5.7M
15
21
30
23
281
6.7%
5
382k
Minnesota gun laws operate, generally, on a shall-issue policy (a sheriff has limited discretion to deny a permit to carry only if there is a “substantial likelihood” that the applicant would be a danger to herself, himself or others if authorized to carry a handgun). Permits are issued at the local level by the Sheriff’s office in the applicant’s county of residence.
There is no permit, background check or firearm registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Both open carry and concealed carry are legal with a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) or a permit from a state Minnesota honors, as there is no stipulation in the law regarding whether that weapon must be concealed. 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. In July of 2024, the Eighth Circuit Court struck down the law prohibiting 18-20 years olds from obtaining a Permit to Carry a Pistol. Resident and non-resident permits are available. Non-residents can apply at any sheriff’s office. Permits are not required for transporting a firearm, keeping it at home or keeping it in a place of business. In terms of reciprocity, Minnesota will honor permits from states with similar requirements.
The intentional taking of the life of another is only legal if necessary in resisting or preventing an offense which the actor reasonably believes exposes the actor or another to great bodily harm or death or preventing the commission of a felony in the actor’s place of abode.
Self-Defense
In terms of self-defense, Minnesota law imposes a duty to retreat, which means that if a person feels threatened, he or she may only use deadly force as a last resort. Although Minnesota doesn’t have a Castle Doctrine law per se, it does recognize the principles of the doctrine because Minnesota law allows a person to use deadly force if the individual reasonably believes that the person or another person is at risk of great bodily harm or death or to prevent a felony from occurring in the person’s home.
Authorized Use of Force
Reasonable force may be used when the following circumstances exist or the actor reasonably believes them to exist, in part:
Carry Basics | |
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MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? Does Minnesota have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | No. Minnesota does not have magazine capacity restrictions. |
Constitutional Carry? Does Minnesota allow constitutional carry? | No. Minnesota does not allow constitutional carry. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does Minnesota have ammunition restrictions? | Yes. Metal-penetrating bullets cannot be used during the commission of a crime. |
Gun Permit Licensure? If Minnesota requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? | Minnesota gun laws operate, generally, on a shall-issue policy (a sheriff has limited discretion to deny a permit to carry only if there is a “substantial likelihood” that the applicant would be a danger to herself, himself or others if authorized to carry a handgun). |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry? 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. In July of 2024, the Eighth Circuit Court struck down the law prohibiting 18-20 years olds from obtaining a Permit to Carry a Pistol. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed? 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. |
Tasers or Stun Guns? 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. A person may possess and use an electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person’s property only if the electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Minnesota? | Yes, a person may possess and use an authorized tear gas compound in the legal exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person's property only if it is propelled from an aerosol container. No person under the age of 16 may possess or use an authorized tear gas compound except by written permission of a parent or guardian. Minnesota Statutes define "authorized tear gas compound" as a lachrymator or any substance composed of a mixture of a lachrymator including chloroacetophenone, alpha-chloroacetophenone; phenylchloromethylketone, orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile or oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as tear gas; and written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use. |
Open Carry Permitted? Is open carry permitted in Minnesota? | Yes. Open carry is only with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes. |
Carry Locations | |
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CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Minnesota? | An innkeeper may refuse to admit or refuse service or accommodations to any person the innkeeper reasonably believes is bringing firearms into the hotel. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
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 a postsecondary institution may not prohibit the lawful carry or possession of firearms in a parking facility or parking area. |
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. |
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. |
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. Except firearms are not allowed on the Bayport WMA in Washington County, the Hastings WMA in Dakota County, and the Raguet WMA in Scott and Carver Counties. See 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 when in, or within 200 feet of, any campground, picnic area, beach, parking lot, interpretive site or trailhead. [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, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes in a bar or restaurant, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence ("under the influence" is defined as >0.04 blood alcohol level). |
Key State Laws | |
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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. |
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 statue, 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. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced? Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Minnesota? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. | 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. |
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:
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 judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession | |
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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. |
Handgun Purchase Process
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. |
Minnesota Gun Laws: What You Should KnowUSCCA - JUNE 17, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: MinnesotaUSCCA - OCTOBER 4, 2020
Government is instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people, in whom all political power is inherent, together with the right to alter, modify or reform government whenever required by the public good. -Article 1, Section 1" MINNESOTA HAS NO STATE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.
Which states' permits does Minnesota honor?
Idaho (Enhanced permits only)
Kansas (Standard permit only)
Montana (Enhanced Permits Only)
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only)
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.
Which states honor permits from Minnesota?
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)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
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)
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.
Minnesota offers resident and non-resident permits. “Resident only” indicates the states below only honor Minnesota resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
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)
Louisiana (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)
Louisiana (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.
Fees: | 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. |
Requirements: | An applicant must:
*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. |
Processing Time: | 30 days (but can take up to 6 weeks) |
Residency Changes: | 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. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: | 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. |
Valid For: | 5 years |
Application: | |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: | Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff by following the process below. |
Name/Address Changes: | 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. |
How to Apply for a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit
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 require permit applicants to present evidence of having received training from a certified instructor in the safe use of a handgun within 1 year of an original application as well as a renewal. Firearms training must include:
Although members of the military receive superb firearms training, they must receive training from an instructor that has been certified by an approved business organization in Minnesota. This additional training pertains to the legal aspects of “permit to carry issues”. Military members can contact their local sheriff’s office for further clarification and consideration.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a list of certified firearms instructors. You can find the list here.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Minnesota retired or separated officers have two options to qualify under LEOSA:
Links
WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN MINNESOTA? |
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WHERE CAN'T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN MINNESOTA? Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY? I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Minnesota, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? | Although Minnesota Statute makes it illegal to wear a mask with the intention to conceal one’s identity, Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck has stated that under this statute, it is legal to wear a mask for medical treatment, and that would extend to wearing one to prevent the spread of COVID-19. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Minnesota? | Yes. A person who has the intent to prevent or disrupt another person from taking or preparing to take a wild animal or enjoyment of the out-of-doors must not disturb or interfere with that person if that person is lawfully taking or preparing to take a wild animal. "Preparing to take a wild animal" includes travel, camping, and other acts that occur on land or water where the affected person has the right or privilege to take lawfully a wild animal. |
WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN MINNESOTA? | Only switchblades are illegal. Knives with utility purposes are legal to carry. Knives that can be used as weapons are legal to carry as long as you do not have intent to harm others. It is illegal to recklessly use a knife that was designed to be a weapon. Dangerous weapons are banned in schools, school buses, courthouses and the State Capitol buildings. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Minnesota? | Yes, with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Minnesota? | Yes, with a Minnesota license to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes, except when shining. [Per Pg 23-24 of 2018 MN Hunting & Trapping Regulations] |
Date | Details |
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2023-08-01 | Updated page to reflect red flag law taking effect |
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2021-04-21 | Added info on handguns on rental property in At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email support@uscca.com and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.