Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry permit may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a concealed carry permit varies by state. Read about the process for getting a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) below.
Similar to permit requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed carry permit, what their permits/licenses are called, whether permits include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, permit duration, permit costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.
Concealed Carry Permit Basics
Minnesota is, generally, a shall-issue state. Concealed carry licenses are issued at the local level by the sheriff’s office in the applicant’s county of residence. A sheriff is compelled to issue a license as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law unless there is a “substantial likelihood” that the applicant would be a danger to herself, himself or others if authorized to carry a handgun.
Both open carry and concealed carry are legal with a PCP or a permit from a state Minnesota honors. There is no stipulation in the law regarding whether that weapon must be concealed. On March 31, 2023, a federal judge struck down a Minnesota law requiring a person to be at least 21 before obtaining a permit to carry a handgun in public, finding it violated the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a firearms concealed carry training class. Resident and non-resident permits are available. Non-residents can apply at any sheriff’s office. A permit to carry is valid for five years and authorizes unlimited purchases within that time period. In terms of reciprocity, Minnesota will honor permits from states with similar requirements.
Federally Prohibited Persons
The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed carry permit/permit as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.
What Are the Permit Requirements in Minnesota?
An applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete an application form
- Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota law
- Not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system
- Be a resident of the county from which he or she is requesting a permit, if he or she resides in Minnesota
- Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
- Provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training
- Meet federal law requirements
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Minnesota.
Do I Need Firearms Training in Minnesota?
Minnesota statutes require permit applicants to present evidence of having received training from a certified instructor* in the safe use of a handgun within one year of an original application as well as a renewal. Firearms training must include:
- Instruction in the fundamentals of pistol use
- Successful completion of an actual shooting qualification exercise
- Instruction in the fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession, carry and use, including self-defense and the restrictions on the use of deadly force
Although members of the military receive 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.” Military members can contact their local sheriff’s office for further clarification and consideration.
*The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a list of certified firearms instructors.
A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in Minnesota. Find a class near you!
How Do I Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Minnesota?
Step 1: Complete a firearms training course within one year of your application.
Step 2: Download the application or pick one up from your county sheriff’s office.
Step 3: Submit the following documents to the sheriff’s office for the county in which you reside (non-residents must apply in-person to any Minnesota county sheriff):
- Completed application form
- Photocopy of certificate from firearms course
- Photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID card or photo page of your passport
Pay the fee.
Step 4: You will be notified if your application has been approved.
For more information, visit the USCCA Minnesota gun laws page now…
Find training to get your Minnesota Permit to Carry
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
