Mississippi Concealed Carry Permit

Mississippi allows permitless carry for non-prohibited adults 18+. A IFP is still available and is what other states recognize.

Requirements at a glance

What it actually costs

The state fee is rarely the whole bill. Fingerprinting is usually charged by a private vendor, training is bought from an instructor, and several states add photographs, notarisation or other requirements on top.

State fee	$80
Fingerprinting	$32
Realistic total	$112

The $112 commonly quoted is the $80 statutory licence fee under § 45-9-101(5)(c) plus the $32 fingerprint and background-check cost the applicant bears. No training is required for the standard permit, which is what makes the total exact. Active-duty and retired law enforcement, active-duty military and their spouses, and disabled veterans pay only the $32. Training costs apply solely to the optional Enhanced Carry Endorsement.

DPS fee schedule (Firearm Permit Fees v4, 11/4/2022): First-time permit $112.00; renewal $72.00; renewal for age 65+ $52.00. These totals combine the statutory license fee of $80.00 (renewal $40.00; $20.00 for a Mississippi resident 65 or older) under § 45-9-101(5)(c) and (12)(a) with the $32.00 fingerprint/background-check cost the applicant must bear. Fee-exempt categories pay only the $32.00 fingerprint cost, first-time or renewal: active-duty military or spouse, active-duty law enforcement, retired law enforcement, and disabled veterans (proof required — VA Veteran Health ID Card showing service-connected disability; agency letters for LEOs). Late fee $15.00 if renewed after expiration (renewal is impossible six months or more after expiration — the permit is permanently expired and the person must reapply as a first-time applicant). Duplicate/lost permit $15.00 (in person only). Security Guard Permit $132.00 new / $82.00 renewal is a separate permit type. First-time applications must be submitted in person; renewals may be mailed to P.O. Box 1459, Canton, MS 39046.

How to apply

1. Confirm you actually need a permit. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(24) a non-prohibited person may already carry a pistol or revolver in a sheath, belt holster, shoulder holster, purse, handbag, satchel, similar bag, briefcase or fully enclosed case with no permit. A permit is still useful for reciprocity in other states, for NICS-exempt purchases, and as the prerequisite to the Enhanced Carry Endorsement.
2. Check the fee schedule at https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Firearms/Home — $112.00 first-time, $72.00 renewal, $52.00 renewal at 65+, $32.00 (fingerprint cost only) for active-duty military/spouse, active-duty or retired law enforcement, and disabled veterans.
3. Download and complete form IFP-APP-01, 'Application for Concealed Carry Firearm Permit,' from https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Firearms/ms-firearm-permits. Answer all Section B qualifying questions and attach the indicated supplemental forms: IFP-FORM-01 (other names / citizenship), IFP-FORM-02 (criminal charges, convictions, pardons or expungements), IFP-FORM-03 (misdemeanor domestic violence). List every residence for the past two years in Section E.
4. Claim any Special Designation in Section C with proof: current orders (active duty military), retired military ID, VA Veteran Health Identification Card showing a service-connected disability, or two letters on agency letterhead for current/retired law enforcement confirming employment or honorable retirement plus completion of a certified law enforcement training academy.
5. If you want the optional Enhanced Carry Endorsement, complete an 8-hour course from a DPS-certified or nationally recognized firearms instructor and attach the certificate (Section D). Current/former military with handgun combat training and retired law enforcement/corrections officers may instead attach notarized affidavit IFP-AFF-03. The instructor list is at https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Firearms/Certified_Instructors.
6. Sign the notarized Affidavit and Release of Information (IFP-AFF-01 for initial, IFP-AFF-02 for renewal) IN THE PRESENCE OF A NOTARY. An unnotarized affidavit makes the application incomplete and it will be rejected.
7. Apply IN PERSON for a first-time permit at a Firearm Permit Division / Driver License location. Bring a state driver's license, state ID card or federally recognized tribal ID showing your correct residential address. Fingerprints are taken at the time of application — do not apply with open or bandaged wounds on your fingers.
8. Pay the fee. In person: cash, credit or debit card. By mail: personal check, money order, or cashier's check payable to the Department of Public Safety — never send cash.
9. Wait for processing. DPS forwards fingerprints for state and FBI checks and sends a copy of the application to your county sheriff and, if applicable, your municipal police chief, who may submit a voluntary report within 30 days. DPS must issue, deny, or notify you of a delay within 45 days (§ 45-9-101(6)(c)).
10. If denied, suspended or revoked, appeal to the Commissioner of Public Safety within 30 days of written notice; if sustained, petition the circuit or county court of your residence within 10 days. You may not carry under the license while an appeal is pending (§ 45-9-101(7)).
11. RENEWAL: DPS mails a notice at least 90 days before expiration. Renew within 90 days of expiration using IFP-APP-02 (short form) if nothing about your qualifications changed, or the full IFP-APP-01 marked 'Renewal' if anything changed. A notarized IFP-AFF-02 and a full set of fingerprints are required. The first renewal may be by mail; the next must be in person, alternating thereafter so you appear in person every 10 years for a new photograph. Renewals may be mailed to Firearm Permit Division, P.O. Box 1459, Canton, MS 39046.
12. Report a change of permanent address or a lost/destroyed license to DPS in writing within 30 days (a $25 noncriminal penalty applies for failure). A duplicate license costs $15 and requires a notarized lost/destroyed statement, in person only.
13. While carrying under the license, carry the license plus valid identification and display both on a law enforcement officer's demand — a $25 noncriminal violation enforceable by summons otherwise (§ 45-9-101(1)(b)).

Apply on the official Mississippi site

What disqualifies you

• Not a Mississippi resident (§ 45-9-101(2)(a)) — waivable only if the applicant holds a valid permit from another state, is active military stationed in Mississippi, or is a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency in the state
• Under 21, unless at least 18 and a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (incl. National Guard/Reserve) holding a valid Mississippi driver's license or DPS ID card (§ 45-9-101(2)(b))
• Suffers from a physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a stun gun, pistol or revolver (§ 45-9-101(2)(c))
• Convicted of a felony in any state or federal court without having been pardoned or having had the conviction expunged (§ 45-9-101(2)(d))
• Chronic or habitual abuse of controlled substances impairing normal faculties — presumed if committed to a treatment facility for controlled-substance abuse, or found guilty of a Uniform Controlled Substances Law offense (or similar law of another state/US) within the 3 years preceding application (§ 45-9-101(2)(e))
• Chronic and habitual use of alcohol impairing normal faculties — presumed if committed as an alcoholic to a treatment facility, or convicted of two or more alcohol-related offenses within the preceding 3 years (§ 45-9-101(2)(f))
• Adjudicated mentally incompetent, unless 5 years have passed since a court order restoring capacity (§ 45-9-101(2)(h))
• Voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a mental institution or mental health treatment facility, unless the applicant holds a certificate from a Mississippi-licensed psychiatrist that he has not suffered from the disability for 5 years (§ 45-9-101(2)(i))
• Adjudication of guilt withheld or sentence suspended on any felony, unless 3 years have elapsed since probation or other court-set conditions were fulfilled (§ 45-9-101(2)(j))
• Fugitive from justice (§ 45-9-101(2)(k))
• Disqualified from possessing a weapon under federal law, including a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) (§ 45-9-101(2)(l))
• DISCRETIONARY: DPS may deny if found guilty of one or more misdemeanor crimes of violence unless 3 years have elapsed since probation/conditions were fulfilled or expunction occurred; DPS may revoke for a crime of violence within the preceding 3 years (§ 45-9-101(3))
• MANDATORY SUSPENSION: DPS must suspend a license or the processing of an application when the licensee/applicant is arrested or formally charged with a disqualifying crime, until final disposition (§ 45-9-101(3))
• Dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces (asked on DPS form IFP-APP-01, question B-7)
• Knowingly submitting a false answer or false document on the application is itself a misdemeanor punishable under § 99-19-31 (§ 45-9-101(15))

Where to get the required training

These 1001 instructors are on Mississippi's own certified list. That list is authoritative — a certificate from someone not on it may be rejected. Taken from the official roster on 2026-08-10.

Mirrored from the state's published roster and refreshed periodically. Instructors whose certification had already lapsed are not listed. Check the official roster before booking — it is the version that counts.

Training providers in Mississippi

Businesses in our directory that offer firearms training. These are not state-verified as certified permit instructors — check against the official list above, or ask the provider directly.

All firearms training in Mississippi →

Reciprocity

Official Mississippi reciprocity page Full reciprocity matrix →

Building your own in Mississippi

Statutes

• Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101 — License to carry stun gun, concealed pistol or revolver (full current text as amended by 2021 S.B. 2253, eff. July 1, 2021)
• Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(24) — permitless carry: no license required for a pistol or revolver carried in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster, or in a purse, handbag, satchel, similar bag, briefcase or fully enclosed case
• Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(19) — blanket recognition of carry licenses issued in another state
• Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(13) — locations where a license does not authorize carry
• Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-101(18) — no registration, documentation or serial numbers required or allowed
• Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1 — Deadly weapons; carrying concealed (subsection (4) defines 'concealed'; subsection (2) home/business/vehicle exception)
• Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7 — Deadly weapons; persons permitted (subsection (2) is the Enhanced Carry Endorsement authority)
• Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-15 — Parent or guardian not to permit a child under 18 to carry a weapon
• 2016 H.B. 786 (Mississippi Church Protection Act) — added the holster language to § 45-9-101(24) and § 97-37-1(4), establishing permitless holster carry
• 2023 H.B. 912 — firearm suppressors; manufacture in Mississippi; repeals § 97-37-31 (CONTINGENT effective date, Section 7 — not confirmed in force)

Sources

• Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau — Firearm Permit Division (home)
• Mississippi DPS — Firearm Permit Applications & Forms
• Mississippi DPS — Firearm Permit Fees (v4, 11/4/2022) [PDF]
• Mississippi DPS — IFP-APP-01 Application for Concealed Carry Firearm Permit with Affidavit (rev. 8/11/2025) [PDF]
• Mississippi DPS — IFP-APP-02 Renewal Application Instructions (9/8/2025) [PDF]
• Mississippi DPS — Preparation for First Time and Renewal Application Process (45-day processing, fingerprints, $32 background-check fee)
• Mississippi DPS FAQ — 'With what other states does Mississippi have reciprocity?'
• Mississippi DPS — Firearm Permit Laws and Codes
• Mississippi DPS — MS Code § 97-37-1, Deadly weapons (full text)
• Mississippi DPS — MS Code § 97-37-7, Deadly weapons; persons permitted (full text)
• Mississippi DPS — Enhanced Permit Certified Firearm Instructors (statewide list)
• Mississippi DPS — Certified Firearm Instructor Requirements
• Mississippi Legislature — 2021 S.B. 2253 as sent to Governor (current full text of § 45-9-101) [PDF]
• Mississippi Legislature — 2016 H.B. 786 as sent to Governor (Church Protection Act; permitless holster carry) [PDF, hosted by MS DPS]
• Mississippi Legislature — 2023 H.B. 912 as sent to Governor (suppressor manufacture; contingent effective date) [PDF]
• Mississippi Legislature — Report of All Measures, 2017–2026 regular sessions (used to confirm no enacted amendment to § 45-9-101 after 2021)