As a responsibly armed American, you already know how challenging it can be to stay up to date on constantly changing gun laws…

Minnesota gun owners, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked firearms questions in your state. Read on for answers to some of the top questions regarding Minnesota gun laws.

Can You Openly Carry a Gun in Minnesota?

Open carry is only legal with a Minnesota permit to carry or a permit/license from a state that Minnesota honors. The law does not specify whether that weapon be carried openly or concealed.

Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Minnesota?

Yes, you can carry a handgun in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat with a concealed carry permit. Without a valid permit, it must be unloaded and either in the closed trunk or in a closed and fastened case, gun box or securely tied package.

What Are the Requirements for Concealed Carry in Minnesota?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • 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 a certificate of completed authorized firearms training
  • Meet federal law requirements

Is Minnesota a ‘Stand Your Ground’ State?

No. Minnesota law imposes a duty to retreat. This means that if a person feels threatened, he or she may only use deadly force as a last resort. However, Minnesota is a Castle Doctrine state. Castle Doctrine applies when a person is resisting or preventing an offense which the individual reasonably believes exposes the person or another to great bodily harm or death. It also applies when preventing the commission of a felony in the person’s place of abode. There is no duty to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense or to prevent a felony in one’s home. This isn’t as clear as it appears, however. There are four cases in Minnesota where the duty to retreat was upheld.

Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Handgun in Minnesota?

There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Minnesota for individuals with a concealed carry 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).

In What States Is a Minnesota Carry Permit Valid?

At this point in time, 30 states honor a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) but this is subject to change. Visit the Minnesota gun laws page for up-to-date information.

Does Minnesota Require a Background Check to Buy a Gun?

Minnesota does not require background checks for private gun sales. However, federal law requires FFLs to initiate a background check on the purchaser prior to the sale of a firearm.

Ready to Learn More About Minnesota Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Minnesota’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Minnesota gun laws page now…

Find training to get your Minnesota Permit to Carry

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.