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A guy's hand carrying a gun and trying to load it with a slug.

What You Should Know About Gun Carry Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota gun laws operate on a shall-issue policy with required permits for carrying open and concealed weapons.

A guy's hand carrying a gun and trying to load it with a slug.

Understanding Minnesota Gun Laws

Minnesota gun laws have clearly outlined regulations that must be followed for carrying firearms. Minnesota is considered a “shall issue” state that issues gun permits to both state and non-state residents under required conditions. Minnesota also honors gun permits from residents of 15 other states including Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, and Michigan.

Minnesota CCW Permits

Minnesota gun laws have strict requirements for issuing gun permits to all individuals whether state residents or non-residents. If approved, permits are good for 5 years from the date of issue. Applicant requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must complete an application and all required forms
  • Must provide a certificate of completed authorized firearms training
  • Must not be prohibited under Minnesota law from firearm possession
  • Must not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system
  • Minnesota residents must apply in their county of residence

Permits are not required for transporting a firearm or keeping a firearm in a private residence or place of business. As a Castle Doctrine state, Minnesota supports people’s rights to protect against bodily harm or death in their private residence. Under the law, a person has no duty to retreat before using deadly force for self-defense in his/her own home. However, defendants may face charges for accidentally shooting someone in Minnesota.

Open and Concealed Carry Laws

Open carry of a firearm is legal in Minnesota with an issued permit. The law does not stipulate whether the firearm must be concealed. Concealed carry is legal with a permit to carry a pistol. Concealed carry permits are only valid for handguns and do not apply to rifles, shotguns, or automatic weapons.

In Minnesota, it is legal to carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle with a proper permit and license. If the gun is not licensed, it must be unloaded and concealed in the vehicle’s trunk or a closed and fastened gun case.

If stopped by law enforcement for a traffic offense or other violation, a person is not required by law to inform the police officer that he/she is carrying a concealed weapon. However, if arrested for a crime with a firearm, defense through a Minnesota criminal law attorney is necessary. Criminal acts that involved firearms carry stiff penalties and jail time in Minnesota. In many cases, a weapons charge will increase the severity of any other charges.

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Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.