Mississippi Enhanced Carry Permit: Essential Information You Can't Afford to Miss!

In Mississippi, individuals can carry a concealed firearm with or without a state-issued permit. However, there's often confusion regarding concealed carry licenses. This guide will clarify the laws around concealed carry permits in Mississippi.

Under Mississippi Code 45-9-101, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to issue licenses for carrying stun guns, concealed pistols, or revolvers to individuals who meet the qualifications specified in the law. As long as you correctly complete and submit the application and are not disqualified under the law (see 45-9-101 (2) for disqualifications), you will receive a concealed carry permit. This permit is beneficial for those who travel, as it grants reciprocity with other states that recognize Mississippi's concealed carry permit. However, a standard concealed carry permit has restrictions on where you can carry within Mississippi. To address these limitations, many opt for the "enhanced" carry permit, which provides the benefits of reciprocity and extended carrying privileges within Mississippi.

Obtaining the Enhanced Carry Permit:

There are two ways to obtain the enhanced carry permit:

1. If you already have a standard permit: Complete the Enhanced Carry Permit Course that we teach to upgrade to the enhanced permit. You can learn more about our course and register >HERE<.

2. If you do not have a standard permit: Take the Enhanced Carry Permit Course, become instructor-certified, and then apply for your permit. Your enhanced permit will be marked "instructor certified" in red on the front, distinguishing it from a standard permit.

Differences Between Standard and Enhanced Permits:

The enhanced permit, which requires eight hours of certified training, allows individuals to carry in most places that are otherwise restricted under a standard permit. Under Mississippi Code 45-9-101 (13), locations off-limits to standard permit holders include:

• Law enforcement stations (police, sheriff, or Highway Patrol)

• Schools (elementary, secondary, colleges, and universities) unless participating in authorized firearm-related activities

• Detention facilities, prisons, or jails

• Courthouses or courtrooms

• Polling places during elections

• Government meetings, including legislative sessions

• Athletic events (unless firearm-related)

• Bars or bar areas in restaurants

• Airport terminals (except for properly checked baggage)

• Places of worship, unless part of an authorized armed security team

• Federal properties where firearms are prohibited (e.g., federal courthouses, post offices)

• Private properties or businesses that post signs banning firearms

• Areas designated as “places of nuisance” due to illegal activities

  
  

Enhanced permit holders can carry in most of these restricted locations, with some exceptions, including law enforcement stations, detention facilities, federal properties, private properties with posted signs, places of nuisance, and courtrooms during sessions. Violations could lead to trespassing charges, but not charges related to concealed carry law violations.

Summary:

Mississippi allows concealed carry of stun guns, pistols, or revolvers with or without a permit. A concealed carry permit provides reciprocity with other states, and the enhanced permit offers additional privileges within Mississippi. The enhanced permit is obtained by completing the Enhanced Carry Permit Course and submitting your application to the Department of Public Safety or a designated substation.

If you’re interested in taking the Enhanced Carry Permit Course, please contact me at (601) 325-5610. I look forward to supporting your firearms training and education. You can learn more about the enhanced carry permit course and register by clicking the link >HERE<.

Best regards,

Joseph Green