Can I Have a Loaded Gun in My Car in Minnesota? Yes With a Permit—Storage Rules and Penalties Explained
You can have a loaded gun in your car in Minnesota only if you possess a valid Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes. Without a permit, your firearm must be unloaded and stored either in a closed and fastened case or in your vehicle’s trunk, according to Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 and § 97B.045. Following a federal court ruling, Minnesota residents age 18 and older can now apply for permits to carry as of April 2025.
Minnesota Firearm Transport Requirements: What the Law Says
Minnesota law prohibits carrying, holding, or possessing a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit to carry. This is one of the state’s most frequently misunderstood firearm regulations.
How Minnesota Permit to Carry Laws Work for Vehicle Transport
If you hold a valid Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol, you may transport loaded firearms in your vehicle anywhere in Minnesota. Your permit allows you to keep a loaded handgun accessible in your car, including in the glove compartment, center console, or on your person.
Permit holders must carry their permit card and government-issued photo ID at all times when carrying a pistol and must display these documents upon lawful demand by law enforcement. During traffic stops, while you’re not legally required to inform officers about your firearm, doing so proactively can prevent misunderstandings.
Transporting Firearms Without a Permit in Minnesota
Without a permit, you must transport firearms unloaded and either in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm that fully encloses the weapon by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, or unloaded in the closed trunk of your vehicle.
The gun case requirement is specific. A basic bag or container doesn’t qualify unless it’s designed specifically for firearms and can be completely closed. No portion of the firearm can be exposed.
For vehicles without trunks—like SUVs, hatchbacks, or pickup trucks—the firearm must be in a properly fastened gun case. Simply placing it under a seat or in a center console violates Minnesota law.
What “Unloaded” Actually Means Under Minnesota Law
Minnesota statutes don’t define “unloaded” for vehicle transport purposes. However, common legal understanding holds that an unloaded firearm has no round in the chamber and either no magazine inserted or an empty magazine.
Law enforcement may interpret “loaded” broadly to include any firearm with ammunition in an attached magazine, even if the chamber is empty. To stay clearly compliant without a permit, remove all ammunition from the firearm and magazine.
Minnesota Gun Carry Restrictions Even With a Valid Permit
Where You Cannot Carry Loaded Firearms in Vehicles
Even permit holders face restrictions. Minnesota law prohibits carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, including in vehicles. This applies if you’re under the influence, know a substance could cause impairment, or have a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.04.
Having a firearm within arm’s reach while intoxicated counts as carrying “on or about the person” and violates state law. Violations constitute gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and $3,000 in fines.
School zones present another restriction. Federal law generally prohibits loaded firearms within 1,000 feet of school grounds, though state permit holders may qualify for exceptions under specific circumstances.
Common Misconceptions About Loaded Guns in Minnesota Vehicles
“The Glove Box Counts as an Enclosed Case”
Wrong. Without a permit, storing a firearm in your glove compartment or center console—even if locked—doesn’t satisfy Minnesota’s storage requirements. The law requires a gun case expressly made to contain firearms, not just any enclosed space.
“Keeping Ammunition Separate Makes It Legal”
Partially true, but incomplete. Without a permit, your firearm must be both unloaded AND in a proper case or trunk. Simply separating ammunition from the gun doesn’t eliminate the case or trunk requirement.
“I Can Always Have a Loaded Gun for Self-Defense”
Not without a permit. Minnesota doesn’t recognize a general self-defense exception to its vehicle carry laws. Carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle without a permit is a gross misdemeanor, even if you claim you need it for protection.
What Minnesota Gun Owners Should Know About Vehicle Carry
How to Get a Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol
Applications go to your county sheriff if you’re a Minnesota resident, or any sheriff if you’re a non-resident. You must complete authorized firearms training within one year of application, pass background checks, and meet all eligibility requirements.
The permit costs up to $100 for new applications and remains valid for five years. Training must cover safe handgun use and legal aspects of pistol possession and carry.
What to Do During Traffic Stops With Firearms in Your Vehicle
If you don’t have a permit and transport an unloaded, cased firearm, you generally don’t need to volunteer this information unless asked. If you’re a permit holder with a loaded firearm, consider informing the officer immediately—especially if you need to reach near where the firearm is stored.
Keep your permit card and ID readily accessible, not stored with your firearm. This prevents needing to reach toward the weapon during the stop.
When to Consult an Attorney About Firearm Transport Violations
If you’re charged with unlawful firearm possession in a vehicle, contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in Minnesota gun laws immediately. Second or subsequent convictions become felonies with significantly harsher consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Guns in Cars in Minnesota
Can I Keep a Loaded Gun in My Car Without a Permit in Minnesota?
No. Minnesota law prohibits possessing a handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit to carry. Without a permit, firearms must be unloaded and stored in a closed, fastened gun case or in your trunk.
Where Should I Store My Gun in My Car if I Don’t Have a Permit?
Store it unloaded in the closed trunk of your vehicle, or unloaded in a gun case expressly made for firearms that fully encloses the weapon. For vehicles without trunks, a properly fastened gun case is required.
Does a Permit to Carry Allow Me to Have a Loaded Gun Anywhere in My Vehicle?
Yes, with important exceptions. You cannot carry while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, even with a valid permit. Federal school zone restrictions may also apply.
What Happens if Police Find a Loaded Gun in My Car During a Traffic Stop?
Without a permit, you face gross misdemeanor charges punishable by up to one year in jail and $3,000 in fines. If you have a valid permit, ensure you can produce your permit card and photo ID upon request.
Do Minnesota’s Vehicle Gun Laws Apply to Rifles and Shotguns?
Yes, Minnesota Statute § 97B.045 requires all firearms transported in vehicles to be unloaded and in proper cases or trunks, unless you’re carrying a handgun under a valid permit. Limited exceptions exist for hunting and shooting ranges.
How Old Do I Need to Be to Get a Minnesota Permit to Carry?
As of April 2025, you must be at least 18 years old following federal court rulings that struck down the previous 21-year-old minimum age requirement.
Last Updated: January 25, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice—individuals facing firearm-related legal issues should consult qualified criminal defense attorneys experienced in Minnesota gun laws for case-specific guidance.
Understand your rights and responsibilities. Minnesota’s firearm transport laws carry serious penalties for violations. If you’re unsure whether your situation complies with state law or face charges related to vehicle firearm possession, consult an experienced attorney immediately.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources:
- Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 (Permits to Carry Pistols)
- Minnesota Statutes § 97B.045 (Transportation of Firearms)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Worth v. Jacobson, 108 F.4th 677 (8th Cir. 2024)
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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