Missouri Doesn't Require a Carry Permit. Here's Why People Still Get One

Missouri is a permitless-carry state, and that leads a lot of residents to assume the permit is obsolete. It isn't. The permit was never just a key to carrying in Missouri. It's the credential other states look at, and Missouri law still ties a few practical things to it.

Why get a permit if you don't need one

• Travel. Recognition between states runs on permits. When you cross into another state, Missouri's permitless rule doesn't come with you. Whether your Missouri permit is honored depends on the other state's law, so check each one you'll actually visit.
• Gun purchases. Section 571.101 states that a permit holder who lets the permit lapse past its five-year term loses eligibility for the federal exception to the dealer background check (27 CFR 478.102(d)). Whether that exception applies to a particular purchase is decided under federal rules, but the statute is explicit that a lapsed permit can't qualify.
• The training itself. The permit course is the one structured block of law and safety instruction most carriers ever take. Missouri's version covers use-of-force law under chapter 563, which is the part people get wrong most often.

Who can get a Missouri permit

Under § 571.101, permits are issued by the sheriff of the county (or city not within a county) where you live. The core requirements:

• At least 19 years old, or at least 18 if you're a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or were honorably discharged.
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has assumed residency in Missouri, or a service member stationed in Missouri (or their spouse).
• No disqualifying history: a conviction for a crime punishable by more than a year in prison (with narrow exceptions), certain recent misdemeanors (violent offenses, or two or more DWI or drug-possession offenses within five years), a dishonorable discharge, a current full order of protection, or anything else that prohibits possession under state or federal law.
• Completion of the firearms training described below.

There's no general nonresident permit. If you live elsewhere, the question is whether Missouri honors your home-state permit. Missouri doesn't issue one to you.

The training requirement

Section 571.111 requires a firearms safety course of at least eight hours, certified by a qualified instructor. The course must cover:

1. 01Handgun safety in the classroom, at home, on the range and while carrying
2. 02A physical demonstration of safely loading and unloading a revolver or semiautomatic pistol
3. 03Basic principles of marksmanship
4. 04Care and cleaning of concealable firearms
5. 05Safe storage at home
6. 06Missouri's requirements for obtaining a permit from your sheriff
7. 07Missouri firearms law
8. 08The law on justifiable use of force (chapter 563)
9. 09A live-firing exercise of at least 20 rounds at 7 yards
10. 10A live-fire test of 20 rounds at 7 yards, with the instructor present

To pass, you need at least 15 of 20 rounds on the silhouette portion of the target. An instructor also can't pass anyone who ignores range commands or handles a firearm unsafely.

Applying through your sheriff

1. 01Complete the training and get your signed certificate of completion.
2. 02Apply in writing to the sheriff of your county of residence, signed under oath, with a copy of the certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
3. 03Pay the fee. By statute it can't exceed $100 for a new permit or $50 for a renewal (card-processing charges can be added).
4. 04Get fingerprinted. The sheriff runs a NICS check within three working days and sends your fingerprints to the FBI for a national records check.
5. 05If no disqualifying record turns up, the sheriff issues the permit within three working days of receiving the results. If the checks aren't back within 45 calendar days, the sheriff issues a provisional permit while they finish.

The permit is valid for five years from the end of the month it was issued or renewed. While you carry, you have to keep it with you and show it, along with a photo ID, if a peace officer asks (§ 571.121). Failing to is not a crime, but it can bring a citation of up to $35.