Minnesota permit process

How To Get Your Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Minnesota's concealed carry laws. Applying for a PCP varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol below.

Steps To Get A Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

1

COMPLETE a firearms training course within one year of your application.

2

DOWNLOAD the application or pick one up from the local sheriff's office

3

SUBMIT your documentation to the sheriff's office for the county in which you reside:

  • Completed application form
  • Photocopy of certificate from firearms course
  • Photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID card or photo page of your passport

Pay the fee.


Non-residents must apply in-person to any Minnesota county sheriff.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

You will be notified if your application has been approved within 30 days.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Minnesota?

Applicants must present evidence of having received training from a certified instructor* within one year of original application and each renewal. Firearms training must include:

  • Instruction in the fundamentals of pistol use
  • Successful completion of an actual shooting qualification exercise
  • Instruction in the fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession, carry and use, including self-defense and the restrictions on the use of deadly force


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.

What Are the Minnesota License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age. On March 31, 2023, a federal judge struck down a Minnesota law requiring a person to be at least 21 before obtaining a permit to carry a handgun in public, finding it violated the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 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.
  • Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota law;
  • Not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system;
  • Be a resident of the county from which he or she is requesting a permit, if he or she resides in Minnesota (Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.);
  • Provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Minnesota.

What are the Fees and Terms?

Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue

New Permit Fee Up to $100, Determined by County Sheriff

Permit Renewal Up To $75, Determined by County Sheriff before Date of Expiration

30 Day Processing Time

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

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.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Minnesota?

Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. Permit holders may renew their permit beginning 90 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit. After the expiration date, but within 30 days after the expiration, you can renew your permit by paying an additional late fee of $10. 31 days after expiration, you will no longer be able to renew your permit, but will have to apply for a new gun permit. ​For late renewals, it is important to note that your expired permit is not valid until you receive your new card.

1

COMPLETE your firearm training course within one year of renewal.


Permit holders may renew their permit beginning 90 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit. After the expiration date, but within 30 days after the expiration, you can renew your permit by paying an additional late fee of $10. 31 days after expiration, you will no longer be able to renew your permit, but will have to apply for a new gun permit. ​For late renewals, it is important to note that your expired permit is not valid until you receive your new card.

2

DOWNLOAD the application or pick up from the county clerk's office

3

VISIT the county clerk's office of which you reside and bring the following documents:

  • Training certificate; and
  • A copy of your current driver's license, state identification card or the photo page of your passport (not a U.S. citizen but permanent resident must present an I-551 or I-151 card).

Pay the fee. The county clerk will provide a receipt for payment of fees.


Non-Residents must visit any Sheriff's Department in the State and sign the application under oath. Include the above documents as well.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

The county clerk shall issue a license or notice of statutory disqualification within 45 days after the date the applicant has classifiable fingerprints taken.

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Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Minnesota Gun Laws and Minnesota concealed carry reciprocity with other states.