Minnesota Guide

Last Updated: 01/29/2026

Note: This guide covers statewide requirements. Some counties or cities may have additional procedures or regulations that are not listed here — always check with the local sheriff or police department before applying or purchasing. This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Buying a Gun:

  • Minimum age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun (exceptions for private sales see below)
  • Licensing: Permit to Purchase (PTP) / Transfer required for handguns and semiautomatic weapons.
  • Dealer sales background check: Required for all dealer purchases.
  • Waiting period: None.
  • Private sales: Background checks effectively required.

Concealed Carry:

  • Permit required? Yes. A Permit to Carry (PTC) is required for both open and concealed carry in public.
  • If permit required: Shall-issue. Authorities must issue if applicant meets statutory criteria. Limited discretion only if substantial likelihood applicant poses danger.
  • Training required? Yes. State-recognized training must be completed within 12 months prior to application
  • Out-of-state permit recognition: Yes. Minnesota recognizes permits from multiple states, see links below for a full list.

Special Notes:

  • Minnesota has extended waiting periods for assault weapons, universal background checks for handgun and assault weapon transfers, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (red flag laws), and safe storage requirements in certain circumstances.
  • Federal court rulings in 2023-2025 have lowered the minimum age for Permit to Carry from 21 to 18 but not all county resources have been updated to reflect that. Existing statute hasn’t yet been updated and many counties still list 21 as the minimum age for a PTC. Regardless of this inaction, the age to get a PTC in Minnesota is 18.
  • Minnesota has a broad definition of what a “Military-Style Assault Weapon” is, and that definition is used frequently throughout statute and this guide. Statute defines an exhaustive list of weapons within this category (state statute with that list can be found here). Throughout this guide Military-Style Assault Weapon may be abbreviated as MSAW.

How to Buy a Gun in Minnesota

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun (those 18-20 may purchase handguns through private sales).
  • Residency: Must be a resident of Minnesota for Permit to Purchase. Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
  • ID requirements: Valid Minnesota driver’s license, Minnesota state ID, or passport with proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc. dated within last 30 days).
  • Prohibited-person highlights: Felons (with some restoration options), domestic violence misdemeanors or restraining orders, unlawful drug users, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally ill or committed, persons listed in criminal gang investigative data system, and other federally prohibited categories.

Obtaining a Permit to Purchase/Transfer

A Permit to Purchase/Transfer is required for all transfers (dealer or private) of handguns and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. If you already possess a valid Permit to Carry a Pistol, that permit constitutes a Permit to Purchase and no separate permit is needed.

  1. Obtain and complete the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application/Receipt Permit to Purchase/Transfer form (found here).
  2. Submit the application to your local police chief (if your city has a police department) or county sheriff (if your city does not have its own police department)
  3. Provide valid identification and proof of residency
  4. The law enforcement agency will conduct background checks through Minnesota Crime Information System, national criminal record repository, and other databases
  5. The agency has 30 days to approve or deny the application
  6. If approved, the permit is valid for one year
  7. There is no fee for a Permit to Purchase

Dealer Purchase Steps

  1. Obtain a Permit to Purchase (or possess a valid Permit to Carry) if required (handguns/MSAWs).
  2. Visit a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer
  3. Present current and valid government-issued photo ID, proof of residency, and if applicable, your Permit to Purchase or Permit to Carry
  4. Complete ATF Form 4473
  5. Dealer conducts background check through federal NICS system
  6. If applicable, complete the mandatory 30-day waiting period for handguns and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (discretionary exceptions exist for those under documented and credible threat).
  7. Take possession of your firearm same-day (outside of rare cases)
    • With valid PTP/PTC: Immediate possession after federal background check clears (usually instant)
    • Without PTP/PTC (handguns/MSAWs only): Dealer files transfer report with law enforcement. Law enforcement has up to 30 days to complete their review if additional investigation is needed, but delays are uncommon. Many retailers such as Bass Pro Shops do not provide this option.

Private Sales / Gun Shows

  • Handguns and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons: Background checks are required via one of two methods.
    • Pre-obtained permit: Buyer presents a valid Permit to Purchase (PTP) or Permit to Carry (PTC). No transfer report or background check delay required – immediate transfer possible.
    • Transfer report process: If buyer lacks a permit, seller and buyer complete a transfer report. Seller must file it with local law enforcement within 3 days of agreement to transfer. Law enforcement has up to 30 days to complete background check and approve/deny. Transfer may proceed earlier if approved or if no response within 30 days, unless waived by law enforcement.
  • Other long guns (traditional rifles and shotguns): Private sales do not require background checks, permits, or transfer reports. However, sellers must not knowingly transfer to a prohibited person.

Special Categories / Exceptions

  • Minnesota prohibits civilian ownership of machine guns and short-barreled shotguns (exceptions exist for items designated as Curios & Relics by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension). Trigger activators and machine gun conversion kits are also prohibited. Short-barreled rifles, suppressors, and other NFA items not specifically prohibited by state law may be owned if compliant with federal NFA requirements.
  • Non-resident purchases allowed only for long gun purchases and the purchaser must comply with federal law and the laws of their home state. Handguns and MSAW weapons are forbidden.

Waiting Period & Timing

  • Waiting period (days): Minnesota has no waiting period for firearm purchases.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • Know which local law enforcement agency handles permits in your jurisdiction (police department vs. sheriff).
  • Permit to Purchase applications are free, but delays can occur with incomplete information.
  • Permit to Carry serves as Permit to Purchase, potentially saving time for those who carry.
  • Confirm dealer requirements for proof of residency.
  • Ensure all information on the ATF Form 4473 is accurate to avoid delays.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.
  • Marijuana users are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. The ATF and many courts treat a medical marijuana card as presumptive evidence of unlawful use. Marijuana use while possessing a firearm is a felony, though recent court rulings are challenging this, and the Supreme Court has taken up a relevant case with a ruling likely in June or July of 2026.

How to Carry Concealed in Minnesota

System Type

  • Shall-issue. Minnesota law requires county sheriffs to issue a Permit to Carry (PTC) if the applicant meets statutory qualifications. Sheriffs have limited discretion to deny only if there is “substantial likelihood” the applicant would be a danger to themselves or the public.

Prerequisites

  • Age: 18
  • Residency: Minnesota residents must apply in their county of residence. Non-residents may apply to any county sheriff. Must be U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Training: Must complete a certified firearms training course within 12 months prior to application (applies to both initial and renewal applications)
  • Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, pending criminal proceedings, adjudicated mental incompetence, and any condition that makes the applicant prohibited under federal law (e.g., involuntary commitment or unlawful controlled substance use). This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource (explicit statute can be found here).

Application Steps

  1. Complete a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) approved firearms training course within the past 12 months.
  2. Obtain and complete the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application Permit to Carry a Pistol form from your local sheriff’s office or download it. Do not sign or date the form until you appear in person.
  3. Be prepared to present your current Minnesota driver’s license, state ID, or passport (permanent residents must also provide I-551 or I-151 card), and your original training certificate from a certified instructor.
  4. Make an appointment with your county sheriff’s office (or any sheriff’s office if non-resident).
  5. Appear in person to submit application with required supporting documents and payment.
  6. Sheriff’s office will conduct background checks.
  7. Sheriff must issue or deny permit within 30 days of receiving completed application.
  8. If approved, permit will be mailed to you Permit is valid for 5 years.

Training Requirements

  • Hours: Not specified by statute.
  • Proficiencies required: Training must include instruction in the safe use of a pistol, education in the fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession, carry, and use, and instruction on self-defense and restrictions on use of deadly force
  • Instructor certification: Required for the course provider.
  • Additional note: While military members receive firearms training and are often exempt from training requirements in other states, Minnesota requires additional training on the legal aspects of permit to carry from a BCA-certified instructor.

Processing Time

  • Permit must be approved or rejected within 30 days of receiving completed application per statute.
  • Typical processing time varies by county, generally 2-4 weeks, though some counties may process faster or slower depending on workload.

License validity period

  • PTCs are valid for 5 years.
  • PTC renewals are valid for 5 years (must complete new training course within 12 months prior to renewal).
  • May renew up to 90 days before expiration. Late renewals within 30 days of expiration have higher fees. Renewals more than 30 days after expiration require new application process.

Restrictions / Prohibited Places

  • K-12 schools and school grounds (exceptions exist for parking lots).
  • Licensed child care centers when children are present (exceptions exist for parking lots).
  • Correctional facilities, jails, and lockups.
  • State hospitals and their grounds.
  • Courthouse complexes (permit holders must notify sheriff).
  • Certain state buildings within the capitol area.
  • Secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law.
  • Game refuges, unless firearm unloaded and cased.
  • Private establishments with proper posted signage or personal notification (parking lots cannot be restricted).
  • Private residences if prohibited by owner.
  • Do not carry while intoxicated; carrying while intoxicated is illegal and punishable by law.
  • This is not exhaustive, consult official resources linked below.

Reciprocity

  • Out-of-state permits recognized: Minnesota recognizes permits from approximately 33 states with similar permit-to-carry requirements. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains an annual list of recognized states (found here).
  • Minnesota permits are recognized in many states. Some states may recognize Minnesota resident permits but not non-resident permits. Always verify current reciprocity before traveling.

Denial & Appeal Process

  • If denied, the sheriff must provide written reasons for denial.
  • Applicants may appeal a denial to the appropriate district court.
  • Denials based on prohibited-person status generally cannot be overturned without expungement or restoration of rights.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • Minnesota law does not specify whether firearms must be concealed or openly carried. A PTC allows both open and concealed carry of a pistol in public.
  • Some counties require appointments for permit applications.
  • Notify the issuing sheriff’s office within 30 days of address change (permit card doesn’t need to be reprinted for address changes, but dealers may require matching addresses)
  • Even with permit, private property postings override carry rights
  • Carrying in prohibited places can result in serious penalties.
  • Carrying while intoxicated can result in serious penalties.
  • Ensure your LTC is renewed before expiration to avoid legal issues.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.

Associated Fees

  • Permit to Purchase / Transfer: Free
  • Concealed Carry Permit (initial): Varies by county. Typically $100
  • Concealed Carry Permit Renewal: Varies by county. Typically around $100
  • Other Fees / Notes: PTC training courses typically range from $70-150

Trans-Specific Considerations

Name or Gender Marker Changes in Progress

  • PTP and Firearm Purchases: We are currently unaware of any process through which you can update your Permit to Purchase (PTP) in Minnesota. As a PTP only lasts for one year, applying for a new PTP is likely the best practice. Your ID must be current and valid at the time of purchase. If your name and / or gender marker change is finalized but your ID has not yet been updated, you may face delays or denial. If possible, complete your ID update before attempting to purchase.
  • PTC Applications: Minnesota authorities have 30 days to process permit applications, which could create complications if you undergo a name and/or gender marker change during processing. If you submit an application and your legal name changes during processing, notify your issuing authority immediately. Failure to update your information could result in application denial or a permit issued under an incorrect name, which may create legal complications when carrying.
  • Form 4473 Accuracy: The ATF Form 4473 must reflect your current legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The form also asks for sex information; at present, using the gender marker on your current government-issued ID is the standard practice. Using identifying information that does not match your ID could constitute providing false information and may result in denial or legal consequences.
  • Practical Implications: It is strongly recommended that you complete all legal name and / or gender marker changes and obtain updated government ID before beginning the firearms purchase or permit application process in Minnesota. This avoids potential complications with background checks and application processing. Given that permits in Minnesota are free and relatively quick to obtain, timing your applications around completion of legal name changes will minimize any potential conflicts.

Updating an Existing Permit to Purchase After Name or Gender Marker Change

  • We have been unable to find any county resource that provides a pathway for updating your name or gender marker on a Permit to Purchase. Given the short one-year validity period, the standard practice is to simply apply for a new permit under your updated information when needed. The application is free and typically processed within 7-30 days.

Updating an Existing PTP Permit After Name or Gender Marker Change

  • Where to update: Contact your original issuing agency (typically your county sheriff) for local guidance on updating your documentation. Any name and / or gender marker changes should be finalized before beginning this process and applied for at the same time if applicable.
  • Required documentation: Documentation required may vary by county, but be prepared to provide proof of your legal name and / or gender marker change, such as a court order, updated birth certificate, or other official documentation.
  • Update process: Varies by county. Some counties will issue an amended permit card, while others may require you to fill out page 1 of the permit application form with updated information. Contact your issuing sheriff’s office for specific procedures in your jurisdiction.
  • Processing fee: Typically $10 for a new permit card (varies by county).
  • Processing time: Varies by county. Limited by statute to 30 days.
  • Important note on carrying: Your CCW permit should reflect your current legal name before you carry concealed. A mismatch between your ID and permit could create complications during a law enforcement encounter.

Notes:

  • There are ongoing regulatory developments regarding sex designation requirements on Form 4473. We are monitoring this situation and will update this guide as more information becomes available.

Minnesota-Specific Considerations

  • Local ordinance preemption: Partial. State law preempts most firearm regulations, but localities may regulate discharge within city limits and possession in local government buildings. Some variation exists across municipalities.
  • Assault weapons / magazine limits: No assault weapons ban. Minnesota regulates “semiautomatic military-style assault weapons” through permit requirements and extended waiting periods but does not ban them. No magazine capacity restrictions.
  • ERPO / Red flag laws: Yes. Minnesota enacted Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) in 2023, effective January 1, 2024. Chief law enforcement officers or their designees, city or county attorneys, family or household members, or guardians may petition for orders. Emergency orders last up to 14 days; final orders last 6 months to 1 year and are renewable.
  • Registration requirements: None.
  • Safe storage laws: Yes. Minnesota criminalizes negligent storage of loaded firearms. It is a gross misdemeanor to negligently store or leave a loaded firearm where you know, or reasonably should know, that a child under 18 is likely to gain access, unless reasonable action is taken to secure the firearm (relevant statute, MN § 609.666, can be found here)
  • Transportation rules:
    • Parking lot protection: Even at prohibited locations (schools, private establishments, employers, colleges), you may lawfully store firearms in your vehicle in parking lots/areas if stored in compliance with transportation laws (relevant statutes, MN § 609.666 found here, and MN § 624.714 found here).
    • Transported firearms must be unloaded and either:
      • In the closed trunk.
      • In a gun case expressly made to contain firearms, with the case fully enclosing the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, with no portion of the firearm exposed. Permit to Carry holders may transport handguns in compliance with permit laws (relevant statute, MN § 97B.045, can found here).
  • Other unique issues: Minnesota does not have a stand-your-ground law; there is a duty to retreat in public before using deadly force. However, Minnesota recognizes the Castle Doctrine for defense of home, business, and occupied vehicle, which removes the duty to retreat in those locations.

Official Links & Documents

State Statutes / Codes

State Police / Firearms Division

Permit Applications / Forms

Attorney General Opinions / Court Decisions

Other Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-residents buy a gun in this state?
Non-residents may purchase firearms which do not require a Permit to Purchase (generally, traditional long guns), if they comply with federal law and their home state laws. Handgun purchases are generally restricted to state residents, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel.

Are private sales required to do background checks?
For any purchase which would require a Permit to Purchase, handguns and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, yes. The buyer must have a Permit to Purchase or Permit to Carry, or the seller must file a transfer report with law enforcement. For other long guns, private sales do not require background checks under Minnesota law.

How long is the waiting period?
There is no waiting period in Minnesota

What is the minimum age to buy a handgun?
The minimum age to buy a handgun in Minnesota from an FFL is 21. Those 18-20 may purchase through private sales.

Do I need a permit to carry concealed?
Yes, a Permit to Carry is required in Minnesota.

Where am I prohibited from carrying even with a permit?
Minnesota law prohibits carrying firearms in several locations, even with a valid Permit to Carry. You cannot carry in K-12 schools and school grounds, licensed child care centers when children are present, correctional facilities, state hospitals, or secured areas of airports and certain federal buildings. Courthouse complexes allow permit holders only if they notify the sheriff in advance. Certain state buildings within the capitol area are also off-limits. Game refuges prohibit loaded firearms unless they are unloaded and cased. Private establishments may prohibit firearms by posting proper signage or providing personal notification to you. Private residences may prohibit firearms if the owner requests it. Importantly, parking lots at schools, child care centers, and private establishments cannot be restricted; you may lawfully store firearms in your vehicle. Finally, it is illegal to carry while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, regardless of whether you have a permit. Note that many of these restrictions include specific exceptions, so consult the full statute linked above for complete details.

Are ghost guns or unserialized guns legal?
Yes. In August 2025, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in State v. Vagle that Minnesota’s unserialized firearm law only applies to firearms that federal law requires to have serial numbers. Since federal law does not require serial numbers on privately manufactured firearms, they are currently legal to possess in Minnesota. However, lawmakers have indicated they will introduce legislation to restrict ghost guns in the 2026 session, so this may change.

Are out-of-state permits recognized here?
Yes, if the issuing state has substantially similar permit requirements to Minnesota. Minnesota recognizes permits from approximately 33 states. Check the current reciprocity list linked above from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

How long does the permit process typically take?
Both Permits to Purchase and Permits to Carry are limited by statute to 30 days. Counties report much shorter processing times, but will vary due to various reasons.

What happens if my concealed carry permit is denied?
You will receive written reasons for denial from the sheriff. You may appeal the denial to the appropriate district court. If denied due to prohibited person status, the denial generally cannot be overturned without expungement or restoration of rights.