Minnesota Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. No magazine limit. Red flag law. Castle doctrine; duty to retreat outside the home.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Minnesota requires a shall-issue permit for concealed carry. The state recognizes castle doctrine but generally imposes a duty to retreat outside the home. No magazine limits or assault weapon bans exist. Minnesota has had a red flag (ERPO) law since 2024. Permit to purchase required for handguns and assault-style long guns.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (Minn. Stat. § 624.714)
• Open Carry: Permit required (Minn. Stat. § 624.714)
• Permit to Purchase: Required for handguns and assault-style long guns (Minn. Stat. § 624.7131)
• Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
• Magazine Limit: No limit
• Waiting Period: Up to 30 days for pistols/assault-style guns without a permit; none for permit holders (Minn. Stat. § 624.7132)
• Universal Background Check: Required for private transfers of pistols and assault-style long guns (Minn. Stat. § 624.7132)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Extreme Risk Protection Order (since 2024) (Minn. Stat. § 624.7171)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (Minn. Stat. § 609.065)
• Stand Your Ground: Duty to retreat outside the home (Minn. Stat. § 609.065)
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors permits from a specific list of ~30 states, reviewed annually (Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety — Permit Carry Reciprocity)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota requires a shall-issue permit to carry. Open carry also requires a permit.

Does Minnesota require a permit to purchase handguns?

Yes. Minnesota requires a permit to purchase or a permit to carry for handguns and certain semi-automatic military-style assault weapons.

Does Minnesota have a red flag law?

Yes. Since January 1, 2024, family or household members, guardians, police, and city or county attorneys can petition a court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order to temporarily bar someone from possessing or buying firearms.

Does Minnesota have stand your ground?

Minnesota recognizes castle doctrine in the home but generally requires a duty to retreat in public if safe to do so.

Does Minnesota honor my out-of-state carry permit?

It depends on the issuing state — the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reviews other states' permit standards annually and publishes a specific list of which out-of-state permits are currently valid here, some with extra conditions (like an "enhanced" permit tier or an issue-date cutoff). Check the current official list before carrying, since it changes.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.