Is Minnesota Open Carry or Concealed Carry? Permit Requirements and What You Must Know
Minnesota is primarily a concealed carry state that requires a permit to carry pistols in public whether openly or concealed. Both open carry and concealed carry are legal only with a valid Permit to Carry (PTC), with very limited exceptions. In July 2024, the Eighth Circuit Court struck down Minnesota’s prohibition on issuing permits to 18-20 year olds, though the state continues challenging this ruling. As of 2017, over 283,000 Minnesotans held valid permits to carry firearms in public.
Minnesota’s Permit to Carry Law
Both Open and Concealed Carry Require Permits
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, known as the Minnesota Citizens’ Personal Protection Act, you must obtain a Permit to Carry (PTC) to carry a pistol—a firearm with a barrel less than 16 inches—in public places. Minnesota law does not distinguish between open carry (carrying a visible firearm) and concealed carry (carrying a hidden firearm). Both require the same permit.
This makes Minnesota different from constitutional carry states that allow permitless carry. For comparison, Is Open Carry Legal In Florida? 2025-26 Law Update, Court Ruling & What You Must Know shows how Florida recently transitioned to permitless concealed carry with evolving open carry regulations. Whether you carry your pistol in a visible holster or concealed beneath your jacket, you need a valid PTC issued by your county sheriff under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714.
The law defines “carry” under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.712 as having a pistol on your person or in a vehicle under your control. This broad definition means simply having a pistol accessible to you in public triggers the permit requirement.
Minnesota Is a “Shall-Issue” State
Minnesota operates under a “shall-issue” policy, meaning county sheriffs must issue permits to all qualified applicants who meet the statutory requirements. Sheriffs have limited discretion to deny permits only if there is “substantial likelihood” that the applicant would pose a danger to themselves or others if authorized to carry a handgun.
The sheriff must either issue or deny a permit within 30 days of the application date under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 6. New and renewal permits are valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Eligibility Requirements for a Permit to Carry
To obtain a Minnesota PTC, you must meet these requirements under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714:
Be at least 18 years old (following the 2024 Eighth Circuit ruling in Worth v. Jacobson, though this remains under legal challenge). Complete an approved firearms training course that meets state standards. Pass an extensive background check conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under Minnesota or federal law, including felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or certain mental health adjudications. Not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system. Be a resident of the county where you’re applying if you live in Minnesota (non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff).
The firearms training requirement under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 2a must be completed within one year of your application date. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a list of certified firearms instructors who meet state requirements.
Where Carrying Is Prohibited in Minnesota
Locations Off-Limits Even With a Valid Permit
Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 17 and other provisions establish locations where firearms are prohibited even if you have a valid PTC:
Schools and school property (subject to certain exceptions for school-authorized activities). Courthouses and judicial facilities. State capitol complex and legislative buildings. Private property with proper posting under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.7131 prohibiting firearms. Federal buildings under 18 U.S.C. § 930. Establishments that serve alcohol (unless the permit holder is not consuming alcohol). Child care facilities. Public universities may establish administrative policies restricting students and employees from carrying on campus.
Violating these prohibited location restrictions can result in criminal charges ranging from petty misdemeanors to gross misdemeanors depending on the specific violation and circumstances.
Private Property Posting Requirements
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.7131, property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises by posting proper signage. If a business or private property displays signs prohibiting firearms, permit holders must respect these restrictions.
Failing to leave when asked constitutes trespassing. While “No Firearms” signs don’t have force of law unless posted on statutorily prohibited locations, property owners can still ask you to leave. Refusing to leave when asked is a petty misdemeanor.
Limited Exceptions to the Permit Requirement
When You Can Carry Without a Permit
Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 9 provides very limited exceptions where you can possess a pistol without a PTC:
On your own property or property under your control. At your own business premises. While engaged in lawful hunting activities with proper hunting licenses. At shooting ranges or while engaged in target shooting. Transporting unloaded firearms in specific ways under Minnesota Statutes Section 97B.045 (in a gun case that fully encloses the firearm or in a closed trunk).
These exceptions are narrowly defined. Simply being in public without a PTC, even if you’re not actively carrying, can violate Minnesota law if you have a pistol accessible to you.
Reciprocity and Out-of-State Permits
Which Out-of-State Permits Minnesota Recognizes
Minnesota recognizes permits from states with similar or more stringent requirements for issuing carry permits under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 16a. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains an official list of recognized states.
Currently recognized states include Alaska, Delaware, Idaho (Enhanced permit only), Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota (Class 1 only), Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota (Enhanced permit only), and West Virginia (Regular permit only).
The commissioner annually establishes and publishes a list of states that do not have similar laws. Permits from states not on the exclusion list may be used in Minnesota subject to Minnesota’s rights, privileges, and requirements.
Traveling With Firearms
If you’re visiting Minnesota with an out-of-state permit, check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s current reciprocity list to confirm your permit is recognized. Even with a recognized permit, you must comply with all Minnesota restrictions including prohibited locations and posting requirements.
Minnesota permit holders traveling to other states must research those states’ reciprocity laws. Some states recognize Minnesota permits while others do not, and violating another state’s carry laws can result in criminal charges.
Penalties for Carrying Without a Permit
Criminal Consequences
Carrying a pistol in public without a valid permit violates Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714 and is typically a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
If you have prior convictions for carrying without a permit or certain other offenses, the charge can be elevated to a felony under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.66 with more severe penalties including longer imprisonment.
Additionally, carrying a pistol while prohibited from possessing firearms due to felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or other disqualifying factors is a separate felony offense under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.713.
What to Do If You Want to Carry in Minnesota
Application Process Through County Sheriff
To obtain a Minnesota PTC, complete these steps:
Complete an approved firearms training course from a certified instructor on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety list. Obtain your training certificate—it’s valid for one year from the completion date. Contact your county sheriff’s office to request a permit application form or download it from their website. Complete the application providing all required information including personal details, residency verification, and training certificate. Submit the application to your county sheriff along with the required fee (varies by county but typically around $100 for new permits). Undergo a background check through NICS and state databases. Wait for the sheriff’s decision, which must come within 30 days under state law.
If approved, your permit will be valid for five years. You must carry both your permit card and government-issued photo identification whenever carrying a pistol and display them upon lawful demand by a peace officer under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 1a.
Understanding Your Responsibilities
Permit holders must understand that carrying a firearm comes with significant legal responsibilities. You must know where carrying is prohibited, respect private property postings, avoid carrying while consuming alcohol, and comply with all statutory requirements.
While Minnesota law treats open carry and concealed carry identically from a legal standpoint, open carry may attract more attention from law enforcement and the public. Some businesses may ask open carriers to leave even if legally carrying. For a detailed comparison with another state’s evolving open carry framework, read Is Open Carry Legal In Minnesota? Yes, With A Permit—What You Must Know About Restrictions (2026). Understanding these practical realities helps avoid confrontations.
If you have questions about eligibility, reciprocity, or specific legal situations involving firearm carry in Minnesota, consult the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or a firearms attorney familiar with Minnesota gun laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota an open carry state?
Yes and no. Minnesota allows open carry, but only with a valid Permit to Carry under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714. Unlike constitutional carry states, you cannot open carry without a permit in Minnesota. Both open carry and concealed carry require the same PTC issued by your county sheriff. The law does not distinguish between carrying openly in a visible holster versus carrying concealed beneath clothing—both require permits with limited exceptions for your own property, business premises, or lawful hunting activities.
Do you need a permit to open carry in Minnesota?
Yes, absolutely. Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714 requires a valid Permit to Carry for both open carry and concealed carry of pistols in public places. The Minnesota Citizens’ Personal Protection Act does not specify that firearms must be concealed, but it does require a permit for carrying pistols publicly whether visible or hidden. Carrying a pistol openly without a valid PTC is a gross misdemeanor and can be elevated to a felony with prior convictions.
What’s the difference between open carry and concealed carry in Minnesota?
Legally, there is no difference under Minnesota law. Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714 requires a Permit to Carry for both open carry (visible firearm) and concealed carry (hidden firearm). The same permit, application process, training requirements, eligibility standards, and prohibited locations apply equally to both carrying methods. The only difference is personal preference and practical considerations—open carry may attract more attention from law enforcement and the public, while concealed carry is more discreet. Unlike states with separate open carry and concealed carry regulations, Minnesota treats both methods identically under one unified permit system.
Can I carry a gun in my car in Minnesota without a permit?
Generally, no. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, having a pistol in a vehicle under your control constitutes “carrying” and requires a valid Permit to Carry. However, Minnesota Statutes Section 97B.045 provides limited exceptions for transporting unloaded firearms if the gun is: (1) in a gun case that fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, or otherwise fastened with no portion exposed, or (2) in the closed trunk. Additional exceptions exist for transporting unloaded long guns while traveling to or from lawful hunting or shooting ranges.
Does Minnesota recognize my out-of-state carry permit?
It depends on which state issued your permit. Minnesota recognizes permits from states with similar or more stringent requirements under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 16a. Currently recognized states include Alaska, Delaware, Idaho (Enhanced only), Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota (Class 1 only), Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota (Enhanced only), and West Virginia (Regular only). Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s official reciprocity list for current information, as recognized states can change.
Where can’t you carry a gun in Minnesota even with a permit?
Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714, subdivision 17 prohibits carrying firearms in schools, courthouses, state capitol and legislative buildings, child care facilities, and establishments primarily serving alcohol (unless you’re not consuming). Federal law prohibits firearms in federal buildings under 18 U.S.C. § 930. Private property owners can prohibit firearms under Minnesota Statutes Section 624.7131 by posting proper signage. Public universities may establish administrative policies restricting students and employees from carrying on campus. Violating these restrictions ranges from petty misdemeanors to gross misdemeanors depending on the specific violation.
Last Updated: January 25, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about Minnesota’s firearm carry laws and is not legal advice for your specific situation.
If you have questions about permit applications, eligibility, reciprocity, or specific legal situations involving firearm carry in Minnesota, consult the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or a firearms attorney. Every situation is unique, and proper legal guidance ensures you comply with all applicable laws.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources Cited:
- Minnesota Statutes Section 624.714 (Minnesota Citizens’ Personal Protection Act—permit to carry requirements)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 624.712 (definitions of “carry” and “pistol”)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 609.66 (dangerous weapons regulations)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 624.7131 (property owner posting requirements)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 97B.045 (transportation of firearms exceptions)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 624.713 (certain persons prohibited from possessing firearms)
- Worth v. Jacobson, 108 F.4th 677 (8th Cir. 2024) (age restriction ruling)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety firearms permit information and reciprocity lists
- 18 U.S.C. § 930 (federal facilities firearm prohibition)
- U.S. Constitution, Second Amendment (right to keep and bear arms)
- Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension carry permit resources
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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