Getting the Permit
First things first, it’s useful to know that Minnesota is a shall-issue state. That means, as long as you fill out the application correctly and meet all the requirements, a CCW permit, officially a “permit to carry”, will be issued to you. So don’t mess it up! A permit to carry (PTC) is required in Minnesota to both open carry and carry concealed. Basically, if you want to be able to carry your handgun outside of your property, you will need to get a PTC. Applications have to be submitted in person, so even though the state allows non-residents to apply for permits, mailed applications will not be accepted. Road trip!So How Do You Qualify?
To be eligible for a PTC, you must:- Be 21 or older;
- Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident;
- Be legally allowed to own a firearm (duh!);
- Not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system;
- Be a resident of the county you are requesting the permit for (non-residents can apply with any county sheriff);
- Provide a certificate of completed firearms training.
- Instruction in the fundamentals of handgun use;
- An actual shooting qualification exercise;
- Instruction in the fundamental legal aspects of handgun possession, carry and use, including self-defense and the restrictions on use of deadly force.
In Case of Emergency
If you are in an emergency situation and cannot wait for a permit to be issued through the normal process, you can go to your county sheriff’s office and tell them why there is an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of someone in your household. If you are granted the emergency permit, it is still a good idea to apply for a standard permit, since the emergency permit is only good for 30 days. The 30 days should give you plenty of time to go through the standard application process and be able to get a permanent PTC.Wait a Second
After your fill out the application (make sure to double check you included everything!), your permit will be issued or denied within 30 days. Because Minnesota is a shall-issue state, it should be just a month waiting and checking your mailbox for the permit. If you are denied the permit, the reason will be explained in the letter that is mailed to you, and you can go to your county sheriff’s office to address any of the issues that caused you to be denied. Once you’ve got the permit, don’t forget to renew it every 5 years! The most important thing to keep in mind is to always have your PTC and ID on your at all times, as you are required to present both to any law enforcement officer when they ask for it. The last thing you want is for an officer to find you are carrying concealed without any ID.Where Are You Going?
Even with a PTC, there are still places where your trusty handgun is not allowed. For those of you who already read through our Minnesota gun laws section, you’ll know that antique firearms don’t have to follow the rules for standard firearms. That means if you are carrying an antique firearm (for whatever reason), you won’t need a PTC, and it is treated just like carrying your phone, wallet, or any other non-firearm item you would carry. For that Glock (or any other non-antique firearm), you’ll need to pay attention to where you are going, and make sure you don’t take it somewhere firearms are prohibited. Guns, even with a PTC, are not allowed in:- Schools or school property (all public, private, elementary, middle, or secondary schools);
- Childcare centers (when children are present);
- Federal lands (national parks, federal courthouses, prisons, etc.); and
- Anywhere on private property where the owner has put a sign that says “(Owner’s name) BANS GUNS IN THESE PREMISES”.
Keep an Eye Out for Special Situations
Even though owners of private property can ban guns on their property, a landlord cannot restrict tenants or their guests from carrying on the property. Along those lines, however, the owner of a home can prohibit firearms on their property. Basically, whoever is legally allowed to be living at a house gets to decide whether to allow or prohibit guns in their home. Makes sense. However, at work, that is a different matter. Your company is allowed to have a policy that prohibits guns in the workplace when employees are working.Reciprocity
Of course, the PTC is not only useful in Minnesota, but also when you travel outside of the state! Well, sometimes. About half the states in the US recognize a Minnesota PTC. You’ll want to be careful when you pick your next vacation if you want to be able to keep your hand gun strapped to your waist during the trip. A Minnesota PTC is recognized in:- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
If You’re Just Visiting
As a visitor to Minnesota, there’s a chance your CCW permit may be recognized just like it is back home! Well, a small chance. Minnesota only recognizes CCW permits from a couple states, and in some instances, only specific versions of CCW permits from those states. Minnesota recognizes CCW permits from:- Alaska
- Delaware
- Idaho (enhanced permit only)
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Dakota (Class 1 only)
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota (enhanced permit only)
