Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Minnesota operates under a shall-issue policy for handgun permits, where a sheriff may only deny a permit if there is a substantial likelihood of danger to oneself or others. Permits are issued by the Sheriff’s office in the applicant’s county of residence.
Private handgun sales in Minnesota do not require a permit, background check, or firearm registration.
Both concealed and open carry are legal with a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) or a permit from a state that Minnesota honors. There is no stipulation requiring the handgun to be concealed.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
On March 31, 2023, a federal judge ruled unconstitutional a Minnesota law that previously required individuals to be at least 21 years old to obtain a permit to carry a handgun in public. Resident and non-resident permits are available, and non-residents may apply at any sheriff’s office.
No permit is required for transporting a firearm, keeping it at home, or having it in a place of business. Minnesota honors permits from states with similar requirements in terms of reciprocity.
Under Minnesota law, the intentional taking of another person’s life is legal only when necessary to prevent great bodily harm, death, or the commission of a felony.
Minnesota imposes a duty to retreat, meaning deadly force is justified only as a last resort when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent great bodily harm, death, or the commission of a felony. While Minnesota does not have a Castle Doctrine law, it recognizes similar principles.
Reasonable force is permissible under Minnesota law in various circumstances, including resisting an offense against oneself or others, defending property from trespass or interference, and in lawful authority roles such as parents, teachers, or school employees ensuring safety.
[Minn. Stat. §§ 609.06 & 609.065]
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Does Minnesota have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Minnesota does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
Does Minnesota allow constitutional carry?
No. Minnesota does not allow constitutional carry.
Does Minnesota have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Metal-penetrating bullets cannot be used during the commission of a crime.
If Minnesota requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Minnesota gun laws operate under a shall-issue policy. A sheriff may only deny a permit if there is a “substantial likelihood” that the applicant would be a danger to oneself or others.
What is the minimum age in Minnesota to get a concealed carry permit?
You must be at least 21 years old to get a concealed carry permit in Minnesota.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Minnesota with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A concealed carry permit does not allow you to carry weapons other than firearms.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Minnesota?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit, but a background check is required.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Minnesota?
Yes, under certain conditions. A person may possess and use an authorized tear gas compound in defense of themselves or their property, provided it is propelled from an aerosol container and the person is at least 16 years old.
Is open carry permitted in Minnesota?
Yes. Open carry is permitted with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state that Minnesota recognizes.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Minnesota? An innkeeper may refuse service or accommodations to any person bringing firearms into the hotel. Contact the hotel directly to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
[Minn. Stat. § 327.73, subd. 2(a)(3)]
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
Does Minnesota have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? An employer or postsecondary institution may not prohibit the lawful carry or possession of firearms in a parking facility or parking area.
[Minn. Stat. § 624.714 Subd. 18.]
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Minnesota? Yes, with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes. Otherwise, it must be unloaded and either in the closed trunk or in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, or securely tied package.
[Minn. Stat. § 624.714 Subd. 9(5)][Minn. Stat. § 97B.045]
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Minnesota? A loaded handgun may be carried only with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes.
[Minn. Stat. § 97B.045]
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Minnesota? Yes, with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes. Firearms are prohibited on specific WMAs: Bayport WMA (Washington County), Hastings WMA (Dakota County), and Raguet WMA (Scott and Carver Counties). Refer to the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Minnesota. Without a permit, firearms on state park or forest lands must be unloaded and cased, and bows unstrung near certain areas.
[Minn. Stat. § 624.714][6230.0200 Subp. 4 MN Admin Rules][6100.0800 Subd. 1 MN Admin Rules][6100.3600 MN Admin Rules][Minn. Stat. § 324.504(8)]
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Minnesota? Yes, you can carry with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes, unless posted. However, you must not be under the influence (defined as >0.04 blood alcohol level).
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Minnesota?
- There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Minnesota unless the officer asks.
- [Minn. Stat. § 624.714 Subd 1b]
Driver’s License Linked to Carry Permit?
- Is my Minnesota driver’s license linked to my Minnesota carry permit?
- Yes. Your Minnesota driver’s license is linked to your Minnesota pistol carry permit.
Non-Resident Permitting?
- Does Minnesota issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
- Yes. Non-residents may apply for permits following the same process as Minnesota residents.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
- Does Minnesota allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
- No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Red Flag Law?
- Does Minnesota have a red flag law?
- Yes, as of January 1, 2024.
Preemption?
- Does Minnesota have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
- Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws, except that local governments may regulate the discharge of firearms. In addition, according to statute, a person may sue a government official personally, and seek damages and attorney fees, for allegedly violating the state’s preemption statute.
- [Minn. Stat. § 471.633][Minn. Stat. § 624.717][Minn. Stat. § 624.7192(e)]
Brandishing?
- Does Minnesota state law define brandishing?
- No definition of brandishing was found in Minnesota law. However, recklessly handling or using a gun so as to endanger the safety of another, or intentionally pointing a gun, whether loaded or unloaded, at another person is considered a crime.
- [Minn. Stat. § 609.66]
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Minnesota?
- No. It is considered a petty misdemeanor if a reasonable request is made that firearms not be brought into the establishment or if a conspicuous sign is prominently posted at every entrance and there is a refusal to leave.
- [Minn. Stat. § 624.714 Subd.17(a)]
Carry While Using Alcohol or a Controlled Substance?
- Does Minnesota have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or a controlled substance?
- Carry is prohibited while in a public place in any of these situations:
- When a person is under the influence of a controlled substance, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 152.01;
- When a person is under the influence of a combination of any two or more of the elements named in Minn. Stat. § 152.01 and/or alcohol;
- When a person is under the influence of an intoxicating substance as defined in Minn. Stat. § 169A.03, and the person knows or has reason to know that the substance has the capacity to cause impairment;
- When a person is under the influence of alcohol;
- When the person’s alcohol concentration is 0.04 or more.
- [Minn. Stat. § 624.7142]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
MINNESOTA PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current Minnesota concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? No.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm, to keep or carry a firearm at a business, dwelling house, premises or on land possessed by the person. A landlord cannot restrict the lawful carry or possession of firearms by tenants or their guests.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Minnesota? Yes. As of August 1st, 2023, both the owner and the recipient must fill out a record of transfer about the gun and themselves, and authorities will have 30 days to process the transfer. A sheriff or chief of police can deny an application. They must give the applicant written notification on why there was a denial, including the source of the information. The applicant can appeal the decision but has only 20 days to do so and will be responsible for their own legal and court fees.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Minnesota? No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Minnesota.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Minnesota? There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Minnesota with a permit or a Permit to Purchase/Transfer. Without one of those permits, upon the purchase of a handgun from a FFL, there is a five- to seven-day waiting period (unless the chief of police or sheriff waives all or a portion of the waiting period).
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Minnesota? Anyone acquiring a handgun through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) must have a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol or a Permit to Purchase/Transfer a Firearm. A permit to carry is valid for five years and authorizes unlimited purchases within that time period. Without one of those permits, the FFL must perform a background check.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Minnesota? 18 years old.
To buy or transfer ownership of a firearm in Minnesota, you must have a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol or a Permit to Purchase/Transfer a Firearm. The application for a Permit to Purchase/Transfer a Firearm must be submitted in person to your local police chief or county sheriff’s office. You must also present your Minnesota driver’s license or state-issued photo ID. After your application has been submitted, your local police chief or county sheriff’s office will run a background check. Generally this process takes 7 days to complete. Upon clearing the background check, you will be issued a Permit to Purchase/Transfer a Firearm through the mail, which will be valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. For single-purchase transactions, many gun shops in the state will allow you to apply for a permit to purchase directly at the store. You will still be required to pass a background check before making a purchase. A gun shop may charge for this service. Not every gun shop in the state will process permit applications, per their own discretion.
Alaska
California
Idaho (Enhanced permits only)
Illinois
Kansas (Standard permit only)
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana (Enhanced Permits Only)
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only)
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota (Enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (At least 21 years old, regular permit only)
Under Minnesota law, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is required to publish a list of states which have handgun carry permit laws that are not similar to Minnesota’s permit-to-carry law [624.714 Subd. 16]. The minimum age is 21 years old.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Wisconsin
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
New permit to carry will be determined by the county sheriff, not to exceed $100. 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 applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age. On March 31, 2023, a federal judge struck down a Minnesota law requiring a person to be at least 21 before obtaining a permit to carry a handgun in public, finding it violated the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
- Complete an application form;
- Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota law;
- Not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system;
- Be a resident of the county from which he or she is requesting a permit, if he or she resides in Minnesota (Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.);
- Provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Minnesota.
30 days (but can take up to 6 weeks)
Moving to Minnesota and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Minnesota issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. In order to apply for a resident permit, you may need to provide a Minnesota driver’s license or state ID.
Moving from Minnesota and have a Minnesota resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Minnesota permit remains valid? If a person with a Minnesota permit to concealed carry establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided he or she submits the above referenced name/address change form.
Within 30 days of having lost or destroyed the permit card, the permit holder must notify the issuing sheriff’s office of the loss or destruction. The permit holder must provide a notarized statement that the card has been lost or destroyed. Failure to provide notification as required is a petty misdemeanor. The permit holder may obtain a replacement permit card by paying $10 to the sheriff.
5 years
Link to application
Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff by following the process below.
Within 30 days after changing permanent address, the permit holder must notify the issuing Sheriff’s office of the change, loss or destruction. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor. The permit holder may obtain an updated permit at a cost of $10.
Step 1: Complete a firearms training course within 1 year of your application.
Step 2: Download the application or pick one up from your county sheriff’s office.
Step 3: Submit the following documents to the sheriff’s office for the county in which you reside (non-residents must apply in-person to any Minnesota county sheriff):
- Completed application form
- Photocopy of certificate from firearms course
- Photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID card or photo page of your passport
- Pay the fee.
Step 4: You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Additional Information: Under Minnesota law, individuals must obtain a permit to carry a handgun in public. There is no stipulation in the law regarding whether that weapon must be concealed. A permit to carry constitutes a permit to purchase. A permit to carry is valid for five years and authorizes unlimited purchases within that time period.
Minnesota statutes mandate that permit applicants demonstrate completion of training from a certified instructor in handgun safety. This requirement applies both to original applications and renewals, and the training must be completed within 1 year. The training includes:
- Instruction on the fundamentals of pistol use
- Successful completion of a live shooting qualification exercise
- Education on the essential legal aspects of handgun possession, carry, and use, encompassing self-defense and limitations on the use of deadly force
Military personnel, despite their extensive firearms training, must also undergo instruction from a certified Minnesota-approved business organization regarding the legal aspects specific to “permit to carry” issues. For further guidance, military members can consult their local sheriff’s office.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a registry of certified firearms instructors, which can be accessed for finding qualified trainers in the state. This ensures compliance with state requirements for obtaining a permit to carry.
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. You can begin the renewal process 90 days before your current permit expires. If you miss the expiration date, you have up to 30 days after to renew with an additional late fee of $10. After 31 days, you must apply for a new gun permit. Your expired permit is not valid until you receive your new card.
Complete a firearms training course within one year of your renewal application.
Download the application or obtain it from the county clerk’s office.
Visit the county clerk’s office in your county or any Sheriff’s Department in Minnesota (for out-of-state permit holders) to sign the application under oath. Include:
- Training certificate
- Copy of your current driver’s license, state ID, or passport photo page (non-U.S. citizens must present an I-551 or I-151 card)
Pay the required fee. You will receive a receipt for your payment.
Within 45 days of having your fingerprints taken, the county clerk will issue your license or notify you of any statutory disqualification.
Yes, unless posted AND provided you are not under the influence.
No, you cannot carry without a permit/license.
Yes, you can carry with a permit.
Yes, except for the Bayport WMA, Hastings WMA, and Raguet WMA.
Yes, you can carry when traveling by private plane.
Minnesota courts have ruled that a church may prohibit firearms from its property, including parking facilities and areas owned or operated by the church.
- Public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school building and grounds
- School buses
- Portion of a building or facility under temporary, exclusive control of a school where signs are posted
- State correctional facilities
- State hospitals and grounds
- Private establishments with posted no-gun signs
- Places of employment restricting firearm possession
- Child care centers when children are present
- Any public place under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
- Minnesota Zoological Garden
- Hotels where innkeepers refuse service to those carrying firearms
- State game refuges
- Specific WMAs: Bayport WMA, Hastings WMA, and Raguet WMA
- Jails, lockups, or correctional facilities
- Churches may prohibit firearms on their property
- Places prohibited by federal or state law
Please refer to specific statutes and rules for detailed information.
Although wearing a mask to conceal one’s identity is illegal under Minnesota Statute, Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck clarified that wearing a mask for medical reasons, including preventing the spread of COVID-19, is permissible.
[Reference: Minn. Stat. § 609.735]
Minnesota has a Hunter Harassment Law that prohibits any intentional disruption or interference with lawful hunting activities, including travel, camping, or other outdoor acts related to hunting.
[Reference: Minn. Stat. § 97A.037]
Switchblades are illegal in Minnesota. Knives intended for utility purposes are generally legal to carry, but knives designed as weapons cannot be used recklessly. Certain locations like schools, courthouses, and state capitol buildings prohibit dangerous weapons.
[References: Minn. Stat. §§ 609.02, 609.66]
Yes, you can carry concealed while bow hunting in Minnesota if you have a valid Minnesota license to carry or a permit recognized by Minnesota.
Yes, you can carry concealed while shotgun/rifle hunting in Minnesota with a valid Minnesota license to carry or a recognized permit, except during shining activities.
[Per Pg 23–24 of 2018 MN Hunting & Trapping Regulations]
