Gun laws in Minnesota
Gun laws in Minnesota regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of Minnesota in the United States.
| Subject/Law |
Long guns |
Handguns |
Relevant Statutes |
Notes |
| State Permit to Purchase? |
No |
Yes |
§624.7131[1] |
Permit to purchase required to transfer/purchase "military-style assault weapons" through FFL dealers. No permit required for private transfers between individuals.
|
| Firearm registration? |
No |
No |
None |
No |
| "Assault weapon" law? |
Partial* |
Partial* |
§624.7131 |
Persons under the age of 21 prohibited from purchasing semi-automatic handguns and other "military style" weapons. However, ownership of "assault weapons" by persons over 18 generally not prohibited. |
| Owner license required? |
No |
No |
None |
No |
| Carry permits issued? |
No |
Yes |
§624.714[2] |
Shall Issue. 'Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol' required to carry handguns. Concealment is permitted but not required. A carry permit also allows for the carry of long guns ( §624.7181[3]) |
| State Preemption of local restrictions? |
Yes |
Yes |
§471.633[4] |
Municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within their borders. |
| NFA weapons restricted? |
Yes |
Yes |
§609.67[5] |
Machine guns and short-barreled shotguns, unless designated Curios & Relics, are prohibited in most cases. Sound suppressors and some destructive devices are prohibited in most cases. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? |
No |
No |
None |
Federal rules observed. |
Miscellaneous Information
Permits to Carry
As of October, 2010 there are 77,888 current permit holders in Minnesota.[6]
- The county sheriff must either issue or deny a permit within 30 days of the application date.
- New and renewal permits are valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Emergency permits are valid for 30 days.
- Landlords may not restrict the lawful carry or possession of firearms by tenants or their guests.
- Private establishments can ban any firearms and must post a notice banning guns on their premises or personally notify patrons that guns are not allowed.
Restrictions
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must complete an application form
- Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota Statute 624.714 (Criminal background & mental health history check)
- Must not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system
- Must be a resident of the county to which one is applying for a permit, if you reside in Minnesota. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
- Must present evidence of training in the safe use of a pistol. (Training completed within one year of an original or renewal application. – 624.714, Subd. 2a)
Places Prohibited by Statute
- K-12 School property ∗ † ∗∗
- A childcare center while children are present ∗∗
- Private establishments that have posted a sign banning guns on their premises
- Private establishments who have personally informed the permit holder that guns are prohibited and demands compliance
- Places of employment, public or private, if employer restricts the carry or possession of firearms by its employees †
- State correctional facilities or state hospitals and grounds (MN Statute 243.55)
- Any jail, lockup or correctional facility (MN Statute 641.165)
- Courthouse complexes, unless the sheriff is notified (MN Statute 609.66)
- Offices and courtrooms of the Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
- Any state building in the immediate vicinity of the capitol building unless the commissioner of public safety is notified (MN Statute 609.66)
- In a field while hunting big game by archery, except when hunting bear (MN Statute 97B.211)
- In federal court facilities or other federal facilities (Title 18 U.S.C.§ 930)
∗ Public colleges and universities may make administrative policies prohibiting the carry of firearms by students and employees. However, such policies are not laws and do not have the authority of laws, nor may peace officers enforce such policies under the color of law.
∗∗ The Carrying of firearms on school and day care facility property is allowed with written permission from the principal or other person in general control of the school, or the director of a child care center.
† With the exception of religious organizations, no public or private entity may prohibit the carry or storage of firearms within vehicles in parking lots.
Minnesota Is a "shall issue" state for Permit(s) to Carry a Pistol (concealed carry).
Dps.State.mn.us
Minnesota State Statute 624.714
handgunlaw.us
leg.state.mn.us
Minnesota Handgun Law
References
- ^ "624.7131, 2011 Minnesota Statutes". Revisor.mn.gov. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.7131. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "624.714, 2011 Minnesota Statutes". Revisor.mn.gov. March 1, 2004. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.714. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "624.7181, 2011 Minnesota Statutes". Revisor.mn.gov. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.7181. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "471.633, 2011 Minnesota Statutes". Revisor.mn.gov. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=471.633. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "609.67, 2011 Minnesota Statutes". Revisor.mn.gov. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.67. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "How many people have Minnesota carry permits?". Madfi.org. http://www.madfi.org/permitcount.asp. Retrieved November 23, 2011.