The laws governing the legal use, storage and carrying of firearms are constantly changing. Below are the applicable laws in the State of Minnesota  as of 11/13/2025. The below information is designed to be a guide and not the final word. If you have specific questions, please refer to the Minnesota state legislation.  Another great resource is the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Minnesota has a well-regulated firearm legal framework focused on public safety, responsible ownership, and lawful carry. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or prospective gun owner, understanding the laws surrounding firearm possession, carry permits, restrictions, and recent legal developments is essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of Minnesota gun laws and best practices for safe, legal, and responsible firearm use.

1. Minnesota Concealed Carry Law

Legal Framework

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 624.714 (“Carry permits”): The state requires individuals to obtain a Permit to Carry a handgun concealed in public.
• Shall-issue state: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is mandated to issue a permit if applicants meet all legal criteria.

Key Elements:

• Permit required for concealed carry in public.
• Open carry is generally prohibited, but licensed individuals may carry openly in some rural areas or for certain exemptions.
• Restrictions apply on carry in places like courthouses, polling places, schools, and private property with prohibitory signage.

2. Procedure for Obtaining a Minnesota Concealed Carry Permit

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be 21 years old or older.
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Pass a background check—no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Not be under a restraining order related to domestic violence.
• Complete a firearm training course (minimum of 8 hours).

Application Process:

• Submit an application online or by mail to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
• Pay the current application fee (usually around $100).
• Provide fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check.
• Complete and submit a firearm safety training certificate.
• Wait approximately 30-60 days for processing.

Validity and Renewal:

• The permit is valid for 5 years, with renewal processes similar to the initial application.

3. Laws, Policies, and Restrictions on Carry

• Reciprocity: Minnesota recognizes permits from several states for carry within Minnesota; check the DPS website for current reciprocity agreements.

• Restricted areas: No carry in:

  • Federal buildings and courthouses.
  • Schools and school buses (unless authorized or with parental permission).
  • Polling places during elections.
  • Places of worship, unless explicitly permitted.
  • Licensed alcohol establishments where alcohol is the primary business.
  • Private property with clearly posted signage prohibiting guns.

• Vehicle carry: Firearms must be unloaded and stored in a locked container unless carried on your person or with a valid permit.

4. Open Carry Laws

• Illegal without a permit outside of certain exemptions.
• Permitless open carry is not generally allowed, so open carry in public places is usually prohibited unless you have a permit or are on your property or certain rural areas.
• Local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions, so always verify local laws.

5. Common Gun Law Infractions

• Carrying a firearm in prohibited areas (federal, school zones, courthouses).
• Carrying without a valid permit.
• Possession of illegal or unregistered firearms.
• Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle without a permit.
• Using firearms unlawfully or possessing firearms by prohibited persons.
• Failure to secure firearms or store them improperly.

Violations may result in fines, criminal charges, or license revocation.

6. Prohibited Persons

• Felons and individuals convicted of serious crimes.
• Persons subject to domestic violence restraining orders.
• Those adjudicated mentally ill or involuntarily committed.
• Individuals with illegal drug or substance abuse violations.
• Anyone dishonorably discharged from military service.
• Persons under 21 (except active military).

7. Prohibited Places for Carrying Firearms in Minnesota

• Federal courthouses and government buildings.
• Schools and school buses.
• Places posted with signage prohibiting guns.
• Polling places during elections.
• Medical facilities, unless otherwise authorized.
• Liquor establishments where alcohol is the primary business.
• Private property where owner posted restrictions are clearly visible.

8. Recent Gun Law Changes (Past 2 Years)

Below are a sampling of the gun law changes in Minnesota within the past two years.

• Enhanced Background Check System Expansion

  • Improved reporting of mental health adjudications, restraining orders, and disqualifying crimes to ensure more thorough background screenings.
  • Mandated that various mental health and legal adjudications are included automatically in the state's background check database.

• Restoration of Rights for Previously Disqualified Persons

  • Limited pathways introduced for some individuals previously barred from firearm possession, such as those undergoing certain legal processes to restore rights under specific conditions.

• New Signage and Property Restrictions

  • Clarified requirements for private property owners to post clear and conspicuous signage indicating firearm restrictions.
  • Expanded restrictions on firearms in certain private venues, including some outdoor recreational areas and private clubs, with rules on signage placement and text.

• Clarified and Reinforced Red Flag (ERPO) Laws

  • Updated procedures for law enforcement and family members to petition courts for emergency risk protection orders, allowing temporary firearm removal from individuals deemed a threat.
  • Enforcement and judicial process improvements to ensure speedy implementation.

• Limitations and Restrictions on Ghost Guns

  • Tightened regulations on the manufacturing, sale, and possession of unserialized firearms (commonly known as "ghost guns").
  • Required serial numbers and registration for unserialized firearms manufactured or assembled after specified dates.

• Enforcement and Penalties for Illegal Carry and Possession

  • Increased penalties for carry in prohibited areas (schools, federal buildings, private property with signage).
  • Stricter penalties for possession of firearms by prohibited persons, including repeat offenders and those involved in violent crimes.

• Permitless Concealed Carry Law Updates

  • Clarifications on the scope of permitless carry laws enacted in 2023, including restrictions on carry in certain sensitive locations and private properties, even if carrying without a permit.

• Additional Regulatory Clarifications

  • Strengthened regulations around firearms storage and safety, emphasizing secure storage in at-risk areas like homes with minors.
  • New requirements for gun lock devices and safe storage mandates for certain firearm owners, especially those with a history of mental health or domestic issues.

9. Best Practices for Safe and Legal Gun Ownership in Minnesota

• Know the Law: Stay updated on current statutes, licensing requirements, restricted areas, and reciprocity agreements.
• Secure Your Firearm: Always store firearms securely, especially when not in use - use gun safes, lockboxes, or locked containers to prevent theft or accidental discharge.
• Carry Responsibly: Carry only in permitted areas, respect private property signage, and avoid carry in restricted zones such as schools or court buildings.
• Practice Safe Handling: Regularly train and educate yourself on firearm safety, including trigger discipline, safe storage, and awareness of your surroundings.
• Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities: Carry your permit and ID with you when carrying, and be prepared to demonstrate lawful possession if asked by law enforcement.

10. Key Resources & Contact Information

• Minnesota Department of Public Safety — BCA Firearm Safety & Licensing:  Official site for licensing, reciprocity, and law updates.

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 624.714 (Firearm License Law):  Complete legal statutes relating to firearm licensing and carry.

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Provides federal laws related to firearms ownership and transport. 

• Local Law Enforcement
  Contact your county sheriff or city police department to inquire about licensing procedures, restrictions, and local ordinances.

Final Summary & Recommendations

• Obtain your license to carry if you plan to carry concealed or want reciprocity outside Minnesota.
• Respect private property posted restrictions and avoid prohibited areas.
• Keep firearms secure at home and during transportation.
• Be responsible and knowledgeable about Minnesota’s gun laws to avoid infractions and penalties.
• Stay informed on evolving laws and policy changes.

Your safety and legal compliance begin with proper education and responsible ownership. Enroll in our Minnesota firearm safety course today and get the knowledge you need to carry confidently and lawfully.