Open Carry in Missouri
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Missouri allows open carry of handguns without a permit; constitutional carry applies statewide.
How Missouri treats Open Carry
Missouri permits open carry of handguns without a permit or license requirement, having adopted constitutional carry in 2016. Both handguns and long guns may be openly carried in public. Private property owners and certain restricted locations (schools, courthouses, some government buildings) may prohibit firearms. Open carry is treated as a constitutional right in Missouri.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.