MN CCW FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Minnesota permit to carry law: Disclaimer: This FAQ section only pertains to Minnesota Law and is offered for reference only. All legal questions regarding Minnesota law should be directed to a qualified attorney. Q: What is the difference between a Permit to Carry and a CCW permit?
Q: Where is a Minnesota Permit good?
an attorney licensed to practice law in your state for any legal advice.
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These answers are for information purposes only. Further clarification of the law may be addressed by referring directly to Minnesota State Statute
624.714
.
Q: Where can I apply for a permit to carry a pistol?
A: For Minnesota residents, individuals may obtain permits to carry a pistol by submitting an application and other related documentation to the sheriff in the county where the applicant resides. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
Q: Can I apply for a permit to carry if I am not a U.S. citizen but have permanent resident status in the United States?
A: 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.
Q: Where can I get a permit to carry application?
A: Applications will be available at the county sheriff’s office and on the
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website
.
Q: Can a non-resident mail in a permit to carry application or obtain a Minnesota permit to carry without physically being present?
A: No. Applications must be submitted in person to a Minnesota county sheriff.
Q:What are the requirements for getting a permit to carry?
A:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must complete an application form
Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota Statute
624.714
Must not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system
Must be a resident of the county from which you are requesting a permit, if you reside in Minnesota. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
Must provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training. Training by a certified instructor must be completed within one year of an original or renewal application. (624.714, Subd. 2a)
Q:When is a permit to carry not required?
A: A permit to carry is not required of a person: (Minnesota Statute
624.714
Subd. 9)
To carry a pistol between the person's dwelling house and place of business;
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 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.
Q:
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?
A: 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.
Q: Do members of the military need to take additional firearms training in order to apply for a permit to carry?
Q: What is the cost for a permit to carry?
How long do I have to wait to get my permit?
The county sheriff must either issue or deny a permit within 30 days of the application date.
How long is my permit valid?
New and renewal permits are valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Emergency permits are valid for 30 days.
Q: Can I get an emergency permit to carry?
A: 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.
Q: What would prevent me from getting a permit to carry?
A: 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/herself or others if issued a permit to carry.
Q: Where can I apply for a permit to carry a pistol?
A: For Minnesota residents, individuals may obtain permits to carry a pistol by submitting an application and other related documentation to the sheriff in the county where the applicant resides. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
Q: Can I apply for a permit to carry if I am not a U.S. citizen but have permanent resident status in the United States?
A: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.
Q: Where can I get a permit to carry application?
A: Applications will be available at the county sheriff’s office and on the
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website
.
Q: Can a non-resident mail in a permit to carry application or obtain a Minnesota permit to carry without physically being present?
A:No. Applications must be submitted in person to a Minnesota county sheriff.
Q: 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?
A: 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.
Q: How long do I have to wait to get my permit?
A: The county sheriff must either issue or deny a permit within 30 days of the application date.
Q: How long is my permit valid?
A: New and renewal permits are valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Emergency permits are valid for 30 days.
Q: Can I get an emergency permit to carry?
A: 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.
Q: What would prevent me from getting a permit to carry?
A: 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/herself or others if issued a permit to carry.
Q:Are predatory offenders prohibited from obtaining a permit to carry?
A:Yes. It is a misdemeanor for a person required to register as a predatory offender to carry a pistol.
Q:Do I need to have my permit with me when carrying my pistol?
Q:Do I have to disclose to a peace officer that I am a permit holder and carrying a firearm?
A: Yes and no, 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. You do not have to volunteer the information unless asked by the officer.
Q:Do I need to notify the sheriff’s office when I move?
A: 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.
Q: Do the address and/or my new driver’s license number on my permit to carry need to match the address and/or drivers license number on my driver’s license?
Q: What do I do if my permit card is lost or destroyed?
A: The permit holder must notify the issuing sheriff’s office within 30 days of having lost or destroyed the permit card. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor. The permit holder may obtain a replacement permit card by paying $10.00 to the sheriff.
Q: If I have a permit to carry a pistol do I have to conceal the pistol?
A: No. Minnesota’s Personal Protection Act is a permit to carry law, not a conceal and carry law. The pistol does not need to be concealed, but can be concealed.
Q: 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?
A: 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 handgun, that permit constitutes a permit to purchase. You don’t need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.
Q:Where am I prohibited from carrying my pistol?
A:
School property
(with exceptions)
A childcare center while children are present
Public colleges and universities – may have policy restricting the carrying of weapons on their premises by employees and students while on campus
(not illegal, just against policy; you can be fired or kicked out of school)
Private establishments that have posted a sign banning guns on their premises
(and ask you to leave)
Private establishments who have personally informed the permit holder that guns are prohibited and demands compliance
Places of employment, public or private, if employer restricts the carry or possession of firearms by is employees
(not illegal, but you can be fired for carrying when prohibited)
State correctional facilities or state hospitals and grounds (MN Statute 243.55)
Any jail, lockup or correctional facility (MN Statute 641.165)
Courthouse complexes, unless the sheriff is notified (MN Statute 609.66)
Offices and courtrooms of the Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
In federal court facilities or other federal facilities (Title 18 U.S.C.§ 930)
Q: Can private establishments prohibit carrying pistols on their premises?
A:Yes, private establishments must post a notice banning guns on their premises or personally notify patrons that guns are not allowed, and ask you to leave.
Q: Can my landlord restrict me from carrying or possessing firearms on residence premises?
A: Landlords may not restrict the lawful carry or possession of firearms by tenants or their guests.
Q: Can my employer prohibit carrying pistols in the work place?
A: Yes, an employer may establish policies that restrict the carry or possession of firearms by is employees while the employee is working.
Q: Can I prohibit firearms in my private residence?
A: The owner of the residence may prohibit firearms in their home.
Q: Can active licensed officers carry in private establishments?
A: Yes, active licensed peace officers, or security guards acting in the course and scope of employment, may carry firearms in private establishments.
Q: Are there requirements for an out of state sworn Police Officer to carry in Minnesota?
A:Federal or Out of State Police officers, whether on or off duty, do not need a permit to carry firearms in Minnesota. If they are going to carry a pistol, they must carry their police credentials as well.
Q: What are the federal laws that govern retired officers carrying firearms?
Minnesota POST Board website
.
Q: 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?
A: Yes.
Q: If I am a permit holder from another state traveling in or visiting Minnesota and I do not have a permit to carry that is recognized by Minnesota, where can I legally store my firearm while in Minnesota?
A; Transporting firearms without a permit requires the person to have the unloaded cased firearm in the trunk of the vehicle. For details on transporting firearms, refer to Minnesota Statute 97B.045, Transportation of Firearms.
Q: How can I legally transport a firearm from one place to another without obtaining a permit to carry?
A:Transporting firearms without a permit requires the person to have the firearm unloaded and fully enclosed in a case made to contain a firearm. For full details on transporting firearms, refer to Minnesota Statute 97B.045, Transportation of Firearms.