Gun Laws/Minnesota/Reviewed September 16, 2026

Do you need a permit to buy a gun in Minnesota?

Quick answer

Yes

Minnesota: Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns).

0 of Minnesota's 4 neighboring states have the same status.

Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026

Permit to purchase laws by state

Alabama: No permitAlaska: No permitArizona: No permitColorado: PermitFlorida: No permitGeorgia: No permitIndiana: No permitKansas: No permitMaine: No permitMassachusetts: PermitMinnesota: PermitNew Jersey: PermitNorth Carolina: No permitNorth Dakota: No permitOklahoma: No permitPennsylvania: No permitSouth Dakota: No permitTexas: No permitWyoming: No permitConnecticut: PermitMissouri: No permitWest Virginia: No permitIllinois: PermitNew Mexico: No permitArkansas: No permitCalifornia: PermitDelaware: HandgunsHawaii: PermitIowa: No permitKentucky: No permitMaryland: HandgunsMichigan: PermitMississippi: No permitMontana: No permitNew Hampshire: No permitNew York: PermitOhio: No permitOregon: No permitTennessee: No permitUtah: No permitVirginia: No permitWashington: No permitWisconsin: No permitNebraska: HandgunsSouth Carolina: No permitIdaho: No permitNevada: No permitVermont: No permitLouisiana: No permitRhode Island: HandgunsALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
No permit (36)Some guns (4)Permit required (10)Permit to purchase laws by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means No permit; caution means Some guns; restricted means Permit required

Minnesota law in detail

  • Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns) Permit to Purchase — A permit or background check is required before purchasing handguns and semi-auto long guns with pistol grips.
  • Partial (permit required) Assault Weapon Ban — Minnesota does not fully ban assault weapons, but semi-auto rifles with pistol grips require a permit to purchase (the 'transferee permit' or carry permit).
  • Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — The state must issue a Permit to Carry a Pistol to qualified applicants. Training is required.
  • Yes (with permit) Open Carry — Open carry is legal but requires a valid Permit to Carry a Pistol. You cannot open carry without the permit.

The federal rule

Federal law requires a background check on every sale by a licensed dealer, but no federal permit to purchase. Some states add a purchase permit, a firearm owner ID card or a safety certificate, which can add weeks before you can take home a rifle or a complete lower.

Permit to buy in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a permit to buy a gun in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota: Yes (handguns + pistol-grip long guns). Reviewed September 16, 2026.

What is the federal rule on permits to purchase?

Federal law requires a background check on every sale by a licensed dealer, but no federal permit to purchase. Some states add a purchase permit, a firearm owner ID card or a safety certificate, which can add weeks before you can take home a rifle or a complete lower.

How many states restrict permits to purchase?

Nationwide by our review: 36 states: no permit; 4: some guns; 10: permit required.

More Minnesota gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the Minnesota statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.