Wondering what the process is for getting your permit to purchase or permit to carry in the state of Minnesota? Here’s what it looks like!

Permit to Purchase

In the state of Minnesota, you need a permit to purchase if you are looking to buy a handgun or anything with a removable pistol grip (like an AR platform firearm) from an FFL or gun shop. The process is pretty painless and it’s free to get! 

1. Fill out the application. 
2. Turn in your application in person (it cannot be mailed in) to your chief of police of the town you live in or the sheriff of the county where your home address is. 
3. Bring your driver’s license or other government issued photo identification along – they’ll need a copy of that.

There is no fee to get your permit to purchase and law enforcement has 7 days to process your application. Once your application has been processed, you should receive your permit card in the mail – don’t forget to sign it and then you’re ready to purchase!

MN Permit to Carry Application

Permit to Carry

In the state of Minnesota, your permit to carry doubles as your permit to purchase. The permit to carry takes a little more time and effort to get but there are many additional benefits. Your permit to carry allows you to carry a loaded handgun on or about your person and in a vehicle, snowmobile or boat.

To get your permit to carry, here are the steps:

1. Take the permit to carry class.
   We offer the MN Permit to Carry course at River Valley Arms & Ammo at least once a month. You can find the schedule here. If the regularly scheduled dates don’t work for you, we offer privately scheduled courses for groups of 4 or more students. Contact us to schedule a private course or get more information!
2. You’ll need the following items to turn in your application in person (it cannot be mailed in) to your sheriff of the county where your home address is:
   1. A copy of the certificate you received from completion of the course.
   2. A copy of your driver’s license or other government issued photo identification.
   3. Your completed application.
   4. First time application fee of $100 or renewal fee of $75.
3. Once you turn in your application, the sheriff’s office has 30 days to process your application. If you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail and be ready to carry and purchase firearms!

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule so if you have any questions on Permit to Carry or Permit to Purchase, you’re welcome to get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help you out! Otherwise, you can get in touch with your sheriff for clarification as well!