Minnesota Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Permit Required Permit Required Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Minnesota Gun Laws

Open Carry	Permit Required
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$100
Permit Validity	5 years
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Minnesota

Open carry requires a permit in Minnesota. The same concealed carry permit typically covers open carry. Contact your local law enforcement agency for permit requirements.

Concealed Carry Laws in Minnesota

Concealed carry in Minnesota requires a valid permit. Minnesota issues Permit to Carry through county sheriffs. Must be 21+, complete firearms safety training, pass background check. Shall-issue state.

Where You Cannot Carry in Minnesota

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Minnesota. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Jails
Licensed Premises
Public Parks With Signs

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Minnesota CCW Permit

Minnesota issues Permit to Carry through county sheriffs. Must be 21+, complete firearms safety training, pass background check. Shall-issue state.

Official Minnesota Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Minnesota

States that honor your Minnesota permit (29)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Minnesota honors permits from (31)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Minnesota Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Minnesota gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Minnesota Gun Laws

Is Minnesota a shall-issue or may-issue state?

Minnesota is a shall-issue state. Sheriffs must issue a permit if all legal requirements are met.

Does Minnesota have a red flag law?

Yes. Minnesota enacted an Extreme Risk Protection Order law in 2023.

Does Minnesota have stand your ground?

No. Minnesota has a duty to retreat before using deadly force in public, though castle doctrine applies in the home.

Shooting Ranges in Minnesota

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Minnesota. Filter by type, features, and location.

Find Ranges in Minnesota

Neighboring State Gun Laws