public parks
- Universities and colleges (per AG opinion)
- Locations posted for standard permit holders only
Still Prohibited (Even with Enhanced)
- Courtrooms during judicial proceedings
- Police, sheriff, or highway patrol stations
- Detention facilities, prisons, and jails
- Places of nuisance (as legally defined)
- Secured areas of airports
- Bar areas (even in restaurants)
- Any location prohibited by federal law
35+ State Reciprocity
Your Mississippi Enhanced Carry Permit is honored in the following states. Always verify current laws before traveling — regulations can change.
States That Honor Mississippi Permits
Important: Some states only recognize the Enhanced permit, not the Standard permit. Some states have additional age requirements or resident-only restrictions. Always check specific state laws before traveling with your firearm.
Important Mississippi Gun Laws
Enhanced Permit Training Requirements
Standard Permit
No training required. Simply submit application, fingerprints, and fees to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Enhanced Permit
Requires an 8-hour firearms safety course taught by an instructor certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Course includes:
- Mississippi firearms law education
- Defensive force and justifiable use
- Safe handling and storage
- Shooting fundamentals
- 50-round live-fire qualification
Exemptions: Military members, veterans with combat/pistol training, and retired law enforcement officers may be exempt from the training requirement with proper documentation.