FAQs

These answers are for information purposes only. Further clarification of the law may be addressed by referring directly to Minnesota State Statute 624.714.

Where can I apply for a permit to carry a pistol?
For Minnesota residents, individuals may obtain permits to carry a pistol by submitting an application and other related documentation to the sheriff in the county where the applicant resides. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.

Where can I get a permit to carry application?
Applications will be available at the county sheriff’s office and on the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website.

What are the requirements for getting a permit to carry?
◾Must be at least 21 years of age
◾Must complete an application form
◾Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota Statute 624.714
◾Must not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system
◾Must be a resident of the county from which you are requesting a permit, if you reside in Minnesota. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
◾Must provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training. Training by a certified instructor must be completed within one year of an original or renewal application. (624.714, Subd. 2a)

When is a permit to carry not required?
A permit to carry is not required of a person: (Minnesota Statute 624.714 Subd. 9)
◾To keep or carry about the person’s place of business, dwelling house, premises or on land possessed by the person a pistol; To carry a pistol from a place of purchase to the person’s dwelling house or place of business, or from the person’s dwelling house or place of business to or from a place where repairing is done, to have the pistol repaired;
◾To carry a pistol between the person’s dwelling house and place of business;
◾To carry a pistol in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this state for the purpose of hunting or of target shooting in a safe area;
◾To transport a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat if the pistol is unloaded, contained in a closed and fastened case, gun box, or securely tied package.

Do members of the military need to take additional firearms training in order to apply for a permit to carry?
Although members of the military received superb firearms training, they must receive training from an instructor that has been certified by an approved business organization in Minnesota. This additional training pertains to the legal aspects of “permit to carry issues”. Military members can contact their local sheriff’s office for further clarification and consideration.

What is the cost for a permit to carry?
The fee for a new permit to carry will be determined by the county sheriff, not to exceed $100. A fee for a renewal permit (applied for before the expiration date of a current permit to carry) will be determined by the county sheriff, not to exceed $75. An additional $10.00 fee will be charged for those applying for a renewal after the expiration date on the previous permit, but within 30 days of that expiration date.

How long do I have to wait to get my permit?
The county sheriff must either issue or deny a permit within 30 days of the application date.

How long is my permit valid?
New and renewal permits are valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Emergency permits are valid for 30 days.

Can I get an emergency permit to carry?
Emergency permits may be issued by the sheriff if he/she determines that the person is in an emergency situation that may constitute an immediate risk to the safety of the person or someone residing in the person’s household.

What would prevent me from getting a permit to carry?
Any applicant who does not meet the criteria as listed above is not eligible for a permit to carry a pistol. The sheriff may also deny the application if there is a substantial likelihood that the applicant is a danger to himself/herself or others if issued a permit to carry.

Where is my Minnesota permit valid?
Minnesota permits are valid throughout the state of Minnesota. Individuals interested in determining whether a Minnesota permit to carry is valid in another state should contact that state directly to determine what the carry laws are. You may also find other resources on the Internet to assist you.

Do I need to have my permit with me when carrying my pistol?
Yes, the permit holder must have the permit card and a valid driver’s license, state identification card, or other government-issued photo identification in immediate possession at all times when carrying a pistol and must display the permit card and identification document when requested by a peace officer.

Do I have to disclose to a peace officer that I am a permit holder and carrying a firearm?
Yes, upon request of a peace officer, a permit holder must disclose to the officer whether or not the permit holder is currently carrying a firearm.

Do I need to notify the sheriff’s office when I move?
Yes, a permit holder is required to notify the issuing sheriff’s office within 30 days of a permanent address change. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor.

Does the address and/or my new driver’s license number on my permit to carry need to match the address and/or drivers license number on my driver’s license?
No. A permit holder, however, is required to notify the issuing sheriff’s office within 30 days of a permanent address change. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor. The permit holder may, however, obtain an updated permit at a cost of $ 10.00. There is a statutory requirement to change the address on your driver’s license within 30 days after changing your residence (171.11).

What do I do if my permit card is lost or destroyed?
The permit holder must notify the issuing sheriff’s office within 30 days of having lost or destroyed the permit card. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor. The permit holder may obtain a replacement permit card by paying $10.00 to the sheriff.

If I have a permit to carry a pistol do I have to conceal the pistol?
No. Minnesota’s Personal Protection Act is a permit to carry law, not a conceal and carry law. The pistol does not need to be concealed, but can be concealed.

If I have a permit to carry a pistol do I need to apply for a permit to purchase if I want to purchase a handgun?
No. Under Minnesota law, handgun transfers involve any sale, gift, loan, assignment or other delivery to another person. If you possess a valid permit to carry a handgun, that permit constitutes a permit to purchase. You don’t need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.

Where am I prohibited from carrying my pistol?
◾School property
◾A childcare center while children are present
◾Public colleges and universities – may have policy restricting the carrying of weapons on their premises by employees and students while on campus
◾Private establishments that have posted a sign banning guns on their premises
◾Private establishments who have personally informed the permit holder that guns are prohibited and demands compliance
◾Places of employment, public or private, if employer restricts the carry or possession of firearms by is employees
◾State correctional facilities or state hospitals and grounds (MN Statute 243.55)
◾Any jail, lockup or correctional facility (MN Statute 641.165)
◾Courthouse complexes, unless the sheriff is notified (MN Statute 609.66)
◾Offices and courtrooms of the Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
◾Any state building in the Capitol Area of St. Paul described in MN Statute Chapter 15B unless the commissioner of public safety is notified (MN Statute 609.66)
◾In federal court facilities or other federal facilities (Title 18 U.S.C.§ 930)

Can private establishments prohibit carrying pistols on their premises?
Yes, private establishments must post a notice banning guns on their premises or personally notify patrons that guns are not allowed.

Can my landlord restrict me from carrying or possessing firearms on residence premises?
Landlords may not restrict the lawful carry or possession of firearms by tenants or their guests.

Can my employer prohibit carrying pistols in the work place?
Yes, an employer may establish policies that restrict the carry or possession of firearms by is employees while the employee is working.

Can active licensed officers carry in private establishments?
Yes, active licensed peace officers, or security guards acting in the course and scope of employment, may carry firearms in private establishments.

If I am a resident of a state that does not have reciprocity with Minnesota but have a permit to carry from a state that does, may I carry in Minnesota?
Yes.

If I am a permit holder from another state traveling in or visiting Minnesota and I do not have a permit to carry that is recognized by Minnesota, where can I legally store my firearm while in Minnesota?
Transporting firearms without a permit requires the person to have the unloaded cased firearm in the trunk of the vehicle. For details on transporting firearms, refer to Minnesota Statute 97B.045, Transportation of Firearms.

How can I legally transport a firearm from one place to another without obtaining a permit to carry?
Transporting firearms without a permit requires the person to have the firearm unloaded and fully enclosed in a case made to contain a firearm. For full details on transporting firearms, refer to Minnesota Statute 97B.045, Transportation of Firearms.

When does my permit expire?
Any 5 year permit expires at 12:00 A.M. midnight on the date of expiration listed on the permit.

After my five-year permit to carry expires, do I need to retake the approved firearms training class before I apply for a renewal permit?
Yes. Applicants must present evidence that they have received training in the safe use of a pistol within one year of the date of an original or renewal application. (MN Statute 624.714 Subd. 2a)

Where do I renew my permit?
Permits must be renewed at the county sheriff’s office in the county where the applicant currently resides. Out of state permit holders can renew at any sheriff’s office.

When can I renew my permit?
Not prior to 90 days of the expiration date of the current permit. The maximum renewal gun permit fee will be $75.00.

After the expiration date, but within 30 days after the expiration, you can renew your permit by paying an additional late fee of $10.00. During this time your past permit is not valid, and you will not be able to carry until your renewal permit has been approved and issued. 31 days after expiration, you will no longer be able to renew your permit, but will have to apply for a new gun permit. The maximum gun permit fee will then be $100.00.

What is the process for renewing my permit?
◾Take an authorized firearms training class within one year prior to your renewal application.
◾Deliver the application packet, not prior to 90 days of the expiration date of the current permit, in person to the Sheriff’s Department in the county where you currently reside, or for out of state permit holders, to any Sheriff’s Department in the State of Minnesota.
◾The packet must contain a completed application, signed and dated with the renewal box checked and an original certificate of completed authorized firearms training. You must present a current drivers license, state identification card or the photo page of your passport (not a US citizen but permanent resident must present an I-551 or I-151 card).

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