Concealed Carry Weapons

The Clay County Sheriff's Office Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Unit processes all concealed carry permits for residents in the county. Whether you're applying for your first permit or renewing an existing one, here's exactly what you need to know.

Before you can apply for a CCW permit in Missouri, you must complete a minimum 8-hour firearms safety course taught by a state-approved instructor. Once you've finished the course, contact the Sheriff's Office to verify your instructor is approved, then bring your documentation to apply.

What to bring to the Sheriff's Office: - Valid Missouri driver's license (or proof of residency if address doesn't match) - Copy of your Missouri State Instructor Qualification form - $100 in exact cash, money order, or cashier's check (nonrefundable) - Birth certificate or naturalization documentation (if applicable)

You'll be fingerprinted when you submit your application. The Sheriff then has 45 days to issue or deny your permit, during which they request criminal record checks from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation. If denied, you can appeal in small claims court.

A Missouri CCW permit is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. You can renew before expiration—the Sheriff's Office provides the renewal application and conducts a background investigation during the renewal process.

What to bring for renewal: - Current driver license or non-driver license with CCW endorsement - Proof of current address (utility bills, rental papers, etc., if needed) - $50 in exact cash or money order (nonrefundable)

Grace Period: You have 6 months after expiration to renew without re-taking the firearms safety course. However, late fees of $10 per month apply. After 6 months, you'll need another background check and must pay the full $100 first-time permit fee.

• •Moving to a different county? Notify your new sheriff's office within 30 days and provide proof of residency. Processing fee: $10.

• •Lost or destroyed permit? Report it within 7 days. Replacement permit costs $10 and keeps the same expiration date as your original.

• •Changed your name? Get a corrected permit within 30 days and provide proof of the name change. Processing fee: $10.

Those interested in teaching concealed carry courses can apply to become a state-approved instructor in Clay County. Complete the Concealed Carry Instructor application with required documentation and submit it to the Sheriff's Office.

Missouri's CCW permits are recognized in multiple states. The Missouri Attorney General's Office maintains a list of states with concealed carry reciprocity. However, laws and restrictions vary by state, so contact local law enforcement before traveling with your weapon.

27 S. Main Street Liberty, Missouri 64068 (816) 407-3740 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Note: The Sheriff's Office does not accept debit or credit cards—bring cash, money order, or cashier's check only.