Minnesota sheriffs reported 75,782 Permit to Carry applications for the 2025 reporting year.
Minnesota BCA, 2025 Permit to Carry Annual Report, March 1, 2026Minnesota permit data
Minnesota Permit to Carry statistics
A current, sourced snapshot of Minnesota carry permit demand, valid permit totals, county counts, and training-related requirements.
2025 snapshot
Last updated July 9, 2026. The numbers below come from Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension annual reports and official county or statute references.
The 2025 report lists 65,961 five-year permits issued by December 31, 2025.
Minnesota BCA, 2025 Permit to Carry Annual Report, March 1, 2026Minnesota had 381,405 valid permits from applications received between May 1, 2003 and December 31, 2025.
Minnesota BCA, 2025 Permit to Carry Annual Report, March 1, 2026Applications rose from 67,216 in 2024 to 75,782 in 2025, a 12.7% year-over-year increase.
Calculated from Minnesota BCA 2024 and 2025 annual reportsYear over year
Carry permit demand moved up in 2025.
Applications and five-year permits issued both increased from 2024 to 2025. Pending applications were slightly lower at year end, which makes the increase in issued permits more useful than a single application count.
| Measure | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | 75,782 | 67,216 | +12.7% |
| Five-year permits issued | 65,961 | 57,248 | +15.2% |
| Denied by year end | 597 | 562 | +6.2% |
| Pending by year end | 9,057 | 9,210 | -1.7% |
| County | Valid permits |
|---|---|
| Hennepin | 49,314 |
| Anoka | 26,530 |
| Dakota | 25,487 |
| Ramsey | 22,959 |
| Washington | 20,958 |
| St. Louis | 17,386 |
| Wright | 12,436 |
| Stearns | 11,090 |
| Scott | 10,574 |
| Olmsted | 7,911 |
County totals
Metro counties hold a large share of valid permits.
Hennepin, Anoka, Dakota, Ramsey, Washington, Scott, and nearby counties all appear among the larger valid-permit totals. For South Metro students, Dakota, Scott, and Rice counties alone accounted for 40,216 valid permits in the 2025 report.
Minnesota BCA county valid permit tableTraining context behind the numbers.
Permit data is more useful when it is tied to what applicants actually have to do before they apply or renew.
Training must be recent
Applicants must present evidence of training in the safe use of a pistol within one year of an original or renewal application.
Minnesota Statutes, section 624.714, subdivision 2aPermits run on a five-year cycle
New and renewal permits are valid for five years from the date of issuance, which creates steady renewal demand.
Minnesota Statutes, section 624.714; Dakota County Sheriff's Office permit guidancePermit holders still need local steps
Minnesota residents apply through the sheriff's office in their county of residence, while nonresidents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
Minnesota Statutes, section 624.714Sources and citation
Use and cite this page.
Suggested citation: Tactical Training Solutions, "Minnesota Permit to Carry Statistics 2025," last updated July 9, 2026, https://minnesotaccw.com/resources/minnesota-permit-to-carry-statistics/.
Minnesota BCA 2025 Permit to Carry Annual Report
March 1, 2026Primary source for 2025 applications, issued permits, pending applications, valid permits, and county totals.
Open sourceMinnesota BCA 2024 Permit to Carry Annual Report
February 24, 2025Comparison source for year-over-year application and permit changes.
Open sourceMinnesota Statutes, section 624.714
Current statute pageReference for training, renewal, eligibility, and sheriff application rules.
Open sourceDakota County Sheriff's Office Permit to Carry guidance
Updated February 12, 2026Local county reference for permit validity, residence, and training timing.
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