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Gun Permits

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1. Where can I apply for a permit to carry a pistol?

Minnesota residents may obtain a permit to carry a pistol by submitting a Permit to Carry Application and other related documents to the sheriff in the county where the applicant resides. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.

2. Can I apply for a permit to carry if I am not a U.S. citizen but have permanent resident alien status in the United States?

Yes. When you apply you will need to provide the sheriff with your I-551 or I-151 card, whichever one you have been issued.

3. Can I apply for my permit by mail?

No. Minnesota State Statute requires you to apply at the Sheriff's Office in person.

4. What are the requirements for getting a permit to carry?

• You must be a resident of the county from which you are requesting a permit, if you are a Minnesota resident. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must complete the correct application form.
• You must not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system.
• You must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm by any local, state, or federal law.
• You must provide a certificate of completed authorized firearms training. Training must be provided by a certified instructor and must be completed within 1 year of the original or renewal application date.

5. What is the process for obtaining or renewing my permit to carry?

• Deliver the application packet along with your training certificate to the sheriff's office where you currently reside. Out of state applicants may apply at any Minnesota sheriff's office.
• Take an authorized firearms training class within 1 year of your application or renewal date.
• You must present a current drivers license, state identification card, or the photo page of your passport showing residency in the county. Permanent US Resident must present an I-551 or I-151 card.

6. When is a permit to carry not required?

• To carry a pistol between the person's dwelling house and place of business*.
• 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 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 keep or carry about the person's place of business*, dwelling house, premises, or land possessed by the person.
• 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.

*Case law states that a person must have an interest in the place of business, not merely an employee.

7. Where can I find a list of approved firearms training classes?

The BCA provides a list of Approved Business Organizations that the BCA certifies for training for the Minnesota Personal Protection Act. The Approved Business Organizations certify the instructors that teach for them. Individuals needs to contact those organizations for instructor information.List of approved firearms training classes

8. If I am a non-resident, must I take an approved firearms training class in Minnesota in order to get a Minnesota permit to carry?

No. You are only required to present evidence that you have received training in the safe use of a pistol from an organization or government entity that has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in accordance with the department's standards.

9. Do members of the military need to take additional firearms training in order to apply for a permit to carry?

Although members of the military received 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.

10. What is the cost for a permit to carry?

The fee for a new permit to carry is $100. The fee for a renewal is $75 if you apply within 90 days before your expiration date. The fee is $85 if you apply within 30 days after your expiration date. If your permit is more than 30 days expired, it is considered a "new" permit and you will be charged $100.  Accepted payment method is cash or check only - exact cash is preferred as we don't always have access to change when paying with large bills.

11. How long do I have to wait to get my permit?

You will know if your permit is issued or denied within 30 days of your application date.

12. How long is my permit valid?

New and renewal permits are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Emergency permits are valid for 30 days.

13. Can I get an emergency permit to carry?

Emergency permits may be issued by the sheriff if he/she determines that the person is in an emergency situation that may constitute an immediate risk to the safety of the person or someone residing in the person's household.

14. What would prevent me from getting a permit to carry?

Any applicant who does not meet the criteria as listed above is not eligible for a permit to carry a pistol. The sheriff may also deny the application if there is a substantial likelihood that the applicant is a danger to himself or others if issued a permit to carry.

15. Where is my Minnesota permit valis?

Minnesota permits are valid throughout the state of Minnesota. Individuals interested in determining whether a Minnesota permit to carry is valid in another state should contact that state directly to determine what the carry laws are.

16. Do I need to have my permit to carry card with me when carrying a pistol?

Yes. The permit holder must have the permit card and a valid 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 when requested by a peace officer.

17. Do I have to disclose to a peace officer that I am a permit holder and carrying a firearm?

Yes. Upon request of a peace officer, a permit holder must disclose to the officer whether or not the permit holder is currently carrying a firearm.

18. Do I need to notify the Sheriff's Office when I move?

Yes. A permit holder is required to notify the issuing sheriff's office within 30 days of a permanent address change. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor.

19. Does the address on my permit to carry need to match the address on my driver's license?

No. However, the permit holder may obtain an updated permit at a cost of $10. There is a statutory requirement to change the address on your driver's license within 30 days after changing your residence. (171.11)

20. If I have a permit to carry, do I have to conceal the pistol?

No. Minnesota Personal Protection Act is a permit to carry law, not a conceal and carry law. The pistol does not need to be concealed, but may be concealed.

21. What do I do if my permit card is lost or destroyed?

The permit holder must notify the issuing Sheriff's Office within 30 days of having lost or destroying the card. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor.

22. If I have a permit to carry a pistol, do I need to apply for a permit to purchase if I want to purchase a handgun?

No. Under Minnesota law, handgun transfers involve any sale, gift, loan, assignment, or other delivery to another person. If you possess a valid permit to carry a pistol, that permit constitutes a permit to purchase. You do not need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.

23. Where am I prohibited from carrying my pistol?

The provisions of federal and state law that describe these prohibitions are found at:

• 18 United States Code section 930
• Minnesota Statutes, section 243.55
• Minnesota Statutes, section 609.66
• Minnesota Statutes, section 624.714
• Minnesota Statutes, section 641.165

24. Can private establishments prohibit carrying pistols on their premises?

Yes. Private establishments must post a notice banning guns on their premises or personally notifying patrons that guns are not allowed.

25. Can my landlord restrict me from carrying or possessing firearms on residence prmises?

Landlords may not restrict the lawful carry or possession of firearms by tenants or their guests.

26. Can I prohibit firearms in my private residence?

Yes. The owner of the residence may prohibit firearms from their house.

27. If I am a resident of a state that does not have reciprocity with Minnesota but have a permit to carry from a state that does, may I carry in Minnesota?

Yes.

28. How can I legally transport a firearm without obtaining a permit to carry?

Transporting firearms without a permit requires the person to have the firearm unloaded and fully enclosed in a case made to contain a firearm.

29. Is there a public list of unpermitted holders?

No. This is private data and not available to the public.

30. Where do I renew my permit to carry?

Permits to carry are renewed at the county Sheriff's Office where the applicant currently resides. Out of state permit holders can renew at any Sheriff's Office.

31. When can I renew my permit?

Permits may not be renewed until 90 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit. The renewal fee is during the 90 days prior to expiration is $75.

After the expiration date, but within 30 days after the expiration, you can renew your permit by paying an additional late fee of $10 in addition to the $75 renewal fee. During this time, your past permit is not valid and you will not be able to legally carry a pistol until your renewal permit has been issued.