Minnesota gun laws generally operate on a shall-issue policy, but Minnesota is not officially a shall-issue state. A Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) is available at the local level from the sheriff’s office in the applicant’s county of residence. Anyone resident of Minnesota at least 21 years old can apply for a concealed-carry license in Minnesota.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Minnesota?
Yes. There is a 30-day waiting period to buy a handgun or assault-type weapon in Minnesota. However, there is no waiting period for those with a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) or a Permit to Purchase/Transfer.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Minnesota?
Yes. A Permit to Purchase/Transfer is required to buy handguns and long guns that have a pistol grip in Minnesota. However, a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PC) also serves as a permit to purchase for Minnesota residents. Long guns without a pistol grip may be purchased without a permit.
Do you need to register handguns in Minnesota?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Minnesota.
Who is eligible to obtain a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) in Minnesota?
Any Minnesota state resident who is at least 21 years of age can apply for a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP).
Is firearms training a requirement in Minnesota for a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP)?
Yes. Applicants for the Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) are required to take a firearms-training course.
What are the requirements to obtain a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) in Minnesota?
Applicants for a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of Minnesota
- Complete a firearms-safety course
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) in Minnesota?
- Complete a firearms-training course
- Pick up an application at your local sheriff’s office or apply online by going to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website mn.gov/divisions/bca.
- Submit the completed application, certificate of firearms training, driver’s license or state ID, and fee to your local sheriff’s office. Application processing time is 30 days.
How much does a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) cost?
The fee for a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol is $75; renewals is $55.
Does Minnesota recognize concealed carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Minnesota recognizes concealed-carry permits from states with similar requirements.
Is Minnesota a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Minnesota is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Minnesota an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Minnesota with a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) .
Is Minnesota a Stand Your Ground state?
No. Minnesota is not a Stand Your Ground state. State law imposes a duty to retreat.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Minnesota?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Minnesota.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Minnesota?
Yes. There are no state magazine-capacity restrictions in Minnesota.
Does Minnesota have gun-storage laws?
Yes. It is against the law to store or leave a loaded firearm where a person knows, or should reasonably know, that a child under 18 years old is likely to gain access to it in Minnesota.
Is Minnesota a Red Flag state?
Yes. Minnesota has a red-flag law.
