Minnesota issues gun licenses for the possession of firearms in the state.

You must meet all requirements to apply for the pistol permit, and to do this, you must understand all gun laws.

Minnesota Gun Permit Summary

Minnesota is a shall-issue state for the possession of firearms processed at the level of the sheriff’s office in a local county.

To buy firearms, you must have a purchase permit, and this could also be the Minnesota gun license.

How To Get A Gun Permit In Minnesota?

Minnesota issues gun permits to both residents and non-residents of the state that are twenty-one or more without a prohibition to possess firearms.

It is a licensed open carry state.

Minnesota Gun Permit Laws

Minnesota permits the open carry of firearms for residents with the state’s gun license, and non-residents with permits that Minnesota honors.

As long as you have a Minnesota pistol permit, you can either conceal or open carry firearms.

Minnesota prohibits the possession of assault weapons like machine guns and semi-automatic except for law enforcement officers, licensed dealers and manufacturers, warden officers, and military members.

Metal piercing ammunition is also illegal for use in the state.

Minnesota Pistol Permit Requirements.

To apply for Minnesota gun permits, you must meet the following requirements provided by gun laws of the state:

  • You must be at least twenty-one years old.
  • You must complete a Minnesota firearm training and have a certificate to prove this.
  • You must complete the application form.
  • You must not have a Minnesota court order that prohibits you from possessing a firearm.
  • Your name must not be on the list of a criminal gang investigation system.
  • You must be a resident of the local county where you are processing the Minnesota permit application. For non-residents permit, you can apply in any county in Minnesota.
  • You must meet federal law requirements for the CCW permit application.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Minnesota

A summary of firearms permits in Minnesota includes the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: Minnesota does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: Minnesota issues a state permit to purchase handguns.
  • State permit to open carry: Minnesota is a licensed state that issues permits for open carry.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: Minnesota does not issue a state permit to conceal long weapons.
  • State permits to conceal carry handguns: Minnesota issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Minnesota?

Initial permit application in Minnesota costs one hundred dollars, while renewal permits are between seventy-five to eighty-five dollars depending on the county of residence.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Minnesota?

To apply for Minnesota gun permit, the process includes the following:

The steps are as follows:

Complete Firearm Training

A firearm training certificate is essential for the Minnesota permit application.

Download Application

You can either download the application online or visit your local county sheriff’s office to collect one.

Submit The Necessary Documents

Other documents you have to provide alongside your permit application are your training course certificate and your Minnesota driver’s license or an identification card.

Receive Application Notification

You will receive a mail to notify you of your Minnesota permit application status.

Minnesota permit renewal process begins ninety days before the expiry date of your current permit.

The process continues until about thirty days after your permit, but within the period, you have to pay a fine of ten dollars and thirty-one cents.

After thirty days, you can no longer renew the permit. Hence you have to apply for a new one.

Also, if you are renewing within these thirty days, you should know that your current permit will be invalid until you get a new license.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Minnesota

Minnesota honors pistol permits from other states that have similar gun laws.

Other aspects of Minnesota reciprocity deal include the following:

States That Minnesota Will Accept Their Pistol Permit

The department of public safety in Minnesota allows pistol licenses issued by these states. This is because they have similar gun laws to Minnesota’s. Therefore, residents of these states can open or conceal carry in Minnesota. The states are:

  • Alaska
  • Delaware
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia

States That Recognize Minnesota Pistol Permit

As a Minnesota resident, you can possess your firearms in these states if you have a Minnesota gun license. But you have to comply with their rules and regulations concerning gun possession. They include the following:

  • Alabama
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Minnesota

You can make use of your Minnesota pistol license in these states only if you meet all requirements provided by the state gun laws. They include the following:

  • Michigan
  • South Carolina

States That Do Not Accept A Permit

These states have permitless carry policy, and you do not need a pistol permit to possess firearms. Most of them are constitutional carry states. They are:

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Minnesota

Some of the most frequently asked questions about pistol permit in Minnesota, its renewal, and permit application include the following:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In Minnesota?

Yes, you can conceal carry in Minnesota if you have a license to carry firearms.

How Long Is Minnesota Pistol Permit Valid?

Minnesota pistol permit is valid for five years, after which you have to apply for a pistol permit.

Can Non-Residents Apply For Minnesota Pistol Permits?

Yes. Minnesota non-residents can apply for pistol permits in the state in any county of residence.

The process is similar to that of the residents’ application.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Minnesota Gun License?

To change your name or address in Minnesota, you must inform the sheriff’s office of a local county within thirty days of effecting the change.

If you do not notify the sheriff’s office within this period, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Upon informing the sheriff’s office, you will pay a ten dollars fee for an updated permit.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Minnesota Pistol Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For a missing or stolen Minnesota pistol permit, you must notify your local sheriff office within thirty days.

You must also provide a statement on the theft or how you lost the permit. Failure to notify the sheriff’s office will lead to a misdemeanor charge.

Replacements permit in Minnesota costs ten dollars.

How Soon Can I Apply For Minnesota Gun Permit After Moving To The State?

If you are a new resident that wants a Minnesota pistol permit, you must first obtain either state driver’s license or any other Minnesota identification card.

Can I Make Use Of A Minnesota Pistol Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

After moving out of Minnesota, your gun license will become invalid automatically except you apply for a change of name and address, as explained above.

After updating the permit, it will remain valid until it eventually expires.

Do I Need A Minnesota Pistol Permit To Open Carry In The State?

Yes, you must have a Minnesota gun license before you can open carry in the state.

Non-residents can open carry with a license from any state that Minnesota recognizes.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Minnesota Pistol Permit?

You can apply for a Minnesota pistol permit if you are twenty-one years old or more.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Minnesota?

Yes, to purchase a firearm in Minnesota, you must either have a state pistol permit or a purchase permit.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In Minnesota?

No, pistol permit holders must still complete a criminal record background check before the state’s possession of firearms.

Do I Need A Minnesota Pistol Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, you do not need a Minnesota pistol permit or any other state that it recognizes to conceal carry or possess firearms in home of residence, private buildings, or any personal business place.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For A Minnesota Pistol Permit?

Yes, you must complete a firearm training that is state-approved and conducted by a state-certified firearm instructor, before you apply for a pistol permit in Minnesota.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In Minnesota?

Minnesota processing period for the possession of firearms in the state is thirty days.

Does Minnesota Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

Yes, it is prohibited to use assault weapons or similar firearms in the state except for law enforcement officers, licensed dealers, government officials, and military workers.

Is Minnesota A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state government reserves all rights for the regulation of firearms in Minnesota.

Can I Possess Handguns While Hunting In Minnesota?

Yes, you must own a pistol permit in Minnesota before you possess it for hunting. You can also conceal carry during bow hunting.

What Is The Age Limit For Possession Of Firearms In Minnesota?

You must be at least eighteen years old to possess firearms in Minnesota.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In Minnesota

Some of Minnesota gun laws concerning the use of pistol permits and possession of firearms within the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

According to Minnesota gun statutes, [Minn. Stat. § 624.714 Subd. 9(5)] [Minn. Stat. § 97B.045] you can possess firearms in a privately owned vehicle if you have the state license to carry.

If you do not have a Minnesota license to carry, then the firearm must be safe such that there are no bullets in it, locked away in a case, and kept in the trunk of the vehicle.

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas Of The State

You can possess firearms in Minnesota’s roadside areas if you are a resident with a pistol permit.

Non-residents can only possess firearms in the state if they have a permit that Minnesota honors.

[Minn. Stat. § 97B.045]

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

With a Minnesota pistol permit or another state that it recognizes, you can possess firearms in wildlife management areas.

The only exceptions to these are the following WMA:

  • Bayport WMA in Washington county.
  • Hasting WMA in Dakota county.
  • Raguet WMA in Scott and Carver counties.

For other WMA areas in the state, make sure that you visit their website page for more information on the possession of firearms.

Without a Minnesota pistol permit, your firearm must not be loaded in state parks and forests, also you must keep it in its case or holster.

[Minn. Stat. § 624.714,] [Minn. Stat. § 324.504(8)]

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurants And Bars Areas

You can conceal carry a firearm in any restaurant and bar venture recognized by the state if you are a permit holder.

However, it is prohibited to possess firearms in a restaurant and bar venture if there is a post restricting such, and if you are under the influence of alcohol.

According to Minnesota gun statutes, under the influence of alcohol is a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.04.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

The person in charge of a hotel can refuse to provide accommodation to anybody that possesses a firearm. Before you visit a hotel, make sure that you check the website to know about its privacy policy for the possession of weapons within its premises.

[Minn. Stat. § 327.73, subd. 2(a)(3)]

Possession Of Firearms In Parking Lots

According to the Minnesota gun statute, it is unlawful for an employer or any landowner to prohibit the possession of firearms locked away in a vehicle in a parking lot.

[Minn. Stat. § 624.714 Subd. 18.]

Additional Resources

Minnesota Gun Laws
Minnesota Concealed Carry Laws
Minnesota Open Carry Laws

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