Is Open Carry Legal in Minnesota? Yes, With a Permit—What You Must Know About Restrictions 2026
Yes, open carry is legal in Minnesota with a valid Permit to Carry a Pistol. Under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, both open carry and concealed carry are permitted with the same permit—there’s no legal requirement to conceal your handgun. However, significant restrictions apply regarding where you can carry, who can obtain permits, and what firearms are covered.
How Minnesota’s Open Carry Law Works
Permit Requirements for Open Carry
Minnesota law doesn’t distinguish between open carry and concealed carry. Under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 1a, carrying a pistol in public—whether openly or concealed—requires a Permit to Carry a Pistol. This means you need the exact same permit whether you choose to carry your handgun visibly in a holster or hidden under clothing.
Minnesota operates as a “shall-issue” state, meaning county sheriffs must issue permits to applicants who meet all statutory requirements. Sheriffs have limited discretion to deny permits only if there’s substantial likelihood the applicant would be a danger to themselves or others if authorized to carry a handgun.
To obtain a Minnesota Permit to Carry, you must be at least 18 years old (following federal court rulings in 2023 and 2024 that struck down the previous 21-year-old minimum), not be prohibited from possessing firearms under Minnesota or federal law, not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system, and complete approved firearms training within one year of application.
What the Training Requirement Covers
Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 2a, requires applicants to present evidence of firearms training covering basic instruction in the safe use of pistols, instruction in fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession and carry including self-defense, and restrictions on the use of deadly force. The training must be conducted by a certified instructor approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Even military members with extensive firearms training must complete this civilian training course because it addresses Minnesota-specific legal issues regarding permit to carry laws, self-defense rights, and when deadly force is legally justified. Contact your local sheriff’s office for approved training providers.
Your Permit to Carry is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal applications can be submitted up to 90 days before expiration and require completing firearms training again within one year of the renewal application.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in Minnesota
Minnesota law imposes no legal difference between open carry and concealed carry. Both require the same Permit to Carry under Minn. Stat. § 624.714. Whether your handgun is visible or concealed is entirely your choice once you have a valid permit.
However, practical considerations may influence your decision. Open carry can deter crime by making your armed status visible, but it may also make you a target in active shooter situations or cause alarm among people uncomfortable with visible firearms. Concealed carry offers discretion but requires careful attention to ensuring your firearm remains completely concealed.
Understanding your legal rights regarding firearms regulations lilke in Australia helps you make informed decisions about how to lawfully carry in Minnesota.
Where Open Carry Is Prohibited
Schools and Educational Facilities
Under Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1d, carrying firearms is prohibited on public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school buildings and grounds. This prohibition extends to any portion of a building or facility under temporary, exclusive control of a school where signs are posted.
Public colleges and universities in Minnesota may establish policies restricting the carrying of weapons on their premises by employees and students while on campus. However, educational institutions cannot prohibit lawful carry or possession of firearms in parking facilities.
Government Buildings and Restricted Locations
Minnesota law prohibits carrying firearms in several government facilities: courthouses and courthouse complexes (note that judges in most Minnesota judicial districts have issued court orders banning carry in their courts), state correctional facilities and state hospitals, any jail, lockup, or correctional facility, and childcare centers.
Private establishments can also restrict firearms on their premises. Under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17, if an operator of a private establishment makes a “reasonable request” that firearms not be brought into the establishment—either through posted signage with specific statutory language or verbal request—you must comply or face misdemeanor trespass charges.
However, parking facilities may not restrict the lawful possession of firearms under Minnesota law. Landlords also cannot prohibit tenants from allowing guns in their residences or businesses.
What People Get Wrong About Minnesota Open Carry
Myth: You Can Open Carry Anywhere Without a Permit
The most common misconception is that open carry doesn’t require a permit. Minnesota law is clear: Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 1a, requires a Permit to Carry for any carrying of pistols in public, whether open or concealed. First-time violations constitute gross misdemeanors, and subsequent violations rise to felonies.
Very limited exceptions exist under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 9, allowing you to carry without a permit at your place of business, dwelling house, premises, or land you possess, and when transporting a pistol from a place of purchase to your dwelling. These exceptions don’t extend to general public carry.
Myth: Open Carry Applies to All Firearms
Minnesota’s open carry law under Minn. Stat. § 624.714 applies only to pistols. Minnesota generally prohibits the open carrying of rifles and shotguns in public under Minn. Stat. § 624.7181, subdivision 2, with narrow exceptions for transporting unloaded, cased long guns to shooting ranges, hunting areas, or places where firearms are bought, sold, or repaired.
This means even with a Permit to Carry, you cannot walk down a public street openly carrying a rifle or shotgun. The permit authorizes carrying pistols only.
Myth: Private Businesses Can’t Restrict Open Carry
Property owners and businesses have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17. Churches, businesses, private colleges, and nonprofit organizations may post signage with specific statutory language banning guns.
While violating these posted restrictions results only in misdemeanor trespass rather than felony weapons charges, you must respect property owners’ rights. Responsible firearm carriers honor private property restrictions even when they disagree with the policies.
What to Do If You Want to Open Carry
Obtaining Your Minnesota Permit to Carry
Minnesota residents apply for Permits to Carry through their county sheriff’s office. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff, though applications must be submitted in person—mail applications are not accepted.
The application process requires providing your residential history for the past five years, authorizing release of mental health commitment information, passing criminal background checks, and presenting proof of approved firearms training completed within one year. Application fees cannot exceed $100 for new permits or the amount set by your county for renewals.
Sheriffs must issue or deny permits within 30 days of receiving complete applications. If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision through Minnesota courts.
Understanding Where You Can and Cannot Carry
Before carrying openly in Minnesota, familiarize yourself with all prohibited locations under Minn. Stat. § 609.66 and § 624.714. Schools, courthouses, correctional facilities, and private establishments with posted restrictions are all off-limits regardless of your permit status.
When entering private businesses, look for posted signage indicating firearms are prohibited. These signs must use specific language required by Minnesota statute to have legal effect, but responsible carriers respect all requests to leave firearms secured in vehicles.
Pay particular attention to courthouse complexes where judges have issued broad court orders banning firearms throughout entire buildings, not just courtrooms. Violating these orders can result in contempt charges.
Carrying Responsibly
If you choose to open carry, keep your firearm secured in a proper holster at all times. Never brandish, display threateningly, or handle your weapon unnecessarily in public. Such actions can result in criminal charges for disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, or assault regardless of your permit status.
Carry your Permit to Carry card and valid government-issued photo identification at all times when carrying. Upon request by a peace officer, you must disclose whether you’re carrying and display both your permit and identification.
Consult with an attorney experienced in Minnesota firearm laws if you have questions about specific carry situations, face criminal charges related to firearms, or need guidance on compliance with complex restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to open carry in Minnesota?
Yes. Under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 1a, you need a valid Permit to Carry a Pistol to open carry in Minnesota. The same permit covers both open carry and concealed carry—there’s no separate license required. First-time violations of carrying without a permit constitute gross misdemeanors.
Where is open carry prohibited in Minnesota?
Open carry is prohibited in schools (K-12), courthouses, correctional facilities, childcare centers, state hospitals, and private establishments that post signage or verbally request no firearms under Minn. Stat. § 609.66 and § 624.714. Public colleges may restrict carry by students and employees on campus but cannot restrict parking lot possession.
What’s the difference between open carry and concealed carry in Minnesota?
Legally, there’s no difference. Minn. Stat. § 624.714 requires the same Permit to Carry for both open carry (visible firearm) and concealed carry (hidden firearm). The statute doesn’t mandate concealment, so permit holders can choose either method. The permit itself is valid statewide for both carry methods.
Can businesses ban open carry on their property?
Yes. Under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17, private establishments can make “reasonable requests” that firearms not be brought onto their premises through posted signage with specific statutory language or verbal requests. Violating these requests results in misdemeanor trespass charges, though the firearm itself is not subject to forfeiture.
What happens if I open carry without a permit in Minnesota?
Carrying a pistol in public without a Permit to Carry is a gross misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 1a, for first-time offenses. If you have a prior conviction for this offense, subsequent violations become felonies. You could face up to one year in jail and $3,000 in fines for gross misdemeanors, or longer prison sentences for felonies.
Can non-residents open carry in Minnesota?
Yes, if they have either a Minnesota Permit to Carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes for reciprocity purposes. Non-residents can apply for Minnesota permits at any county sheriff’s office. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety publishes a list of states with permits Minnesota honors, which must have requirements similar to Minnesota’s permit standards under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 16.
Last Updated: January 24, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Minnesota’s open carry laws and is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified Minnesota firearms attorney for guidance regarding specific carry situations or criminal charges.
Understand your open carry rights under Minnesota law, but remember that a permit doesn’t grant unlimited authority. Know the restrictions, respect private property rights, and consult an attorney if facing firearms-related legal issues.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources:
- Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 (Permits to Carry Pistols)
- Minnesota Statutes § 609.66 (Dangerous Weapons)
- Minnesota Statutes § 624.7181 (Rifles and Shotguns in Public Places)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety Permit to Carry Resources
- Giffords Law Center Minnesota Open Carry Analysis
- U.S. District Court ruling on minimum age requirements (2023-2024)
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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