A Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale is a document that records the purchase and sale of a firearm between private parties.
Buyers and sellers can use it to prove the transaction happened and protect themselves from fraud.
Mississippi law does not have a waiting period for firearm sales.
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Mississippi has lenient requirements for selling firearms.
Any Mississippi resident who can legally own and purchase a firearm by state law can also sell one privately.
Requirements
Mississippi law does not require firearm bills of sale. However, you should still create a firearm bill of sale to identify the parties, firearm, sale details and to record the transaction.
Restrictions
According to Mississippi Code Section 97-37-5, the following people cannot purchase or own a firearm:
- People with felony convictions, unless they have certificates of rehabilitation
- People who are chronically intoxicated
- People who have been involuntarily or voluntarily committed to mental health facilities, unless they have recovered for a minimum of five years
Additionally, per Mississippi Code Section 97-37-14, anyone under 18 is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
You can pass firearms along to relatives without permit or registration, as long as the recipient is able to own guns in the state.
Registration
Mississippi does not require firearm owners to register firearms.
Additionally, since the state does not require firearm registration, the police do not keep a record of firearms in Mississippi.
Concealed Carry Permit
Firearm owners are allowed to open carry without permits as long as they do not, in the presence of another, exhibit the weapon in a threatening manner and not in necessary self-defense per Mississippi Code Section 97-37-19.
In 2016, House Bill 786 was signed into law. Since then, Mississippi law has allowed permitless concealed carry of handguns in belt and shoulder sheaths and holsters as long as you:
- Are not engaging in criminal activities
- Are not prohibited from owning firearms under state and federal law
- Are not carrying the handgun in prohibited areas
Mississippi does not regulate open carry.
How to Apply
Even though permits are not required to carry, openly or concealed, the state still issues concealed carry permits in Mississippi.
Per Mississippi Code Section 45-9-101, you can apply for a concealed carry permit if you are at least 21 years old or 18 years old if you are a member or veteran of the US armed forces and a permanent Mississippi resident.
Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1 – Get Trained
Pass weapons training and safety course approved by the Board of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
Step 2 – Complete Application
Fill in the Concealed/Enhanced Carry Application (IFP-APP-01) and produce the documents required by the application.
Step 3 – Show Documentation
Produce two valid forms of identification, such as a tribal identification card or driver’s license.
Step 4 – Submit Application
Turn in your application in person at one of the Driver Service Bureau locations that offer firearm permit processing.
Step 5 – Pay Fees
Pay $32.00 (current as of June 2023) for a fingerprint/background check.
The issuing authority will deny or approve the application within 45 days of receiving it. Mississippi is a “shall issue” state, so you will receive your permit if your background check does not reveal any disqualifying information.
Gun Reciprocity
According to Mississippi Code Section 97-37-7, Mississippi recognizes concealed carry permits from all states that provide them.
The following states recognize Mississippi’s concealed carry permit:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Vermont
Per Oklahoma’s House Bill 2579, Mississippi residents can conceal carry a defensive firearm in Oklahoma without any type of permit.
Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what a Mississippi firearm bill of sale looks like.
