Gun Laws in Minnesota
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Minnesota's score of 38 reflects the state's permit-to-purchase requirements, background check mandates for private sales, red flag laws, and various carry restrictions, balanced against some protections for gun owners and hunters.
Minnesota Gun Laws Summary
Minnesota has moderate gun regulations that balance public safety concerns with Second Amendment rights. The state requires permits for handgun purchases and transfers, mandates background checks for private sales, and has implemented red flag laws while maintaining strong protections for hunting and sporting activities.
Minnesota is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits, meaning that qualifying applicants who meet the statutory requirements will receive their permits. The state requires permits for both purchasing handguns and carrying concealed weapons, with local sheriffs handling the permit process.
In 2023, Minnesota enacted significant gun law reforms including universal background checks, red flag laws, and enhanced storage requirements. These changes, passed under Democratic control of the legislature, moved Minnesota toward more restrictive gun policies while maintaining existing hunter safety programs and sporting exemptions.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
Minnesota requires a permit to purchase or transfer handguns, with background checks conducted for all firearm sales including private transactions. As of 2023, universal background checks are required for all firearm transfers with limited exceptions for family members and temporary transfers.
The state maintains records of handgun purchases and transfers through the permit system. Long guns can be purchased without a permit from licensed dealers with a federal background check, but private transfers of long guns also require background checks under the new universal background check law.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Minnesota requires a permit to carry firearms in public, whether openly or concealed. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, complete training requirements, and pass background checks. The state has reciprocity agreements with select states that have similar permit standards.
Open carry is legal with a valid carry permit, though local ordinances may restrict open carry in certain areas. Firearms are prohibited in schools, government buildings, private establishments that post prohibitions, and other sensitive locations. Minnesota law includes enhanced penalties for firearm crimes and requires secure storage when minors might access firearms.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Minnesota does not ban semi-automatic firearms or impose magazine capacity restrictions. All NFA items including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns are legal to own in compliance with federal requirements. The state has not enacted assault weapon bans or feature-based restrictions on firearms.
Local Laws
Minnesota has limited preemption of local gun laws. While the state regulates most aspects of firearm ownership and carry, local governments can enact certain restrictions on discharge within city limits and carrying in local government buildings. This creates some variation in gun regulations across different municipalities within the state.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Minnesota Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
In this piece, we cover the firearm and ammunition laws in the state of Minnesota. To do so, the piece begins by covering the ammo laws of MN with a focus on the process of having ammunition shipped to a residential address there. Following that, the piece covers the firearms laws in the state both in terms of the processes for purchasing firearms, but also the ins and outs of carrying firearms in Minnesota. To wrap things up, the piece concludes with some resources that we think would be useful to folks who want to legally purchase, own, and carry firearms in Minnesota.
We do not intend any information in this piece as formal legal advice. Instead, we hope you find the information here useful to your own decision-making processes.
Like many states, Minnesota has preemption: this means that the state legislature has declared that localities, such as cities, counties, and towns cannot make their own gun and ammo laws that are more strict than those at the state level. Preemption makes things easier for lawful gun owners because once you have an understanding of the laws and regulations at the state level, that understanding can be applied to the entire state. There is one small exception in Minnesota: localities can regulate the discharge of a firearm within their limits, so check local laws before shooting anywhere but on a designated range.
Minnesota’s gun laws are middle of the pack in terms of permissiveness. While there are no major bans on assault rifles or magazines in the state, bans on NFA items, as well as some of the laws surrounding private firearms sales in the state, are somewhat restrictive.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Minnesota
First, we will cover the ammo laws of Minnesota.
Minnesota bans some kinds of armor-piercing bullets, which they define as certain handgun rounds that have solid metal cores. Aside from that ban, the state is permissive in terms of its ammunition laws and follows Federal guidelines.
The ATF has two sets of requirements for the purchasing of ammunition. The first is an age requirement: buyers have to be eighteen years of age or older to buy ammo for rifles and shotguns, and at least twenty-one to buy pistol ammunition. Secondly, ammunition buyers cannot be prohibited persons, which the ATF defines as people who have been convicted of felonies or domestic violence, those who have been found mentally unfit in a court of law, and people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility for treatment.
Assuming that the ammunition is not the “metal-piercing ammunition” that the state has banned, and the buyer meets ATF requirements, the state of Minnesota is fine with having ammunition shipped to a residential address in the state. Keep in mind that carriers might impose some of their own rules, such as asking for an adult with valid identification to be present to sign for a package that contains ammunition.
While the state does ban certain handgun rounds, the process of buying and having ammunition shipped to a residential address in Minnesota is straightforward, which makes the ammo laws of the state fairly permissive.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Minnesota
Next, we will do the same analysis for Minnesota’s gun laws.
There are currently no assault weapons or magazine bans in Minnesota. There is, however, a state-level ban on some NFA items: machine guns and short-barreled shotguns are illegal at the state level.
Before purchasing a firearm, the state requires a permit in certain cases. Specifically, people who want to purchase handguns or long guns that have pistol grips need to have a Transferee permit that is issued by the local police department. This involves an in-depth background check, including the possibility of being rejected at the discretion of the local police department. This permit is required for all transfers of such weapons in the state, and, thus, means that private sellers are obligated to submit the buyer for a state background check through the state police. As part of this process, the state imposes a week-long waiting period on handguns and rifles with pistol grips.
For long guns without pistol grips, the state simply follows federal guidelines. To buy a firearm not regulated under the state’s permitting system, the buyer will need to bring a form of payment and a valid ID to the gun store. From there, the FFL will have the buyer fill out ATF Form 4473 to do the background check. Once both the background check and payment clear, the buyer can leave with their firearm the same day. In Minnesota, the addition of the permitting process for pistol purchases and some rifle purchases substantially adds to this process: overall, it will likely take along the lines of a month for a new buyer to purchase their first pistol in the state. For folks with an existing permit, there will be a week-long waiting period.
Carrying firearms in the state is somewhat restricted. Unlike most states, Minnesota requires a permit to carry a firearm either openly or concealed: the permitting statute does not specify whether one is to carry the firearm concealed or not. This makes open carry legal by default, and, interestingly, includes BB guns, which are not even firearms. The permit requires an application, a fee, and records of having completed a recognized class.
The Minnesota permit to carry a firearm is somewhat widely recognized, but with a fair few restrictions depending on the state.
Minnesota has a list of places where it is illegal to carry a firearm even with a permit. Those locations include:
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Courthouses
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K-12 schools
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Colleges
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Businesses (employers can ban carry)
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Private property (once the owner notifies)
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Federal facilities
This list is not an unusual one, even among the most permissive of states.
Of note, Minnesota is home to Magnum Research, which is the company that produces the iconic Desert Eagle series of large-bore handguns.
Minnesota’s gun laws are more restrictive than their ammunition laws. The permitting process to buy all handguns and some rifles is restrictive, and their weapons carriage laws include things that are not even firearms (BB guns). While the lack of an assault weapons ban or magazine ban makes the state a little more permissive, the overall story here is that Minnesota is somewhat restrictive in terms of the firearms and ammunition laws at the state level.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Minnesota
Minnesota has a general sales tax rate of 6.875%, which goes up by an additional two percent in some localities. The state does not impose additional taxes on firearms and ammunition.
Though they are not technically taxes, the fees associated with getting the permit to buy a pistol or modern rifle/shotgun might rightly be considered an additional tax on the purchase of firearms, since one has to pay that fee in order to begin the firearms purchasing process in the state.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of every FFL in the country, including in Minnesota. This list is kept up to date and can be used to find local gun stores. Usually, gun stores are either Type One or Type Two FFLs.
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Wheretoshoot.org is an excellent tool to find places to shoot. Using the mileage, zip code, and city filters can help you find convenient ranges in Minnesota. Users can also add more ranges, and the information is regularly verified.
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There are a number of well-reputed gun stores in the state.
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There is an active subreddit for shooters in Minnesota, which has lively discussions about local events.