Gun Laws in Minnesota (2026): Critical Rules That Could Surprise You

Most people think they know the basics about gun laws. But Minnesota changed a lot of rules recently. And honestly, these changes caught many gun owners off guard.

In 2023, Minnesota passed major gun safety laws. These went into effect in 2023 and 2024. The state now requires background checks for almost all gun sales. There’s also a red flag law and new storage requirements. Whether you’re a longtime gun owner or thinking about buying your first firearm, you need to know these rules.

What Are Minnesota’s Current Gun Laws?

Minnesota has moderate gun regulations compared to other states. The state requires permits for handguns. You need training to carry concealed. And as of 2023, private sales have new background check requirements.

Right?

Here’s what makes Minnesota different. The state is “shall issue” for permits. That means if you meet the requirements, they have to give you the permit. They can’t just say no without a legal reason.

Minnesota also recognizes your right to own guns for hunting and self-defense. But the state balances that with safety rules. Think of it like driving. You have the right to drive, but you need a license and have to follow traffic laws.

Who Can Own a Gun in Minnesota?

You must be at least 18 to own a long gun (like a rifle or shotgun). For handguns, you need to be 21.

Wait, it gets better.

In 2025, the Supreme Court refused to hear Minnesota’s appeal about age limits for carry permits. That means 18-20 year olds can now get permits to carry. This is a major change from the previous 21-year-old requirement.

But age isn’t the only factor. You cannot own guns if you:

Have been convicted of a felony crime of violence. Were convicted of certain domestic violence crimes. Are subject to certain restraining orders. Have been committed to a mental health facility as a danger to yourself or others. Are prohibited by federal law from owning firearms.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not.

If you’re a law-abiding adult without violent convictions or mental health commitments, you’re probably good to go. When in doubt, check with your local sheriff’s office.

Background Check Requirements

Okay, this part is important.

As of August 1, 2023, Minnesota requires background checks for private sales of handguns and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons. This closed what people called the “gun show loophole.”

Here’s how it works now. If you want to buy a handgun or assault weapon from another person (not a licensed dealer), you have two options.

Option 1: Both of you go to a licensed gun dealer. The dealer runs the background check through the normal process. You’ll need a permit to purchase or permit to carry. The dealer will charge a fee for this service.

Option 2: Complete a private transfer form. Both parties must keep this form for 10 years. The buyer still needs a permit to purchase or permit to carry. You must keep a copy of the buyer’s permit with the form.

Not sure what counts as a private sale?

Private sales happen between individuals who aren’t gun dealers. Selling to your buddy at work? That’s private. Buying from a store? That goes through a dealer, so different rules apply.

There are exceptions, though. You don’t need background checks for transfers between immediate family members. That includes spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents. You also don’t need one if you’re temporarily lending a gun while hunting together.

Pretty straightforward.

Licensed dealers must still run background checks on all sales. This has been federal law for years. The 2023 changes just extended the requirement to private sales of handguns and certain rifles.

Permit to Purchase

Minnesota requires a permit to purchase handguns and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons from anyone (dealers and private sellers). This permit is different from a carry permit.

The permit to purchase is free. It’s valid for one year. You apply at your local police department or county sheriff’s office.

To get a permit to purchase, you need to:

Be at least 18 years old. Be a U.S. citizen or have legal alien status. Not be prohibited from owning guns under state or federal law. Provide a valid government ID. Fill out the application completely.

The sheriff or police chief has seven days to issue the permit or send you a denial letter. Most people get approved quickly if they have a clean record.

Here’s a pro tip. If you have a permit to carry, you don’t need a separate permit to purchase. Your carry permit works for both purposes.

Permit to Carry

Minnesota requires a permit to carry handguns in public. This applies to both open carry and concealed carry.

Wondering if this applies to you?

If you want to carry a handgun anywhere outside your home or property, you need this permit. Period.

Getting a permit to carry is more involved than a permit to purchase. You must:

Be at least 18 years old (changed in 2025 after court rulings). Complete approved firearms training within the past year. Apply in person at your county sheriff’s office. Pay the application fee (up to $100 for new applications, up to $75 for renewals). Pass a background check.

The training requirement is serious. You must take a course from a BCA-certified instructor. The training covers firearm safety, handling, and the legal aspects of carrying and using firearms for self-defense.

Trust me, this works.

The sheriff has 30 days to process your application. They’ll either issue the permit or explain why they denied it. Permits are valid for five years.

Non-residents can also apply for Minnesota carry permits. Just apply at any sheriff’s office in the state.

Red Flag Laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders)

Hold on, this part is important.

Minnesota’s red flag law went into effect on January 1, 2024. The official name is Extreme Risk Protection Orders, or ERPOs. These allow courts to temporarily remove guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others.

Who can petition for an ERPO? Family members, household members, romantic partners, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and guardians can all file petitions.

There are two types of ERPOs.

Emergency ERPOs go into effect immediately without a hearing. They last 14 days. The court can issue one if someone presents an immediate danger of harm.

Long-term ERPOs require a hearing. They can last from six months to one year. The court holds a hearing where both sides can present evidence.

What happens if someone gets an ERPO against you?

You must surrender all your firearms. Law enforcement will come get them if necessary. You cannot buy or possess guns while the order is in effect. Breaking the order is a crime.

You do have rights, though. You can present your case at the hearing for a long-term ERPO. You can request one hearing to terminate the order early. You’ll need to prove you’re not a danger anymore.

Honestly, this is the part most people miss.

False petitions are illegal. Filing a false ERPO petition is a gross misdemeanor. The law tries to balance safety with protecting people from harassment.

In 2024, Minnesota had 135 ERPO petitions filed. Most (71%) came from law enforcement. Only 16% came from family members. Research suggests ERPOs prevent one suicide for every 17-23 orders issued.

Storage Requirements

Minnesota’s gun storage law is currently limited. The existing law says you can’t negligently store a loaded gun where you know a child under 18 is likely to access it. This is a gross misdemeanor.

But wait, there’s more.

In 2024, the Minnesota House passed stricter storage requirements. This bill would require all firearms to be stored either:

Unloaded with a locking device, OR In a locked storage unit or gun room.

The bill passed the House but hadn’t cleared the Senate as of this writing. If it becomes law, penalties would range from petty misdemeanors to felonies depending on what happens with an unsecured gun.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Some cities like St. Paul passed their own storage ordinances. Gun rights groups argue these local laws are void under state preemption. The legal status is unclear.

For now, the safest approach is to always store guns securely. Use a gun safe or trigger locks. Keep ammunition separate. This protects kids and prevents theft.

You’re not alone, this confuses a lot of people.

The current state law only applies if a child is “likely” to access the gun. What does “likely” mean? Courts have to decide on a case-by-case basis. That’s why many gun owners just lock everything up to be safe.

Where Can You Carry?

Even with a permit to carry, some places are off-limits.

You cannot carry in:

Public or private schools (K-12). Child care centers. State correctional facilities. State hospitals and treatment facilities. Courthouses. Private property where the owner has posted “no guns” signs. Places where carrying is banned by state or federal law.

Not sure about a specific location?

Look for signs. Private businesses can prohibit guns by posting notices at entrances. If you see a sign, you must leave your gun in your car or at home.

Some exceptions exist for law enforcement and security personnel. Active military members and certain other authorized people may carry in restricted areas.

Purchasing Ammunition

Good news here. Minnesota has no special restrictions on buying ammunition. You don’t need a permit to buy ammo.

But you still have to follow federal law. Dealers cannot sell handgun ammo to anyone under 21. Rifle and shotgun ammo requires you to be at least 18.

Sellers may check ID to verify your age. That’s it. No background checks, no waiting periods for ammunition.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry

Minnesota’s law doesn’t distinguish between open carry and concealed carry. If you have a permit to carry, you can carry either way.

Yep, that’s all you need.

Most people choose concealed carry for personal preference. It avoids unwanted attention and questions from the public. Some people prefer open carry for comfort or easier access.

Both options are legal with a permit. The choice is yours based on what works best for your situation.

Without a permit, you cannot carry a loaded handgun anywhere outside your home or property. Not in your car, not walking down the street, nowhere.

Prohibited Weapons

Minnesota bans certain weapons outright.

You cannot own:

Machine guns (with limited exceptions for dealers and military). Guns with altered serial numbers. Saturday night specials (cheap, low-quality handguns).

There’s current legislation to ban semi-automatic assault weapons. This hasn’t passed yet. For now, you can own AR-15s and similar rifles with the proper permits.

Binary triggers were banned in 2024. These are devices that make guns fire faster by shooting once when you pull the trigger and once when you release it.

Penalties for Violations

Breaking Minnesota’s gun laws can lead to serious consequences.

Carrying without a permit is a petty misdemeanor for the first offense. The fine is up to $300. But you can be charged with a gross misdemeanor or felony for repeat offenses or if you’re otherwise prohibited from having guns.

Lying on permit applications? That’s a crime. Providing false information can result in criminal charges.

Transferring guns to prohibited persons is a gross misdemeanor. If that person uses the gun in a felony, you could face worse charges.

Violating an ERPO is a gross misdemeanor for the first offense. Subsequent violations are felonies.

Safe storage violations are gross misdemeanors. If an unsecured gun is used to seriously injure or kill someone, you could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Less severe than a felony, but still no joke.

Reciprocity with Other States

Minnesota recognizes carry permits from some other states. But the rules are complicated.

Minnesota has limited reciprocity. The state only honors permits from states with similar or stricter requirements. The list changes, so check the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website for current information.

Other states have different rules about recognizing Minnesota permits. Some honor all Minnesota permits. Some only honor resident permits, not non-resident permits.

Planning to travel with your gun?

Check the laws in every state you’ll pass through. What’s legal in Minnesota might be a felony somewhere else. Many states don’t honor Minnesota permits at all.

Never assume your Minnesota permit works in another state. Always verify before you travel.

Special Considerations

Some situations need extra attention.

Cannabis users: Minnesota law says the state cannot deny gun rights just because you use legal cannabis. But federal law still prohibits marijuana users from owning guns. This creates a conflict. The state recognizes the problem but can’t override federal law.

Domestic violence: Any domestic violence conviction can ban you from owning guns. Even misdemeanors. Restraining orders also prohibit gun possession in many cases.

Mental health: Involuntary commitments or court orders finding you’re a danger can prohibit gun ownership. Sometimes these can be restored through legal processes.

Non-citizens: Legal permanent residents can own guns with the proper permits. Undocumented immigrants cannot.

Recent Changes and What’s Coming

Minnesota’s gun laws have changed a lot recently. Here’s what’s new since 2023:

Universal background checks for handgun and assault weapon sales (August 2023). Red flag laws allowing temporary gun removal (January 2024). Age requirement for carry permits changed to 18 (2025). Binary trigger ban (2024).

What might change soon? Lawmakers have introduced bills for stricter storage requirements and assault weapon bans. These haven’t passed yet.

Gun laws remain politically divisive. Future changes will depend on election results and legislative priorities.

How to Stay Legal

Staying legal with guns in Minnesota isn’t hard. Just follow these steps:

Get the required training before applying for permits. Apply for permits to purchase or carry through your sheriff. Complete background checks for all applicable sales. Store guns securely, especially around kids. Know where you can and cannot carry. Keep your permits current and updated. Follow all federal laws in addition to state laws.

When in doubt, ask. Sheriff’s offices can answer permit questions. Lawyers can advise on complex situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a gun from a friend without a background check?

Not if it’s a handgun or assault weapon. Since August 2023, these private sales require background checks or permits. You must either go through a licensed dealer or complete a transfer form with permit verification. Transfers to immediate family members are exempt.

What training do I need for a carry permit?

You need training from a BCA-certified instructor completed within the past year. The course must cover safe handling, legal aspects of carrying and using firearms for self-defense, and fundamental shooting skills. Check the BCA website for approved instructors in your area.

Can I carry a gun in my car without a permit?

Not a handgun. You need a permit to carry for any handgun in your vehicle. Long guns (rifles and shotguns) have different rules, but they must be unloaded during transport in most cases. Check state hunting regulations for specific transport requirements.

How long does it take to get a carry permit?

The sheriff has 30 days to process your application. Most counties process them faster, often within 1-2 weeks. Make sure you have all required documents and completed training before applying to avoid delays.

What happens if my permit expires?

Your permit becomes invalid immediately at midnight on the expiration date. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration or within 30 days after. Late renewals cost more. If you let it expire longer, you’ll need to apply as a new applicant with new training.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s gun laws balance safety with Second Amendment rights. The recent changes make some things more complicated, but they’re not impossible to follow.

Now you know the basics. Get proper training. Apply for permits. Complete background checks. Store guns safely. And know where you can carry.

Stay informed, stay safe, and when in doubt, look it up or ask a lawyer. The rules are there to protect everyone, including responsible gun owners.

References

• Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714 – Carrying of weapons without permit https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.714
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Permit to Carry Information https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/public-services-bca/firearms-information/permit-carry
• Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension – Firearms Information https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/Pages/bca-public-services.aspx
• Minnesota Statutes Section 624.7131 – Transferee Permit https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.7131
• Minnesota Extreme Risk Protection Orders Information https://dps.mn.gov/about-dps/programs-and-legislative-requirements/extreme-risk-protection-orders
• Giffords Law Center – Minnesota Gun Laws https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/minnesota/