Minnesota Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Minnesota recognises permits from the following states:

Alaska, Delaware, Idaho*, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota**, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota***.

Idaho* - Honors ID Enhanced Only

North Dakota** - Honors ND Class 1 Only

South Dakota*** – Honors SD Enhanced Permit Only

Minnesota Honors Non-Resident Permits/Licenses From the States They Honor.

624.714, Subd. 16. Recognition of Permits from Other States

(a) The commissioner must annually establish and publish a list of other states that have laws governing the issuance of permits to carry weapons that are not similar to this section. The list must be available on the Internet. A person holding a carry permit from a state not on the list may use the license or permit in this state subject to the rights, privileges, and requirements of this section.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), no license or permit from another state is valid in this state if the holder is or becomes prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

(c) Any sheriff or police chief may file a petition under subdivision 12 seeking an order suspending or revoking an out-of-state permit holder's authority to carry a pistol in this state on the grounds set forth in subdivision 6, paragraph (a), clause (3). An order shall only be issued if the petitioner meets the burden of proof and criteria set forth in subdivision 12. If the court denies the petition, the court must award the permit holder reasonable costs and expenses including attorney fees. The petition may be filed in any county in the state where a person holding a license or permit from another state can be found.

(d) The commissioner must, when necessary, execute reciprocity agreements regarding carry permits with jurisdictions whose carry permits are recognized under paragraph (a).

How to Apply for a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

Minnesota Residents can print off an application and then take it to the Sheriff of the county they reside in.

The requirements ingetting a permit to carry:

Must be at least 21 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 and completed within one year of an original or renewal application. (624.714, Subd. 2a)

The Permit is valid for a period of 5 years and anadditional training is required to renew.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

624.714 Subd. 2. Where Application Made; Authority to Issue Permit; Criteria; Scope

(a) Applications by Minnesota residents for permits to carry shall be made to the county sheriff where the applicant resides. Nonresidents, as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 42, may apply to any sheriff.

To obtain a non-resident permit, the Sheriff will give you the application and information you need. Must be 21 Years of age.

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

a public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school building and its improved grounds, whether leased or owned by the school;
a child care center licensed under chapter 245A during the period children are present and participating in a child care program;
the area within a school bus when that bus is being used by a school to transport one or more elementary, middle, or secondary school students to and from school-related activities, including curricular, co-curricular, non curricular, extracurricular, and supplementary activities; and
that portion of a building or facility under the temporary, exclusive control of a public or private school, a school district, or an association of such entities where conspicuous signs are prominently posted at each entrance that give actual notice to persons of the school-related use.
Private establishments - if posted or if personally requested to leave by the operator because that establishment bans guns on premises.
Places of employment, public or private, if employer restricts the carry or possession of firearms by its employees.
A public post secondary institution ... may establish policies that restrict the carry or possession of firearms by its students while on the institution's property. ... an employer or a post secondary institution may not prohibit the lawful carry or possession of firearms in a parking facility or parking area
State correctional facilities or state hospitals and grounds (MN Statute 243.55)
Any jail, lockup or correctional facility (MN Statute 641.165)
In federal court facilities or other federal facilities (Title 18 U.S.C.§ 930)

Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that Churches can ban firearms in the Buildings and Parking Areas. See Court Decision here.

609.66 Subd. 1g. Felony; Possession in Courthouse or Certain State Buildings

(a) A person who commits either of the following acts is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both:

(1) possesses a dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosives within any courthouse complex; or
(2) possesses a dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosives in any state building within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, other than the National Guard Armory.

(b) Unless a person is otherwise prohibited or restricted by other law to possess a dangerous weapon, this subdivision does not apply to:

(1) licensed peace officers or military personnel who are performing official duties;

(2) persons who carry pistols according to the terms of a permit issued under section 624.714 and who so notify the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety, as appropriate;

(3) persons who possess dangerous weapons for the purpose of display as demonstrative evidence during testimony at a trial or hearing or exhibition in compliance with advance notice and safety guidelines set by the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety; or

(4) persons who possess dangerous weapons in a courthouse complex with the express consent of the county sheriff or who possess dangerous weapons in a state building with the express consent of thecommissioner of public safety.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, the issuance of a permit to carry under section 624.714 constitutes notification of the commissioner of public safety as required under paragraph (b), clause (2).

For Courthouse complexes,be advised that in the majority of Minnesota judicial districts, judges have issued Court Orders banning carry in their courts, the provisions of 609.66 not withstanding. This has been held to cover any contiguous areas under the same roof as the courthouse such as adjoining county departments, libraries, etc. It does mean that someone who gave notification can only be charged with contempt of court, not a felony; but be prepared to be stopped, frisked and expelled from the building if you are found carrying. Here is the relevant document for the 4th Judicial District, which includes Hennepin County and the city of Minneapolis as of 2008.

You can carry on school property under the following:

609.66 Dangerous Weapons

Subd. 1d.Possession on school property; penalty.

(a) Except as provided under paragraphs (d) and (f), whoever possesses, stores, or keeps a dangerous weapon while knowingly on school property is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

(4) "school property" means:

(i) a public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school building and its improved grounds, whether leased or owned by the school;

(ii) a child care center licensed under chapter 245A during the period children are present and participating in a child care program;

(iii) the area within a school bus when that bus is being used by a school to transport one or more elementary, middle, or secondary school students to and from school-related activities, including curricular, cocurricular, noncurricular, extracurricular, and supplementary activities; and

(iv) that portion of a building or facility under the temporary, exclusive control of a public or private school, a school district, or an association of such entities where conspicuous signs are prominently posted at each entrance that give actual notice to persons of the school-related use.

(f) This subdivision does not apply to:

(1) active licensed peace officers;

(2) military personnel or students participating in military training, who are on-duty, performing official duties;

(3) persons authorized to carry a pistol under section 624.714 while in a motor vehicle or outside of a motor vehicle to directly place a firearm in, or retrieve it from, the trunk or rear area of the vehicle;

(4) persons who keep or store in a motor vehicle pistols in accordance with section 624.714 or 624.715 or other firearms in accordance with section 97B.045.

From MN DPS FAQs

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.

“No Gun Signs” Do not Have the Force of Law

624.714 Subd. 17 Code for Gun Signs in Business

State of Minnesota in Court of Appeals A07-131 (Click Link for Full Ruling. Pg. 9 & 14)
Edina Community Lutheran Church, Respondent, Unity Church of St. Paul, Respondent, vs. State of Minnesota, Appellant.

Even after making a reasonable request that guns not be brought onto the premises, and even if that request complies precisely with the terms of the statute, the owner or operator of a private establishment must also order a person who refuses to comply to leave the premises, before that person can be prosecuted for petty misdemeanor trespass. Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subd. 17(a). In addition, the gun possessed by the trespasser is not subject to forfeiture. Id.; cf. Minn. Stat. § 609.531, subds. 1(b), 4 (2006) (weapons subject to forfeiture).

With the Court of Appeals Ruling above “No Firearm” signs in Minnesota have no force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in State Law as being off limits to those with a Permit/License to Carry. If you are in a place not specifically mentioned in the law that is posted and they ask you to leave, you must leave. If you refuse to leave then you are breaking the law and can be charged with a petty misdemeanor (which in MN is not considered to be a criminal offense). Even if the property is not posted and you are asked to leave you must leave. Always be aware of the possibility that responding Police Officers who may have been called without your knowledge and may not know the laws on trespass etc. could arrest you even if you are within the law.

Laws Regarding Parking Lot Storage

624.714 Subd. 18. Employers; Public Colleges and Universities

(a) An employer, whether public or private, may establish policies that restrict the carry or possession of firearms by its employees while acting in the course and scope of employment. Employment related civil sanctions may be invoked for a violation.

(b) A public postsecondary institution regulated under chapter 136F or 137 may establish policies that restrict the carry or possession of firearms by its students while on the institution's property. Academic sanctions may be invoked for a violation.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), an employer or a postsecondary institution may not prohibit the lawful carry or possession of firearms in a parking facility or parking area.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In Minnesota, the answer is "No".

624.714 Subd. 1b.

(a) The holder of a permit to carry must have the permit card and a driver's license, state identification card, or other government-issued photo identification in immediate possession at all times when carrying a pistol and must display the permit card and identification document upon lawful demand by a peace officer, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1. A violation of this paragraph is a petty misdemeanor. The fine for a first offense must not exceed $25. Notwithstanding section 609.531, a firearm carried in violation of this paragraph is not subject to forfeiture.

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry is Allowed in these Areas:

State Parks: YES; State Park Rules
State/National Forests: YES; State Forest Rules
Natural Areas: YES; DNR Rules On Natural Areas
State WMA’s: YES; Minnesota General Hunting Regulations
Road Side Rest Areas: YES; per MSP

Car/RV Carry Without a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

You can not carry any loaded firearm in any vehicle without a Valid Permit/License.

624.714 Carrying Of Weapons Without Permit; Penalties
Subd. 9 A permit to carry is not required of a person:

(5) to transport a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat if the pistol is unloaded, contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, or securely tied package.

97B.045 Transportation of Firearms

Subdivision 1. Restrictions. A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:

(1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, and without any portion of the firearm exposed;
(2) unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or
(3) a handgun carried in compliance with sections 624.714 and 624.715.

Subd. 3. Exceptions; Hunting and Shooting Ranges

(a) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary under this chapter, a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol as defined in paragraph (b), in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, as defined under section 87A.01, subdivision 3, where the person has received permission from the lawful owner or possessor to discharge firearms; lawfully hunting on private or public land; or travelling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:

(1) within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey County;
(2) within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;
(3) on school grounds; or
(4) otherwise restricted under section 97A.091, 97B.081, or 97B.086.

The synopsis for carrying a firearm in a vehicle by the Research Department of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is legal but you must have a valid permit/license to carry to Open Carry in Minnesota. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for carrying in a vehicle.

The state preempts all firearm laws in the state and local authorities can’t have Laws/Ordinances against open carry. Remember that if you enter any property and the owner/responsible person ask you to leave you must leave. Failure to leave can result in Trespass Charges.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

State Preemption

471.633 The legislature preempts all authority of a home rule charter or statutory city including a city of the first class, county, town, municipal corporation, or other governmental subdivision, or any of their instrumentality's, to regulate firearms, ammunition, or their respective components to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or regulation by them except that:

(a) a governmental subdivision may regulate the discharge of firearms; and
(b) a governmental subdivision may adopt regulations identical to state law. Local regulation inconsistent with this section is void.

624.717 Local regulation

Sections 624.711 to 624.716 shall be construed to supersede municipal or county regulation of the carrying or possessing of pistols and the regulation of Saturday Night Special Pistols.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Minnesota Statutes 2003

Chapter 609

609.06 Authorized use of force

609.065 Justifiable taking of life

609.066 Authorized use of deadly force by peace officers

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

For Chemical Sprays & Electric Weapons

624.731 Tear Gas and Tear Gas Compounds; Electronic Incapacitation Devices

Subdivision 1.Definitions. For the purposes of this section:

(1) "authorized tear gas compound" means a lachrymator or any substance composed of a mixture of a lachrymator including chloroacetophenone, alpha-chloroacetophenone; phenylchloromethylketone, orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile or oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as tear gas; and

(2) "electronic incapacitation device" means a portable device which is designed or intended by the manufacturer to be used, offensively or defensively, to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current, including devices operating by means of carbon dioxide propellant. "Electronic incapacitation device" does not include cattle prods, electric fences, or other electric devices
when used in agricultural, animal husbandry, or food production activities.

Subd. 2. Authorized Possession; Use

(a) A person may possess and use an authorized tear gas compound in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person's property only if it is propelled from an aerosol container, labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use, and dated to indicate its anticipated useful life.

(b) A person may possess and use an electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person's property only if the electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use.

Subd. 3.Prohibited possession; Use

(a) No person under the age of 16 may possess or use an authorized tear gas compound except by written permission of a parent or guardian, and no person under the age of 18 may possess or use an electronic incapacitation device.

(d) No person shall possess or use tear gas or a tear gas compound other than an authorized tear gas compound.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No law found

Training Valid for: 624.714 Subd. 2a. Within One Year of the Date, Original Or Renewal Application

Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining a Minnesota Drivers License/ID

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 Years Old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: 624.714

State Fire arm Laws: 624.71 thru 624.74 & 609.66

State Deadly Force Laws: 609.06 thru 609.066

State Knife Laws: 609.66

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 624.731

Body Armor Laws: No law found

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO; 624.714

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; Except when Shining

What Does Minnesota Consider A Loaded Firearm?

Minnesota Law says loaded or unloaded. They do define loaded when guns have to be stored away from children.

609.666 Negligent Storage of Firearms

Subdivision 1.Definitions

For purposes of this section, the following words have the meanings given:

(a) "Firearm" means a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled a projectile by the force of any explosion or force of combustion.

(b) "Child" means a person under the age of 18 years.

(c) "Loaded" means the firearm has ammunition in the chamber or magazine, if the magazine is in the firearm, unless the firearm is incapable of being fired by a child who is likely to gain access to the firearm.

Subdivision 2. Access to firearms

A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who negligently stores or leaves a loaded firearm in a location where the person knows, or reasonably should know, that a child is likely to gain access, unless reasonable action is taken to secure the firearm against access by the child.

Subdivision 3. Limitations

Subdivision 2 does not apply to a child's access to firearms that was obtained as a result of an unlawful entry.

State Emergency Powers

624.7192 Authority to Seize and Confiscate Firearms

(a) This section applies only during the effective period of a state of emergency proclaimed by the governor relating to a public disorder or disaster.

(b) A peace officer who is acting in the lawful discharge of the officer's official duties without a warrant may disarm a lawfully detained individual only temporarily and only if the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary for the protection of the officer or another individual. Before releasing the individual, the peace officer must return to the individual any seized firearms and ammunition, and components thereof, any firearms accessories and ammunition reloading equipment and supplies, and any other personal weapons taken from the individual, unless the officer:

(1) takes the individual into physical custody for engaging in criminal activity or for observation pursuant to section 253B.05, subdivision 2; or

(2) seizes the items as evidence pursuant to an investigation for the commission of the crime for which the individual was arrested.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no governmental unit, government official, government employee, peace officer, or other person or body acting under governmental authority or color of law may undertake any of the following actions with regard to any firearms and ammunition, and components thereof; any firearms accessories and ammunition reloading equipment and supplies; and any other personal weapons:

(1) prohibit, regulate, or curtail the otherwise lawful possession, carrying, transportation, transfer, defensive use, or other lawful use of any of these items;

(2) seize, commandeer, or confiscate any of these items in any manner, except as expressly authorized in paragraph (b);

(3) suspend or revoke a valid permit issued pursuant to section 624.7131 or 624.714, except as expressly authorized in those sections; or

(4) close or limit the operating hours of businesses that lawfully sell or service any of these items, unless such closing or limitation of hours applies equally to all forms of commerce.

(d) No provision of law relating to a public disorder or disaster emergency proclamation by the governor or any other governmental or quasi-governmental official, including but not limited to emergency management powers pursuant to chapters 9 and 12, shall be construed as authorizing the governor or any other governmental or quasi-governmental official of this state or any of its political subdivisions acting at the direction of the governor or another official to act in violation of this paragraph or paragraphs (b) and (c).

(e)

(1) An individual aggrieved by a violation of this section may seek relief in an action at law or in equity or in any other proper proceeding for damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate redress against a person who commits or causes the commission of this violation. Venue must be in the district court having jurisdiction over the county in which the aggrieved individual resides or in which the violation occurred.

(2) In addition to any other remedy available at law or in equity, an individual aggrieved by the seizure or confiscation of an item listed in paragraph (c) in violation of this section may make application for the immediate return of the items to the office of the clerk of court for the county in which the items were seized and, except as provided in paragraph (b), the court must order the immediate return of the items by the seizing or confiscating governmental office and that office's employed officials.

(3) In an action or proceeding to enforce this section, the court must award the prevailing plaintiff reasonable court costs and expenses, including attorney fees.

Powers, Duties of Governor and Local Organizations

12.21 Governor

Subdivision 1.General Authority

The governor (1) has general direction and control of emergency management, (2) may carry out the provisions of this chapter, and (3) during a national security emergency declared as existing under section 12.31, during the existence of an energy supply emergency as declared under section 216C.15, or during the existence of an emergency resulting from an incident at a nuclear power plant that poses a radiological or other health hazard, may assume direct operational control over all or any part of the emergency management functions within this state.

Subd. 3.Specific Authority

In performing duties under this chapter and to effect its policy and purpose, the governor may:

(7) cooperate with the president and the heads of the armed forces, the Emergency Management Agency of the United States and other appropriate federal officers and agencies, and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state and nation, including the direction or control of:

(i) emergency preparedness drills and exercises;
(ii) warnings and signals for drills or actual emergencies and the mechanical devices to be used in connection with them;
(iii) shutting off water mains, gas mains, electric power connections and the suspension of all other utility services;
(iv) the conduct of persons in the state, including entrance or exit from any stricken or threatened public place, occupancy of facilities, and the movement and cessation of movement of pedestrians, vehicular traffic, and all forms of private and public transportation during, prior, and subsequent to drills or actual emergencies;
(v) public meetings or gatherings; and
(vi) the evacuation, reception, and sheltering of persons;

12.32 Governor's Orders and Rules, Effect

Orders and rules promulgated by the governor under authority of section 12.21, subdivision 3, clause (1), when approved by the Executive Council and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, have, during a national security emergency, peacetime emergency, or energy supply emergency, the full force and effect of law. Rules and ordinances of any agency or political subdivision of the state inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or with any order or rule having the force and effect of law issued under the authority of this chapter, is suspended during the period of time and to the extent that the emergency exists.

The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Minnesota: 18 Years Old

Minn. Stat. 624.713 This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms.

In some states, Possession and Transportation can be very restrictive in that you can only possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction.