Minnesota CCW Laws & Reciprocity Map

Permit

- Issuing state
- Permitless carry
- Reciprocating states
- Restricted reciprocity
- No reciprocity

Reciprocating

States

States MN

honors

UPDATED JANUARY 9, 2020

We have completed our annual review of Minnesota gun laws and are confident everything in this report is correct. A major re-design of this page was finished and new sections installed.

Your Guide

Mark
Woodward

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Minnesota gun laws operate on a shall-issue policy with permits being issued at the local level. The state has full preemption over local laws relating to firearms. Permits from other states will be honoured provided that states carry laws are similar to Minnesotas.

The gun laws in Minnesota are not restrictive and lay somewhere in the middle when compared to other states. Non-residents of the state can also apply for a CCW permit without too much difficulty although they will need to make a personal appearance in Minnesota. A couple of things that differ from other states is that you will need a permit to purchase a handgun and there is additional training required when you renew a permit to carry. The permit to carry acts as a permit to purchase and there is a seperate permit to purchase/transfer available if a person does not have the carry permit. Minnesota also has a duty to retreat law so a gun can only be used as a last resort.

Rating of Minnesota Gun Laws

Rating

Average

total USa

CCW permits

289K

Permits Issued

5.6M

State
Population

Population with Permit

Years
Valid

$100

Initial
Fee

$500

Cost for
5 Years

States
Honored

Reciprocating
States

States not
Reciprocating

Minnesota permit fee

Initial Fee

$100

Average USA Fee

$55

Quick Facts on Minnesota Gun Laws

A quick look at the laws

	Carry in Vehicle		Details
	Must Notify Officer		Details
	State Park Carry		Details
	No Gun Signs Enforced		Details
	Open Carry		Details
	Restaurant Carry		Details
	Constitutional Carry

Summary of Minnesota Gun Laws

If your in a rush here is a brief overview

Subject	Hand Gun	Long Gun	Notes
Ammunition restrictions
Assault weapon law			Assault weapons can be purchased by persons 18 or older with a permit to purchase or a permit to carry for persons 21 or older.
Background checks			Background checks are not required for private sales.
Concealed carry permit required			Carrying handguns requires a Minnesota Permit to Carry. The permit does not require handguns to be concealed but it is legal to conceal a handgun if you wish to carry that way.
Firearm registration
Magazine capacity restriction
Open carry permit required?			You can carry a handgun or long gun openly if you have a Permit to Carry a Pistol. It is illegal to carry a BB gun, shotgun or rifle openly in a public place without a permit.
Owner permit required
Peaceable journey law			Provided a gun is unloaded, in a case and legally possessed it my be transported in a motor vehicle.
Purchase permit required			For Minnesota residents a Permit to Carry acts as permit to purchase. No permit is required to purchase shotguns or rifles. A permit to purchase is required if you want to transfer long guns with a pistol grip or handguns through a FFL dealer.
Restriction on NFA weapons			Short-barreled shotguns and machine guns are prohibited. Short-barreled rifles and sound suppressors are legal.
State preemption of local restrictions			Discharge of firearms can be regulated by municipalities within their borders.

= YES

= NO

= Not Applicable

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The Research

Minnesota concealed carry permit Info
CCW training in Minnesota
Application procedure for a Minnesota permit to carry
Renewal procedure for a Minnesota permit to carry
Minnesota reciprocity guide
Essential forms for a Minnesota permit to carry
Off-limit places in Minnesota for carrying a firearm
Minnesota constitutional provisions
Minnesota gun laws & statutes
Handgun purchases in Minnesota
Minnesota licensing offices
FAQ on Minnesota gun laws
Minnesota concealed carry links

Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

Information on the Minnesota concealed carry permit.

Overview of the Minnesota Permit to Carry

All individuals under Minnesota law are required to obtain a permit to carry a handgun in public. You do not need a permit to carry a handgun around your home or place of business, more details are in the statutes section below. The permit to carry is also valid as a permit to purchase and can be used to make unlimited purchases until the permit expires.

Requirements

To qualify for a Minnesota Permit to Carry applicants must meet these criteria.

Must be at least 21 years old
You must be a US citizen or legal alien.
Completed a firearms training course.
No felony conviction
No drug violations
No violent crimes
No misdemeanor punishable by more than two years in prison
You must not have any outstanding warrants
You must not be subject to a current restraining order
It must be more than five years since any treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have been hospitalized for mental illness, you must submit an affidavit from a registered physician endorsing your ability to possess a firearm.
Federal Law - Prohibits the following persons

Valid For

5 Years

Non-Resident Permits

Permits to carry are issued to non-residents. The application process and the fee is the same as for residents. The only difference is that non-residents can apply at any Minnesota county sheriffs office.

Address & Name Changes

The issuing Sheriffs office must be informed within 30 days if you change your name or permanent address. An updated permit can be obtained for a fee of $10. Failing to notify the Sheriff of any name or permanent address change is a petty misdemeanour.

Stolen or Lost Permits

If a permit is stolen or lost then the issuing sheriff must be notified within 30 days. The sheriff will also require a notarised statement that the permit has been lost or stolen. Replacement permits can be obtained for $10. Failure to notify the sheriff within 30 days that your permit has been lost or stolen is a petty misdemeanour.

Fee schedule

Application Conditions	Original	Renewal
Permit to carry	$100	$75
Late fee		$10

Note

Application fee's for a permit to carry in Minnesota vary in each county and are set by the county sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office is restricted by law as to the maximum amount they can charge for a permit. For new permits the fee cannot be set to more than $100 and $75 for renewals. There is a $10 late fee if a renewal application is made after the permits expiry date. The late fee can only be charged for up to 30 days after the permits expiry date and then a new permit application must be filed.

Statutes

Subd. 2.

(a) Applications by Minnesota residents for permits to carry shall be made to the county sheriff where the applicant resides. Nonresidents, as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 42, may apply to any sheriff.
(b) Unless a sheriff denies a permit under the exception set forth in subdivision 6, paragraph (a), clause (3), a sheriff must issue a permit to an applicant if the person:

has training in the safe use of a pistol;
is at least 21 years old and a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States;
completes an application for a permit;
is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under the following sections:

is not listed in the criminal gang investigative data system under section 299C.091.

(c) A permit to carry a pistol issued or recognized under this section is a state permit and is effective throughout the state.

(d) A sheriff may contract with a police chief to process permit applications under this section. If a sheriff contracts with a police chief, the sheriff remains the issuing authority and the police chief acts as the sheriff's agent. If a sheriff contracts with a police chief, all of the provisions of this section will apply.

624.714(2) - Minnesota Statutes

Subd. 21.

Fees collected by sheriffs under this section and not forwarded to the commissioner must be used only to pay the direct costs of administering this section. Fee money may be used to pay the costs of appeals of prevailing applicants or permit holders under subdivision 8, paragraph (c); subdivision 12, paragraph (e); and subdivision 16, paragraph (c). Fee money may also be used to pay the reasonable costs of the county attorney to represent the sheriff in proceedings under this section. The revenues must be maintained in a segregated fund. Fund balances must be carried over from year to year and do not revert to any other fund. As part of the information supplied under subdivision 20, paragraph (b), by January 31 of each year, a sheriff must report to the commissioner on the sheriff's segregated fund for the preceding calendar year, including information regarding:

nature and amount of revenues;
nature and amount of expenditures; and
nature and amount of balances.

624.714(21) - Minnesota Statutes

Subd. 7a.

(a) Within 30 days after changing permanent address, or within 30 days of having lost or destroyed the permit card, the permit holder must notify the issuing sheriff of the change, loss, or destruction. Failure to provide notification as required by this subdivision is a petty misdemeanor. The fine for a first offense must not exceed $25. Notwithstanding section 609.531, a firearm carried in violation of this paragraph is not subject to forfeiture.
(b) After notice is given under paragraph (a), a permit holder may obtain a replacement permit card by paying $10 to the sheriff. The request for a replacement permit card must be made on an official, standardized application adopted for this purpose under section 624.7151, and, except in the case of an address change, must include a notarized statement that the permit card has been lost or destroyed.

A permit to carry is not required of a person:

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.

CCW Training in Minnesota

Minnesota permit to carry training requirements.

Find a Course

Training Summary

Under Minnesota law applicants for a concealed carry permit are required to provide evidence that they have completed a training course on the safe use of a handgun within 1 year of either a permit application or renewal. The course must be provided by a certified instructor.

Requirements

Firearms training must include the following;

Instructions on how to use a pistol.
Successful completion of a shooting exercise.
Legal aspects of Possessing, carrying and using a pistol.
When deadly force can be used and restrictions on it's use.

When Required

Within one year of the application for a CCW permit. Attendance at a firearms training course is required for original and renewal applications for a CCW permit.

Certificate

Certificates must be signed by a certified instructor stating the person attended and passed the firearms course.

Military

Military personnel are not exempt from training. They must complete the same standard course that Minnesota state residents take. I would discuss this with the sheriff as he can accept other evidence of training.

Accepted Courses

Peace officers employed in Minnesota within the last year.
The Sheriff may also accept other evidence of training in the safe use of a pistol. However, the law does not define what the evidence can be so it is left up to the discretion of the sheriff.

Statute

(a) An applicant must present evidence that the applicant received training in the safe use of a pistol within one year of the date of an original or renewal application. Training may be demonstrated by:
1. employment as a peace officer in the state of Minnesota within the past year; or
2. completion of a firearms safety or training course providing basic training in the safe use of a pistol and conducted by a certified instructor.
(b) Basic training must include:
1. instruction in the fundamentals of pistol use;
2. successful completion of an actual shooting qualification exercise; and
3. instruction in the fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession, carry, and use, including self-defense and the restrictions on the use of deadly force.
(c) The certified instructor must issue a certificate to a person who has completed a firearms safety or training course described in paragraph (b) The certificate must be signed by the instructor and attest that the person attended and completed the course.
(d) A person qualifies as a certified instructor if the person is certified as a firearms instructor within the past five years by an organization or government entity that has been approved by the Department of Public Safety in accordance with the department's standards.
(e) A sheriff must accept the training described in this subdivision as meeting the requirement in subdivision 2, paragraph (b), for training in the safe use of a pistol. A sheriff may also accept other satisfactory evidence of training in the safe use of a pistol.

624.714(2)(a) - Minnesota Statutes

Minnesota Permit to Carry Applications

How to apply for a Minnesota permit to carry

Permit Application Procedure

Residents of Minnesota will need to file their permit applications with the local county sheriff while non-residents can file their application at any county sheriffs office or the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

1

You will need to complete a firearms training course within one year prior to your permit application.

2

Download the Permit To Carry a Pistol application form. You can also pick the application form up at your county sheriff's office.

3

Check that you have these documents;

A completed application form.
A photocopy of your firearms training course certificate.
A photocopy of identification, this can be a state drivers license, ID card or the photo page from your passport.

4

You will then need to submit the completed application and documents to the sheriff's office in your county of residence. Non-residents may submit the application at any Minnesota county sheriff's office.

5

You will be notified within 30 days by mail if your application has been approved or denied.

Note

The law states that the county sheriff has 30 days from the application date in which to approve or deny a carry permit.
If a person is wrongfully denied a permit (decided by courts) then the sheriff is required to reimburse all legal fees incurred by the applicant.
A carry permit is a valid purchase permit and authorises unlimited purchases for the life of the permit, (5 years).

Statutes

§Subdivision 1. Ineligible persons.

The following persons shall not be entitled to possess ammunition or a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon or, except for clause (1), any other firearm:

A person who issues a certificate pursuant to this section in good faith is not liable for damages resulting or arising from the actions or misconduct with a firearm or ammunition committed by the individual who is the subject of the certificate.

The prohibition in this subdivision relating to the possession of firearms other than pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons does not apply retroactively to persons who are prohibited from possessing a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon under this subdivision before August 1, 1994.

The lifetime prohibition on possessing, receiving, shipping, or transporting firearms and ammunition for persons convicted or adjudicated delinquent of a crime of violence in clause (2), applies only to offenders who are discharged from sentence or court supervision for a crime of violence on or after August 1, 1993. For purposes of this section, "judicial determination" means a court proceeding pursuant to sections 253B.07 to 253B.09 or a comparable law from another state.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 6.

(a) The sheriff must, within 30 days after the date of receipt of the application packet described in subdivision 3:

issue the permit to carry;
deny the application for a permit to carry solely on the grounds that the applicant failed to qualify under the criteria described in subdivision 2, paragraph (b); or
deny the application on the grounds that there exists a substantial likelihood that the applicant is a danger to self or the public if authorized to carry a pistol under a permit.

(b) Failure of the sheriff to notify the applicant of the denial of the application within 30 days after the date of receipt of the application packet constitutes issuance of the permit to carry and the sheriff must promptly fulfill the requirements under paragraph

(c). To deny the application, the sheriff must provide the applicant with written notification and the specific factual basis justifying the denial under paragraph (a), clause (2) or (3), including the source of the factual basis. The sheriff must inform the applicant of the applicant's right to submit, within 20 business days, any additional documentation relating to the propriety of the denial. Upon receiving any additional documentation, the sheriff must reconsider the denial and inform the applicant within 15 business days of the result of the reconsideration. Any denial after reconsideration must be in the same form and substance as the original denial and must specifically address any continued deficiencies in light of the additional documentation submitted by the applicant. The applicant must be informed of the right to seek de novo review of the denial as provided in subdivision 12. (c) Upon issuing a permit to carry, the sheriff must provide a laminated permit card to the applicant by first class mail unless personal delivery has been made. Within five business days, the sheriff must submit the information specified in subdivision 7, paragraph (a), to the commissioner for inclusion solely in the database required under subdivision 15, paragraph (a). The sheriff must transmit the information in a manner and format prescribed by the commissioner.

(d) Within five business days of learning that a permit to carry has been suspended or revoked, the sheriff must submit information to the commissioner regarding the suspension or revocation for inclusion solely in the databases required or permitted under subdivision 15.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the sheriff may suspend the application process if a charge is pending against the applicant that, if resulting in conviction, will prohibit the applicant from possessing a firearm.

Subd. 12.

Gun Related News in Minnesota

News clips on Minnesota gun laws.

What requirements are there to buy a gun in Minnesota?

What self defense rights do you have in Minnesota?

Minnesota Permit to Carry Renewals

How to renew your Minnesota permit to carry

Permit Renewal Procedure

Some Sheriff's offices will inform permit holders via mail when their permit is about to expire. However, this is not required by law so you cannot rely on getting a renewal notice. It is up to the permit holder to know their permits expiry date. You also need to factor in that a handgun safety course will need to be passed before any renewal application can be filed.

1

First of all check your permits expiry date with the list below. How you proceed will be determined as too were the permits expiry date fits into the below list. If 31 days has elapsed since the expiry date then you cannot renew the permit and will need to apply for a new one.

2

You will need to complete an authorised firearms training course within one year before you file your renewal application. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete the course before the expiry date on your permit and do not leave everything to the last minute.

3

Download the renewal application form. This is the same form used for initial permit applications and all you need to do is check the renewal box on the form.

4

Check that you have these documents;

Application form
Photocopy of your firearms training certificate
A state drivers license or state ID card or the photo page of your passport.
I-551 or I-151 card if you are not a US citizen but a permanent resident.

5

Minnesota law requires that all permits be renewed in person and are issued through the sheriff’s office. So you will need to deliver in person the above listed documents to the sheriff's office in the county that you reside. Non-residents can deliver the documents to any Minnesota sheriff's office.

Expiration Dates

90 days before expiration date - Permits can be renewed within this time period.
30 days after expiration date - Permits can still be renewed but there will be an additional late fee of $10.
31 days after expiration date - Permits can no longer be renewed. You will need to begin a new application for a permit to carry.

NOTE - Expired permits are not valid until a new card is issued.

Statute

Subd. 7.

(c) A permit to carry a pistol issued under this section expires five years after the date of issue. It may be renewed in the same manner and under the same criteria which the original permit was obtained, subject to the following procedures:
1. no earlier than 90 days prior to the expiration date on the permit, the permit holder may renew the permit by submitting to the appropriate sheriff the application packet described in subdivision 3 and a renewal processing fee not to exceed the actual and reasonable direct cost of processing the application or $75, whichever is less. Of this amount, $5 must be submitted to the commissioner and deposited into the general fund. The sheriff must process the renewal application in accordance with subdivisions 4 and 6; and
2. a permit holder who submits a renewal application packet after the expiration date of the permit, but within 30 days after expiration, may renew the permit as provided in clause (1) by paying an additional late fee of $10.
(d) The renewal permit is effective beginning on the expiration date of the prior permit to carry.

Minnesota Reciprocity Guide

What states honor the Minnesota permit to carry?

How Minnesota Honors Other States Permits

Minnesota law requires the Commissioner to publish each year a list of states that have concealed carry laws that are not similar to the laws of Minnesota. The list must be published on the internet and any CCW permits from states on the list WILL NOT be honored in Minnesota. Check out the official Minnesota state reciprocity list.

Subd. 16.

(a) The commissioner must annually establish and publish a list of other states that have laws governing the issuance of permits to carry weapons that are not similar to this section. The list must be available on the Internet. A person holding a carry permit from a state not on the list may use the license or permit in this state subject to the rights, privileges, and requirements of this section.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), no license or permit from another state is valid in this state if the holder is or becomes prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
(c) Any sheriff or police chief may file a petition under subdivision 12 seeking an order suspending or revoking an out-of-state permit holder's authority to carry a pistol in this state on the grounds set forth in subdivision 6, paragraph (a), clause (3). An order shall only be issued if the petitioner meets the burden of proof and criteria set forth in subdivision 12. If the court denies the petition, the court must award the permit holder reasonable costs and expenses including attorney fees. The petition may be filed in any county in the state where a person holding a license or permit from another state can be found.
(d) The commissioner must, when necessary, execute reciprocity agreements regarding carry permits with jurisdictions whose carry permits are recognized under paragraph (a).

624.714(16) - Minnesota Statutes

Minnesota Reciprocity

States

Concealed carry permits from other states that Minnesota honors.

Alaska
Delaware¹
Idaho³
Illinois
Kansas

Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
New Jersey
New Mexico

North Dakota²
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota⁴
West Virginia¹

Must be at least 21 years old.
Class 1 permits only and at least 21 years old.
Enhanced permits only.
Enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old.

Reciprocating States

states

States that honor a Minnesota permit

Alabama
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana

Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
North Dakota

Ohio
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
Wisconsin

Restricted Reciprocity

States

States that will not honor all Minnesota permits.

Michigan¹

South Carolina¹

1. Will only honor "Resident Only" permits and not those issued to non-residents.

States Not Reciprocating

States

States that will not honor a Minnesota permit

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii

Illinois
Maine
Massachusetts
Maryland
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York

Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Texas
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming

Districts Not Reciprocating

Districts

Districts and territories that will not honor a Minnesota permit

American Samoa
District of Columbia

Guam
North Marianas

Porto Rico
Virgin Islands

Constitutional Carry

States

No permit required in these states

Arizona³
Alaska³
Arkansas³
Kansas³
Kentucky³

Maine³
Mississippi
Missouri²
New Hampshire¹
Oklahoma³

South Dakota¹
Vermont¹
West Virginia³

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must be at least 19 years old.
Must be at least 21 years old.

Essential Forms for a Minnesota Permit to Carry

All the forms you need for a Minnesota concealed carry permit.

Days to process

new license

Click a form to download

Application/Renewal to carry pistol

Permit to Purchase

Ownership of relic or machine gun

LEOSA Form

LEOSA Instructions

Off-limit Places in Minnesota for Carrying a Firearm

Places listed as off limits still apply if you have a Minnesota permit to carry.

off limit places for concealed carry in Minnesota

Restricted Carry Locations

The locations under the restricted tab are off-limits to any person carrying a handgun. This includes persons who have a permit to carry from Minnesota or any other state.

Public or private elementary, middle or secondary school building and grounds;
A child care center while children are present;
School buses being used to transport elementary, middle, or secondary school students to and from school-related activities,
Portion of a building or facility under the temporary, exclusive control of a public or private school where signs are posted;
Public colleges and universities (may have policies restricting the carrying of weapons on their premises by employees and students while on campus);
Minnesota courts have ruled that a church may prohibit firearms from its property, including parking facilities and parking areas owned or operated by the church, and may notify its employees and the public in any manner it chooses;
Private establishments that have posted a sign banning guns on their premises;
Places of employment, public or private, if employer restricts the carry or possession of firearms by its employees;
Innkeepers may refuse to admit or refuse service or accommodations to any person the innkeeper reasonably believes is bringing firearms into the hotel;
Any public place when under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or any combination thereof;
State correctional facilities; State hospitals and grounds; Any jail, lockup or correctional facility;
and Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, provided you are not under the influence or the business is not posted.
Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes/No (Must be unloaded and cased without a permit)
Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes, with a permit.
Carry in State parks, forest recreation areas and wildlife management areas? Yes
Carry when traveling by private plane? Yes
Carry in places of worship? The church is entitled to post a NO GUNS sign since it is a private property.

Statutes

Subd. 1d.

Subd. 1g.

(a) A person who commits either of the following acts is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both:

possesses a dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosives within any courthouse complex; or
possesses a dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosives in any state building within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, other than the National Guard Armory.

(b) Unless a person is otherwise prohibited or restricted by other law to possess a dangerous weapon, this subdivision does not apply to:

licensed peace officers or military personnel who are performing official duties;
persons who carry pistols according to the terms of a permit issued under section 624.714 and who so notify the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety, as appropriate;
persons who possess dangerous weapons for the purpose of display as demonstrative evidence during testimony at a trial or hearing or exhibition in compliance with advance notice and safety guidelines set by the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety; or
persons who possess dangerous weapons in a courthouse complex with the express consent of the county sheriff or who possess dangerous weapons in a state building with the express consent of the commissioner of public safety.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, the issuance of a permit to carry under section 624.714 constitutes notification of the commissioner of public safety as required under paragraph (b), clause (2).

Subdivision 1.Innkeeper's right to eject.
(a) An innkeeper may remove or cause to be removed from a hotel a guest or other person who:

refuses or is unable to pay for accommodations or services;
while on the premises of the hotel acts in an obviously intoxicated or disorderly manner, destroys or threatens to destroy hotel property, or causes or threatens to cause a disturbance;
the innkeeper reasonably believes is using the premises for the unlawful possession or use of controlled substances by the person in violation of chapter 152, or using the premises for the consumption of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 years in violation of section 340A.503;
the innkeeper reasonably believes has brought property into the hotel that may be dangerous to other persons, such as firearms or explosives;
violates any federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, or rules relating to the hotel; or
violates a rule of the hotel that is clearly and conspicuously posted at or near the front desk and on the inside of the entrance door of every guest room.

(b) If the guest has paid in advance, the innkeeper shall tender to the guest any unused portion of the advance payment at the time of removal.

§Subdivision 1.Definition.

"Contraband" is any controlled substance as defined in section 152.01, subdivision 4, or any intoxicating or alcoholic liquor or malt beverage.

Subd. 2.Acts prohibited.

(a) Whoever introduces or in any manner causes the introduction of contraband, as defined in subdivision 1, into any jail, lockup, or correctional facility, as defined in section 241.021, subdivision 1, without the consent of the person in charge, or is found in possession of contraband while within the facility or upon the grounds thereof, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(b) Whoever introduces or in any manner causes the introduction of a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6, into any jail, lockup, or correctional facility, as defined in section 241.021, subdivision 1, without the consent of the person in charge, or is found in possession of a dangerous weapon while within the facility or upon the grounds thereof, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years.

Subd. 3.Exceptions.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to physicians carrying drugs into such institutions for use in the practice of their profession, nor to peace officers carrying revolvers or firearms in the discharge of their duties.

Constitutional Provisions

There is no state constitutional right in Minnesota to bear or keep arms.

"The right of any person to keep or bear arms in defense of his own home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question, but nothing herein contained shall be held to permit the carrying of concealed weapons."

(Pt. 1, art. 17)

Minnesota Gun Laws & Statutes

Current Minnesota firearms laws

Minnesota state capitol building

Minnesota gun laws you need to know

All the most important Minnesota gun laws you should be aware of are listed below. Make yourself familiar with these laws before you carry a firearm.

Vehicle Carry

YES/NO

Without Permit

YES

With Permit

Without a carry permit you are not allowed to carry any loaded firearm in a vehicle. If you unload the firearm and place it either in a closed trunk or in a closed and fastened case, gunbox or securely tied package then it is legal to carry the firearm in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat.
With a carry permit you will be able to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Subdivision 1.Restrictions. A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:

unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, and without any portion of the firearm exposed;
unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or
a handgun carried in compliance with sections 624.714 and 624.715.

Subd. 2.Exception; disabled persons. The restrictions in subdivision 1 do not apply to a disabled person if:

the person possesses a permit under section 97B.055, subdivision 3; and
the firearm is not loaded in the chamber until the vehicle is stationary, or is a hinge action firearm with the action open until the vehicle is stationary.

Subd. 3.Exceptions; hunting and shooting ranges. (a) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary under this chapter, a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol as defined in paragraph (b), in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, as defined under section 87A.01, subdivision 3, where the person has received permission from the lawful owner or possessor to discharge firearms; lawfully hunting on private or public land; or traveling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:

within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey County;
within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;
on school grounds; or
otherwise restricted under section 97A.091, 97B.081, or 97B.086.

(b) For the purposes of this section, a "pistol" includes a weapon designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and with an overall length less than 26 inches, or having a barrel or barrels of a length less than 18 inches in the case of a shotgun or having a barrel of a length less than 16 inches in the case of a rifle:

from which may be fired or ejected one or more solid projectiles by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances; or
for which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, air or other gas, or vapor.

Pistol does not include a device firing or ejecting a shot measuring .18 of an inch, or less, in diameter and commonly known as a "BB gun," a scuba gun, a stud gun or nail gun used in the construction industry, or children's pop guns or toys.

Open Carry

YES

With Permit

Without Permit

To open carry in Minnesota you will need a carry permit from either Minnesota or a state whose permits Minnesota honours.
Local authorities cannot restrict open carry as the state law preempts all local laws.
A first conviction of open carry without a permit is classed as a gross demeanour and a second conviction is a felony.

Subd. 1a.

A person, other than a peace officer, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, who carries, holds, or possesses a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or boat, or on or about the person's clothes or the person, or otherwise in possession or control in a public place, as defined in section 624.7181, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), without first having obtained a permit to carry the pistol is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

A person who is convicted a second or subsequent time is guilty of a felony.

Must inform officer

Without Permit

With Permit

You are not required to inform a police officer that you are carrying a firearm.
However, if a police officer requests to see your permit you must hand it to him and if he asks if you are carrying a concealed weapon then you must confirm wether or not you are.
The law requires you to have on your person a carry permit and some form of state ID such as a drivers licence when you are carrying a firearm.

Subd. 1b.

(a) The holder of a permit to carry must have the permit card and a 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 upon lawful demand by a peace officer, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1. A violation of this paragraph is a petty misdemeanor. The fine for a first offense must not exceed $25. Notwithstanding section 609.531, a firearm carried in violation of this paragraph is not subject to forfeiture.
(b) A citation issued for violating paragraph (a) must be dismissed if the person demonstrates, in court or in the office of the arresting officer, that the person was authorized to carry the pistol at the time of the alleged violation.
(c) Upon the request of a peace officer, a permit holder must write a sample signature in the officer's presence to aid in verifying the person's identity.
(d) Upon the request of a peace officer, a permit holder shall disclose to the officer whether or not the permit holder is currently carrying a firearm.

No Gun Signs Enforced

Gun signs are not enforced in Minnesota and do not have the force of law.
The only time a gun sign would have the force of law is if it is posted on state property that is mentioned in state law as being off-limits.
If you enter a posted property and are asked to leave then you will need to leave. Failure to leave can result in a trespass charge.

Subd. 17.

State Park Carry

Without Permit

YES

With Permit

With a carry permit from Minnesota or state that Minnesota recognizes you can carry in the following areas;

State parks
Natural areas
State/national forests
Wildlife management areas
Roadside rest areas

There are a couple of exceptions where you cannot carry. Carrying a firearm in the following areas is prohibited;

Bayport WMA in Washington County
Hastings WMA in Dakota County
Raguet WMA in Scott and Carver Counties

State Park Rules

State Forest Rules

DNR Rules on Natural Areas

Minnesota General Hunting Regulations

Restaurant Carry

Without Permit

YES

With Permit

There are no specific Minnesota statutes that forbid carrying a firearm in a restaurant or bar. If the restaurant is not displaying a No Weapons sign and you are not under the influence then you can enter a restaurant that serves alcohol.

You are legally under the influence if you have a greater than .04 blood alcohol level.

We advice anyone carrying a firearm not to consume alcohol while in a bar or restaurant. The dangers of making an impaired decision that could have life changing repercussions is just not worth the risk.

Subdivision 1. Acts prohibited.
A person may not carry a pistol on or about the person's clothes or person in a public place:

when the person is under the influence of a controlled substance, as defined in section 152.01, subdivision 4;
when the person is under the influence of a combination of any two or more of the elements named in clauses (1) and (4);
when the person is under the influence of an intoxicating substance as defined in section 169A.03, subdivision 11a, and the person knows or has reason to know that the substance has the capacity to cause impairment;
when the person is under the influence of alcohol;
when the person's alcohol concentration is 0.10 or more; or
when the person's alcohol concentration is less than 0.10, but more than 0.04.

State Preemption

There is full state preemption over local gun laws. However, local governments may regulate the discharge of firearms.

Self Defence Laws

Minnesota has a duty to retreat law. This means a person is required to retreat and can only use deadly force as a last resort.

Red Flag Law

Minnesota does not have a red flag law.

Minnesota Court Cases

Court	Case	Date	Description
MN Appeals Court	AO7-131	5/02/08	Churches allowed to ban firearms
MN Supreme Court	C8-98-96	6/17/99	Self defense ruling

Click on the case number to view.

Statutes

Subdivision 1.When authorized.
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 2, reasonable force may be used upon or toward the person of another without the other's consent when the following circumstances exist or the actor reasonably believes them to exist:

Subd. 2.Deadly force used against peace officers.
Deadly force may not be used against peace officers who have announced their presence and are performing official duties at a location where a person is committing a crime or an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult.

Subdivision 1.Deadly force defined.
For the purposes of this section, "deadly force" means force which the actor uses with the purpose of causing, or which the actor should reasonably know creates a substantial risk of causing, death or great bodily harm. The intentional discharge of a firearm, other than a firearm loaded with less lethal munitions and used by a peace officer within the scope of official duties, in the direction of another person, or at a vehicle in which another person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force. "Less lethal munitions" means projectiles which are designed to stun, temporarily incapacitate, or cause temporary discomfort to a person. "Peace officer" has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.Use of deadly force.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 609.06 or 609.065, the use of deadly force by a peace officer in the line of duty is justified only when necessary:

to protect the peace officer or another from apparent death or great bodily harm;
to effect the arrest or capture, or prevent the escape, of a person whom the peace officer knows or has reasonable grounds to believe has committed or attempted to commit a felony involving the use or threatened use of deadly force; or
to effect the arrest or capture, or prevent the escape, of a person whom the officer knows or has reasonable grounds to believe has committed or attempted to commit a felony if the officer reasonably believes that the person will cause death or great bodily harm if the person's apprehension is delayed.

Subd. 3.No defense.
This section and sections 609.06, 609.065 and 629.33 may not be used as a defense in a civil action brought by an innocent third party.

The legislature preempts all authority of a home rule charter or statutory city including a city of the first class, county, town, municipal corporation, or other governmental subdivision, or any of their instrumentality's, to regulate firearms, ammunition, or their respective components to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or regulation by them except that:

(a) a governmental subdivision may regulate the discharge of firearms; and
(b) a governmental subdivision may adopt regulations identical to state law. Local regulation inconsistent with this section is void.

History of Minnesota gun laws

Learn the history of gun laws in Minnesota from 1906 until today.

Timeline

1906

Before 1906 there was no restrictions on owning or carrying handguns. A law enacted in 1906 said judges, police or mayors could authorize a person to carry a loaded handgun if there was good reason for the applicant to fear for injury to his person or property.

1922

Law enacted to license gun dealers and banned "unnaturalized foreign born" persons from having a license.

1925

Aliens and persons under the age of 15 are prohibited from having a license.

1926

Temporary licenses made available for unlicensed persons to purchase and possess a handgun in their home or place of business.

1927

Law enacted to punish the carrying of a handgun either loaded or unloaded with no distinction between open or concealed carry.

1968

Before 1968 no license was required to possess a handgun in your home or place of business. 1968 saw a law enacted that required persons to have a Firearms Identification card (FID) to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun in his home or to carry a shotgun or rifle outside his home.

1975

One year mandatory sentence created for carrying any type of gun outside a home without the proper type of license.

1990

The 1975 law was changed by removing the word "carry" and replacing it with "possesses".

1998

Saw major changes to the gun laws. One change was that you could no longer possess a handgun in your home with just a FID card. Now with a FID card you could only possess the handgun on a licensed gun range. Before this new law in 1997 you could own a handgun, rifle or shotgun in your home or place of business and carry a rifle or shotgun (but not a handgun) outside your home with just a FID card.

2015

As of January 1, 2015 the state no longer issues the type A or B LTC license. There is now only one type of LTC license that is the same as the old type A license.

2018

Red flag law is enacted giving a judge the authority to order the confiscation of firearms if he thinks the owner is a threat to himself or others.

Handgun Purchases in Minnesota

What do I need to buy a handgun in Minnesota?

Overview of Purchasing Handguns in Minnesota

Minnesota is a state that requires a permit to purchase any handgun. This applies to purchases, sales and any gift, loan, assignment or other delivery from another person. The permit to carry doubles as a permit to purchase and will allow unlimited purchases while the permit is valid.

Purchase Permit

To purchase or transfer ownership of a handgun the law requires you to have either a Permit to Carry or a License to purchase/transfer a firearm. Shotguns and rifles are exempt and may be purchased without a permit. All handguns purchased through a FFL in Minnesota are recorded on the states computer system. You are also required by law to keep a record of any sale, whether through a FFL or private sale.

Private Sale

Private sellers of handguns cannot sell the weapon to a prohibited person. If they do sell a handgun to a prohibited person then they are guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the buyer then uses the handgun during the commission of a felony crime of violence within one year after the transfer. The problem here is how can you verify that a buyer is not a prohibited person? Without access to the police database you would simply be unable to verify that.

Gun Shows

All federally licensed gun dealers are required to perform background checks for any sale of handguns at shows. If the sale takes place at the gun show or any other place between private persons then Minnesota law does not require a background check.

Background Checks

All FFL dealers will require a background check. There is no requirement for a background check for private sales, however we advise you to keep any sales receipts to verify ownership of the firearm.

Exemptions from Background Checks

There are no exemptions from background checks, even if you have a permit to carry. If you have a carry permit that has an expiry date of Aug. 1, 2019 or later this qualifies as an alternative to the FBI NICS background check. Of course you can still avoid a background check by purchasing privately.

Waiting Period

If a person has a Permit to Carry or a Purchasing License then there is no waiting period after the firearm has been purchased. If those permits are not produced then there is a 5 - 7 day waiting period if the firearm is purchased from a FFL. In some cases the chief of police or sheriff can give a waiver.

Registering Handguns

There is no requirement in Minnesota to register a handgun.

Minimum Age

The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Minnesota is 18.

Purchasing Process

In Minnesota you will need either a Permit to Carry a Pistol or a permit to Transfer/Purchase a Firearm to buy or transfer the ownership of a pistol.
To apply for a Permit to Transfer/Purchase a Firearm you will need to submit the application in person to your local sheriff's office or chief of police or the county sheriff's office. Some form of state ID such as a drivers license will be required.
When your application is submitted the sheriff's office will run a background check, this can take up to 7 days to complete. If you clear the check then a Permit to Transfer/Purchase will be mailed to you. The permits are valid for a period of 1 year from it's issue date.
If you are only purchasing one firearm you can often apply directly at the gun shop. There may be a fee for this service and a background check will still be required.

Statutes

Subdivision 1.Information.
Any person may apply for a transferee permit by providing the following information in writing to the chief of police of an organized full time police department of the municipality in which the person resides or to the county sheriff if there is no such local chief of police:

the name, residence, telephone number, and driver's license number or nonqualification certificate number, if any, of the proposed transferee;
the sex, date of birth, height, weight, and color of eyes, and distinguishing physical characteristics, if any, of the proposed transferee;
a statement that the proposed transferee authorizes the release to the local police authority of commitment information about the proposed transferee maintained by the commissioner of human services, to the extent that the information relates to the proposed transferee's eligibility to possess a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon under section 624.713, subdivision 1; and
a statement by the proposed transferee that the proposed transferee is not prohibited by section 624.713 from possessing a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon.

The statements shall be signed and dated by the person applying for a permit. At the time of application, the local police authority shall provide the applicant with a dated receipt for the application. The statement under clause (3) must comply with any applicable requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 2.31 to 2.35, with respect to consent to disclosure of alcohol or drug abuse patient records.

Subd. 2.Investigation.

The chief of police or sheriff shall check criminal histories, records and warrant information relating to the applicant through the Minnesota Crime Information System, the national criminal record repository, and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The chief of police or sheriff shall also make a reasonable effort to check other available state and local record-keeping systems. The chief of police or sheriff shall obtain commitment information from the commissioner of human services as provided in section 245.041.

Subd. 3.Forms.

Chiefs of police and sheriffs shall make transferee permit application forms available throughout the community. There shall be no charge for forms, reports, investigations, notifications, waivers or any other act performed or materials provided by a government employee or agency in connection with application for or issuance of a transferee permit.

Subd. 4.Grounds for disqualification.

A determination by the chief of police or sheriff that the applicant is prohibited by section 624.713 from possessing a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon shall be the only basis for refusal to grant a transferee permit.

Subd. 5.Granting of permits.

The chief of police or sheriff shall issue a transferee permit or deny the application within seven days of application for the permit. The chief of police or sheriff shall provide an applicant with written notification of a denial and the specific reason for the denial. The permits and their renewal shall be granted free of charge.

Subd. 6.Permits valid statewide.

Transferee permits issued pursuant to this section are valid statewide and shall expire after one year. A transferee permit may be renewed in the same manner and subject to the same provisions by which the original permit was obtained, except that all renewed permits must comply with the standards adopted by the commissioner under section 624.7151. Permits issued pursuant to this section are not transferable. A person who transfers a permit in violation of this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 7.Permit voided.

The transferee permit shall be void at the time that the holder becomes prohibited from possessing a pistol under section 624.713, in which event the holder shall return the permit within five days to the issuing authority. Failure of the holder to return the permit within the five days is a misdemeanor unless the court finds that the circumstances or the physical or mental condition of the permit holder prevented the holder from complying with the return requirement.

Subd. 8.

Hearing upon denial. Any person aggrieved by denial of a transferee permit may appeal the denial to the district court having jurisdiction over the county or municipality in which the denial occurred.

Subd. 9.

Permit to carry. A valid permit to carry issued pursuant to section 624.714 constitutes a transferee permit for the purposes of this section and section 624.7132.

Subd. 10.

Transfer report not required. A person who transfers a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon to a person exhibiting a valid transferee permit issued pursuant to this section or a valid permit to carry issued pursuant to section 624.714 is not required to file a transfer report pursuant to section 624.7132, subdivision 1.

Subd. 11.

Penalty. A person who makes a false statement in order to obtain a transferee permit knowing or having reason to know the statement is false is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Subd. 12.

Local regulation. This section shall be construed to supersede municipal or county regulation of the issuance of transferee permits.

Subd. 1f.Gross misdemeanor; transferring firearm without background check.

A person, other than a federally licensed firearms dealer, who transfers a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon to another without complying with the transfer requirements of section 624.7132, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the transferee possesses or uses the weapon within one year after the transfer in furtherance of a felony crime of violence, and if:

the transferee was prohibited from possessing the weapon under section 624.713 at the time of the transfer; or
it was reasonably foreseeable at the time of the transfer that the transferee was likely to use or possess the weapon in furtherance of a felony crime of violence.

§Subdivision 1.Ineligible persons.

The following persons shall not be entitled to possess ammunition or a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon or, except for clause (1), any other firearm:

(1) a person under the age of 18 years except that a person under 18 may possess ammunition designed for use in a firearm that the person may lawfully possess and may carry or possess a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon

in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of the person's parent or guardian,
for the purpose of military drill under the auspices of a legally recognized military organization and under competent supervision,
for the purpose of instruction, competition, or target practice on a firing range approved by the chief of police or county sheriff in whose jurisdiction the range is located and under direct supervision; or
if the person has successfully completed a course designed to teach marksmanship and safety with a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon and approved by the commissioner of natural resources;

Minnesota Licensing Offices

Where is my local firearms licensing office?

Minnesota residents only option is to apply at their local Sheriff's office.
Non-residents of Minnesota have a few more options. They can file an application with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or at any Minnesota county sheriffs office.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension only deals with non-resident CCW permits and will not accept applications from Minnesota residents. Clicking on the link will provide more information at their website.

Find a Licensing Office

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety

1430 Maryland Ave. East
St. Paul, MN 55106

Phone: (651) 793-7000
Fax: (651) 793-7001

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm

FAQ - Minnesota Gun Laws

Find the answer to your question on concealed carry laws in Minnesota.

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.

Minnesota Concealed Carry Links

Additional sources of information on Minnesota gun laws.

Updates on the Minnesota Page

List of updates made to this page

Date	Details
7 March, 2020	Install new page design
23 January, 2020	Review and update everything on page
27 June, 2020	Added news section

Comments

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Replies to comments - We would like to answer everyones questions but staff at GTC are finding it impossible to reply to everyone. We hope that other visitors to this site can help if they know the answer to a question that has been posted.

Comments

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1. July 30, 2020 Reply
  wayne
  
  Thanks, MN is the first state we are trying this new page layout on. We hope to roll it out to all the other states pages by the end of this year.
July 11, 2020 Reply
Brad

I’m back with another question. Again, I have the CCP. Everytime I go to purchase and do the background check, I’m DELAYED in the purchase. I bought 3 firearms on two different days, about a week apart from each other. Day 1 for the first 2, I was delayed 5 days. Then on Purchase 2 for 1 firearm, I was delayed not even 24 hrs. How do I find out what is on my past record that is delaying the purchase?
July 11, 2020 Reply
Brad

I have the CCP, so if the police stop me while driving for a minor traffic infraction, can they simply ask if I have a firearm in the vehicle? Then, when I say I do and here’s my CCP, do they have a right to see the firearm and also then have lawfully authority to do a full search of my vehicle or is it limited search to just retrieve the firearm?
1. Author
  
  July 17, 2020 Reply
  Wayne
  
  You are not required to tell the police you have a CCW license or firearm. However, if they ask then you are required to tell them , so it all depends on if they ask you.
July 9, 2020 Reply
chris

Can a ccw holder carry while wearing a facial cover (aka a mask)?
April 13, 2020 Reply
Jeffrey Dege

Carry of a rifle or shotgun in public, is legal in Minnesota, if you have a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol.

Minn Stat 624.7181 Subd 1(b)(3)
August 11, 2019 Reply
Lily Greene

I’ll be visiting Minnesota for a week and plan to conceal carry, being from is we don’t need permits for anything. Can I conceal carry for safety in MN without a permit.
1. August 11, 2019 Reply
  Lily Greene
  
  Meant Kansas, not is
2. August 16, 2019 Reply
  Mike
  
  No, Concealed carry is not allowed without a Permit. If you have a valid KS permit it would be valid in MN.
August 4, 2019 Reply
Julianna Valure

I am 16, living in Minnesota. As of recently, I have been harrassed on more than one account by an unknown adult male and I feel a serious need to have reliable protection on my person in case I cannot get help immediately when caught in another situation. The last two encounters, I was extremely lucky to have had an escape route but my guardian cannot afford pepper spray or other such things at the moment. Gun safety costs would obviously have to wait as well. Is there any way for me as a minor to have a carry permit in MN if my guardian signs off on it?
1. August 8, 2019 Reply
  Gerry
  
  I do not believe so. You can however, carry a pocket knife (obviously, in school for example, you cannot and could get into some trouble. It only takes you sitting down and the teacher walking by and seeing the outline and to begin to question it). Just remember, anything can be used as a weapon. Just depends on how you look at it, and use it.
August 2, 2019 Reply
Jon

Hi,

I’m 18 with no history of violence or anything that says I’m not allowed a firearm. The BCA website says that you cannot purchase a handgun before 21 from a federally recognized dealer, however; it doesn’t say that I cannot have a permit to carry. So is there some grey area, that if I’m gifted a handgun, I can still get an open carry license?
1. August 8, 2019 Reply
  Gerry
  
  MN doesn’t have an open carry license. It is only called “permit to carry”. So, sadly no, you’d have to wait until you’re 21 in order to carry it on your person.
July 14, 2019 Reply
Sarah

I’m in Minnesota with conceal carry permit. Do I have to have my gun on me while in the vehicle? Lock box? Or can I put in center council?
1. July 18, 2019 Reply
  Elijah
  
  You do not have to have your gun on you while in your vehicle but you can. You can have it on your person or stored away in your glove compartment, trunk, etc. I’m not to sure about center counsel but I don’t see why not! Just as long as you conceal it if you’re pulled over by 5-0. I ride with mine in my lap sometimes-no biggie.
2. August 8, 2019 Reply
  Gerry
  
  If you have your permit to carry, you can drive with it on your person or in the center council. I have mine in a holster in my driver side door, on the bottom where it has a little spot for like water bottles and paper and what not. Quick enough to grab if needed, but also concealed from view of other people. Now, if you plan to put it in your center council, PLAN AHEAD. By that, I mean don’t have your insurance or any other thing that would be requested by a officer during a stop in the same place as the firearm. Sometimes, my firearm goes into the glove compartment on the passenger side. Because of this, I put my insurance and anything else that is needed into my center council. I also have my permit to carry in the same spot as my DL. So the officer gets both at the same time right away.
  
  I also try to get all my info out before I even get to a full stop. Cops love when they walk up and you already have your DL, insurance, and your carry permit in hand. Eliminates you digging around in your vehicle after telling the officer that you have a firearm in your vehicle.
July 1, 2019 Reply
Connie

We are from Nebraska can we conceal to carry? Are there special rules in the vehicle?
June 3, 2019 Reply
David

I’m a Minnesota resident with ccw permit. On usa carry website it shows South Carolina as reciprocity but your website does not show that. Who’s correct?
1. March 13, 2020 Reply
  wayne
  
  SC has restricted reciprocity, it will only accept resident permits.
May 8, 2019 Reply
Stan Robertson

I am an NRA Certified Instructor, and certified RSO. I also have my CCW. I live in Oklahoma. We honor MN permits, but MN does not honor ours. I was not given a reason why, only that the MN legislative dept. made it so. So I am certified to TEACH in MN, but cannot CARRY in MN?….I’ve reached out to the OK SDA (Self Defense Act) to see if OK can amend the laws, so that MN permits are no longer valid in OK. It only seems fair that we not recognize MN permits, since MN does not recognize ours.
1. May 12, 2019 Reply
  Chris
  
  Why wouldn’t you try to lobby MN to change their law?
  Making permits more restrictive because one state doesn’t have their act completely together isn’t helpful. More restrictions are not needed; if your are an NRA instructor then you should be advocating to expand people’s ability to carry. If it was the other way around, I would be happy that people from OK could carry in MN even if I couldn’t carry in OK. My beef wouldn’t be with the ability of others to carry but with the state itself. Your logic is flawed and oddly passive aggressive.
2. May 31, 2019 Reply
  Matt
  
  I agreed with Chris here.
3. June 14, 2019 Reply
  christian roloff
  
  Minnesota has too many anti-gun liberal legislative members. That’s why
4. June 16, 2019 Reply
  Terry
  
  Because our State is run by assholes! Sorry and thank you for honoring ours!
April 28, 2019 Reply
Mike

Is a Permit required to carry a pre 1899, antique or reproduction pistol?
1. May 8, 2019 Reply
  Rgr275
  
  Yes any combination of a firearm all steel construction and or polymer frame or any object that can deliver a ballistic gel penetration measurement of greater than 1/947th must be regulated/registered and accompanied with the states rights to bear arms documentations when asked by any law enforcement agency documented encounters.
April 4, 2019 Reply
Guest

I have had a conceal carry permit for about three years and now my kid is thinking about getting one. He had a felony dwi ( .17) about five years ago. Will that stop him from getting his permit?
1. April 11, 2019 Reply
  Guest
  
  I am not an expert but from what I have read while looking into getting my carry permit, you cannot even receive a permit to purchase a handgun if you have a felony. I’m guessing it’s the same, if not more strict, for a permit to carry
  1. May 23, 2019 Reply
    Tom Smith
    
    Getting an expungement is relatively easy you don’t necessarily have to have a lawyer to do it either
2. April 11, 2019 Reply
  Guest
  
  Being a felon..
3. May 4, 2019 Reply
  Blake
  
  Unfortunately yes, any convicted felonies that are permanently on your record will disqualify you from being able to attain your permit.
March 21, 2019 Reply
Justin

Can a Felon of the 5th Degree non violent get a CCW in Minnesota as a non resident. Also I have legally passed a federal background check and purchased a fireman. Thanks
1. April 11, 2019 Reply
  Guest
  
  You shouldn’t have been able to purchase. When they ask you if you’ve been convicted of a felony did you say yes? That would have been illegal saying no.
2. May 2, 2019 Reply
  gyrfalcon
  
  Justin, did you get a felony 5th degree drug charge? If so did the felony charge include probation and a stay of imposition? If it did and you completed your probation correctly the felony charge may have been automatically reduced.
February 21, 2019 Reply
Drew

I find it interesting that you need to have a permit to open carry in MN. That sounds to me kind of a contradiction of our 2nd amendment right…

Secondly that is upsetting that MN doesn’t respect military training of small arms. If honorably discharged from the military there should be no need for additional training. Seams like MN is just trying to have businesses make money off this conceal and carry permitting process. Someone in legislation is being supported or bought out by trainers that will be making money from this rule.
1. April 6, 2019 Reply
  Rob Doar
  
  LOL. Check out our history of governors since 2005 when Shall Issue became law. Not fans of 2A.
January 25, 2019 Reply
kevin

our local minnesota dmv, which is a state facility, has signage for no weapons allowed per the building mgmnt. is this possible , (1) without a corresponding statute on the sign? (2) its a public place (RENTED)?
1. April 6, 2019 Reply
  Rob Doar
  
  Many places where you get tabs and licenses are local registrars for MN Driver and Vehicle Services that are actually private businesses.
  
  If it is a state run center, then they cannot ban.
2. April 28, 2019 Reply
  Mike
  
  No, the can’t legally post that.
December 22, 2018 Reply
Millie Hue

It’s great to know that the permit can be given to non-residents as well, but you can get one through the sheriff. I will share this information with a friend of mine since they will be visiting us for a couple of weeks this month and next month. She just talked to me about her concerns with her husband’s gun since he plans to bring it with him no matter where they go. He just got it last month that is why there are some laws and rules that they don’t know yet. Thanks! https://www.osseogunclub.com/mn-permit-to-carry-class.html
December 13, 2018 Reply
Ryan

Can a felon have muzzle loaders in mn if so what kind
1. January 21, 2019 Reply
  Kaiser C.
  
  I’m 99% sure Minnesota doesn’t consider muzzle loaders to be real guns, so I don’t think it’d be illegal.
  
  I’ll look it up and get back to you later on it.
2. March 12, 2019 Reply
  Dylan
  
  Yes a felon can own a black powder rifle or shotgun
3. April 6, 2019 Reply
  Rob Doar
  
  NO!
  
  In State vs. Haywood, a felon was convicted under possessing a firearm statute for a BB GUN.
  
  The State supreme court did overturn the conviction, but held that:
  
  “Firearm means a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled a projectile by the force of any explosion or force of combustion.”
  1. May 9, 2019 Reply
    Marc
    
    Well I guess they didn’t know the difference between combustion and release of air pressure.
  2. July 31, 2019 Reply
    Laura
    
    I was once told by law enforcement a slingshot could be considered a firearm if the right amount of damage is done. 🙁
December 12, 2018 Reply
Jim

I am a Wisconsin Resident with a Wisconsin CCW. I was told by a local sherriff that I cannot carry in Minnesota, i.e. Minnesota does not have reciprocity with Wisconsin. Is this true? Can someone give me that exact law that states my permit is acceptable???
1. December 13, 2018 Reply
  LKR
  
  This is true. You cannot legally carry in MN with a WI permit. MN does NOT honor permits from WI. However, WI will honor permits from MN. This is perhaps why you’re confused. This link is extremely helpful and given to me by my CCW course instructor: https://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html
2. December 14, 2018 Reply
  Barbara Ramos
  
  You can carry in Minnesota.
3. December 14, 2018 Reply
  Barbara Ramos
  
  I’m sorry I was wrong. Minnesota can carry in Wisconsin but Wisconsin cannot carry in Minnesota.
4. January 21, 2019 Reply
  Kaiser C.
  
  As a resident of Minnesota, that’s a bit crap to be honest.
  
  Try to grab an out of state permit at a cheap county, like Benton.
December 6, 2018 Reply
KRS

so can you or cant you carry a firearm in places that post a sign out front banning firearms…?
Above under the section labeled “Where You Can Not Carry” has a bullet point saying you cant, but below that in the section “Details on Minnesota Gun Laws” is says under “no weapon signs enforced” that theres nothing in mn laws referring to the signs and that theres no law or penalties for carrying a weapon in private property or business that has posted these signs.. So im confused, can you or cant you??
1. December 11, 2018 Reply
  Michael
  
  https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.714 See Subd. 17. Posting; trespass.
  Technically you can. Even with the sign posted the owner/representative must make a reasonable request informing you that firearms are not allowed and you must leave. If you do not leave you can be charged with a misdemeanor. This only applies to private and businesses there are still locations where you cannot carry a firearm under MN statutes.
November 1, 2018 Reply
Dan

I turned 21 a couple months ago. The new ID’s are behind so I’ll have to wait another 4 months to get it. I do not have a passport. I did the conceal and carry class and passed so I have my certificate. All I have is a void stamped license with my yellow papers will the county accept that?
1. November 11, 2018 Reply
  JIF
  
  They should
2. November 26, 2018 Reply
  Edgardo Barreto
  
  Your CCP is tied to the state ID number you use for applying. You must carry your permit and the ID you used for applying always together. The yellow paper has no ID number, that is why the Sheriff will most probably not use it. My recommendatiin is to wait it out.
October 25, 2018 Reply
Peter

If I am open carrying my weapon and an officer approaches me and demands my permit, do I have to oblige?
1. December 11, 2018 Reply
  Michael
  
  https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.714 Subd. 1b.Display of permit; penalty
  
  The statute doesn’t differentiate between open or conceal carry. MN permits are carry permits allowing both.
  
  The holder of a permit to carry must have the permit card and a 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 upon lawful demand by a peace officer…
2. March 12, 2019 Reply
  Dylan
  
  Yes, you dont have to tell them you are carrying but if they ask you must
October 22, 2018 Reply
Pearcy marks

If someone has a gross misdemeanor dwi. Are they able to still get a conceal and carry? Would the dwi affect anything.
1. November 11, 2018 Reply
  John dough
  
  As long as it’s not a felony DWI, then you can get one.
  1. May 11, 2019 Reply
    Donte Bailey
    
    I have a 5th degree domestic misdemeanor when I was 21. I’m now 42. Can I get a permit to carry? Also can I get a license to buy a hand gun?
    1. May 15, 2019 Reply
      Jenna
      
      No. Any domestic automatically disqualifies you. I had a 5th degree assault when I was 12 and it almost affected my permit to carry because somewhere along the lines it got listed as a domestic. The sheriff and I spent a month tracking down any record to prove it wasn’t domestic and since I was a juvenile it was nearly impossible but the police station had the 1st page of the report which explained enough to show it wasn’t domestic.
September 15, 2018 Reply
Dan

Does Michigan honor Minnesota carry permit?
1. October 23, 2018 Reply
  Rich
  
  Yes, I have a map for MN if you lake I can email it to you or anyone that would like it.
2. April 7, 2019 Reply
  Jim
  
  Go to usacarry.com. All states are listed there.
September 13, 2018 Reply
Brian M

NEED TO FIX. In the summary box, it says for No Weapons Signs Enforced NO but when you read where you cannot carry, it states “Private establishments that have posted a sign banning guns on their premises.”

I don’t give my business to anywhere that posts that anyway, unless out of necessity (only choice kinda thing).

I will look at the MN.gov website to be sure, just wanted to mention the error on this page.
1. October 15, 2018 Reply
  Jordan
  
  Not an error. The signs have to meet certain verbiage and location requirements. ‘No Weapons’ does not meet these requirements, and as such, does not carry the weight of the law.
  1. November 11, 2018 Reply
    JIF
    
    Just to let you know, the owner also has the right to verbally inform you of their policy to ban guns in their premises, doesn’t have a sign posted. You cannot be charged with anything unless you are asked to leave and refuse to do so. Then it would be a $25 trespassing charge. MN 624.714 subd. 17
August 19, 2018 Reply
safetypro

Why training? Well, as a veteran – former LEO – and conceal carry citizen, I am also a career-long trainer/educator.

In my professional opinion, to resist training for something as essential – critical – as carrying a firearm is sad to me. Why anyone would not immerse in training regarding all aspects of conceal carry is a puzzlement.

In spite of my extensive training in firearms carry & use, from 1972 to this very day, I participate in a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education in conceal carry. Opportunities abound to learn more and further develop the discipline needed to responsibly carry a firearm. My continuing education consists of classroom, online, DVD and range venues.

Seek not a way to avoid personal development…rather, seek ways to find and participate. No one person knows EVERYTHING, but collectively we DO!
1. October 12, 2018 Reply
  Ben
  
  Only problem I have with mandating training is it makes it harder for those that are financially burdened to have an opportunity to defend themselves. Training takes time and money that less fortunate people do not have. Firearms are not complicated machines and people who do not have financial means, but have the desire and fortitude, can learn what they need from the internet. Certainly any training you have the opportunity to. But don’t mandate it.
  1. January 21, 2019 Reply
    Kaiser C.
    
    Yeah, it may be a bit tougher if you’re on a budget, but asking around to friends is a great way to get in some range time.
    
    We Minnesotans are pretty okay about guns in general, so just find a buddy with a gun and they’ll probably let you fiddle with it, shoot it, and give it a pet name. All before you’re even thinking about your own CCW.
    
    And if you’re visiting from a commie state, most ranges will let you shoot. Some might even give you some handling lessons and shooting techniques if they aren’t too busy at the time.
    
    Unfortunately, this might not last forever if we keep electing retards into office.
  2. April 25, 2019 Reply
    Dave
    
    I hear you and appreciate your views. However, people take driving lessons and pay for a license to exert the right to drive. In my humble opinion asking folks to do similar training and licensing for another potentially fatal machine is a worthwhile process. Wish it could all be free but things worth having often aren’t free
    1. July 7, 2020 Reply
      Jon Williams
      
      There is no right to drive, driving is a privilege.
June 11, 2018 Reply
John

In addition to MN permit to carry, which out of state permits would maximize number of states (in in terms of reciprocity)?
1. Author
  
  June 11, 2018 Reply
  Wayne
  
  Ohio CCW permits are honored by 38 states so I would try that, Florida permits are also popular.
  1. July 25, 2018 Reply
    Larry
    
    What happens if your carrying in a state that doesn’t honor your ccw, say MN.Join the discussion…
    1. July 25, 2018 Reply
      Don
      
      You would be arrested for carrying a concealed weapon without a valid license in that state if I have read correctly in the past. Your gun would also get confiscated as a result. I could be wrong, but seems like the most likely outcome
May 21, 2018 Reply
Steve

Minnesota no longer accepts ANY Nevada concealed carry licenses (nor many others). You must either apply for a “non-resident Minnesota license” OR obtain a “resident” or “non-resident” license from an approved state on the Minnesota Reciprocity List, such as Idaho. See below link:

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/permit-to-carry-reciprocity.aspx
1. Author
  
  May 21, 2018 Reply
  Wayne
  
  thanks, have removed Nevada. We intend to do a full update and redesign on this page soon.
2. March 23, 2019 Reply
  Former MN state emplyee
  
  Just another excuse to make more money for the state.
September 23, 2017 Reply
jerry

why do I need to take a class if I have been honorably discharged from army. there is no better training then the army
1. March 6, 2018 Reply
  SCPistolero
  
  I think the class is necessary to learn when NOT to shoot. Extremely important.
2. April 6, 2018 Reply
  Zen
  
  That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever read, Jerry. You must have been Infantry…
3. April 12, 2018 Reply
  G I Joe
  
  Take the training. Pay attention. The class helps you prove yourself innocent because the system views you as guilty once you fire on someone.
4. January 19, 2019 Reply
  Bob
  
  yeah almost any is better – Semper Fi !!
5. April 25, 2019 Reply
  Dave
  
  Revenue…. thanks for your service. Budget it as entertainment…. honestly it is a little scary to me the level of weapon training for non-military. It is one thing to understand engineering of a weapon (good for anyone punching targets in controlled environment) another to decide IF and when (hopefully never) to use in dynamic environment.
6. May 15, 2019 Reply
  Jenna
  
  Honestly my husband served 20 years and I’m more scared of him with a gun than most other people. The habits they teach are scary!!! Not to mention the class definitely teaches how to handle civilian situations to maintain your innocence. It’s quite a bit more broad spectrum than “this is a gun”…