Each year, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) releases the state’s firearms Permit to Carry Annual Report. At first glance, it’s a document filled with tables, totals and statewide trends. 

Discussions about firearms can generate strong opinions, but clear data can help inform the conversation. 

Because behind every number in the report is a person. 

In 2025, tens of thousands of Minnesotans applied for permits to carry firearms through their local sheriff’s offices — completing required training, submitting paperwork and going through the background check process established under Minnesota law.  

Sheriff’s office staff across the state carefully review each application. Background checks are conducted using state and federal systems to determine whether an applicant is legally eligible to receive a permit. These steps are designed to help ensure that permits are issued only to individuals who meet Minnesota’s legal requirements, and also to ensure that every eligible applicant is able to receive a permit. 

Once sheriff’s personnel complete their work, the data becomes part of the larger statewide picture. 

The BCA collects and compiles information from counties across Minnesota and publishes the statewide report each year. The report helps Minnesotans understand how the system is working and gives them insight into permit trends across the state.  Minnesota law keeps the identities of people with firearm carry permits private, so the data is shared only as totals — usually for the whole state or by county. It’s important to note that the report does not include permits to purchase firearms. Under federal law, states are not allowed to collect or maintain data on individuals who obtain permits to purchase, including summary-level information. 

The report also tracks situations where permit holders later become disqualified due to criminal convictions or other legal prohibitions. Monitoring this information helps law enforcement agencies maintain accurate records and respond effectively when situations involving firearms arise. In recent years, this has included data on permits revoked following the issuance of an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), offering additional insight into how legal interventions affect permit status. 

While the report focuses on data, it reflects the work of many people, including local staff reviewing applications, analysts compiling information and community members navigating the permitting process. 

Behind every statistic in the report is a person — an applicant, a sheriff’s office staff member reviewing paperwork or an analyst compiling data that helps inform the public. 

By sharing the data each year, the BCA helps ensure Minnesotans have access to information about how the permit process functions statewide. 

Because ultimately, the report isn’t just about statistics. 

It’s about the people behind them and the shared goal of maintaining safe and responsible communities across Minnesota.