Note to Firearms Permit Applicants and Issuing Agencies: The law regarding extreme risk protection orders (ERPO) becomes effective Jan. 1, 2024. The subject of an ERPO is prohibited from possessing firearms. As a result, the BCA will update both the Permit to Carry and Permit to Purchase/Transfer forms on Jan. 1 to reflect this change in the law.
Under Minnesota law, handgun transfers involve any sale, gift, loan, assignment or other delivery to another person. If you possess a valid Minnesota permit to carry a handgun, that permit constitutes a permit to purchase. You don't need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.
Obtaining a Permit to Purchase/Transfer
Fill out a Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application/Receipt Permit to Purchase/Transfer. Submit the application to your local police chief, or if your municipality does not have a police department, to your county's sheriff. The law enforcement agency will conduct a series of background-related checks to assure you meet eligibility requirements established in state law.
Once those checks are complete, a one-year permit to purchase a handgun in Minnesota will be issued. If you are applying for a permit to transfer the law enforcement agency must notify you of its status within thirty days of receipt.
Private Party Transfer
Use the Private Party Transfer Form when transferring a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon between two private parties without a federal firearms dealer.
Semi-Automatic Military-Style Assault Weapons
Minnesota Statutes, section 624.712, subdivision 8, requires the BCA to publish annually a list of firearms included within the definition of “semiautomatic military-style assault weapon."
List of Semi-Automatic Military-Style Assault Weapons
