BCA: You must be 21 to get a pistol permit
Aug. 22, 2024
While Minnesota's permit-to-carry gun law is challenged in the U.S. Judicial System, it can be hard to figure out what's legal and what's not. That's why our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is working with law enforcement and attorneys to spread the word: For the time being, 18- to 20-year-olds will not be able to get a Minnesota permit to carry a pistol.
Earlier this summer, a three-judge panel for the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court ruling that found Minnesota's ban on carry permits for 18-to 20-year-olds unconstitutional. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a petition for rehearing to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on July 30, asking the full court to review that decision. During the appeal process, the current state law prohibiting those under 21 from being issued permits remains in effect.
What happens next?
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will rule on the petition for rehearing. If the petition is granted, there will be additional proceedings and the law will remain in effect. If the court denies the petition, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office may still petition the United States Supreme Court.
What does this mean for you?
All of this means that if you want to obtain or renew a permit to carry a pistol in Minnesota right now, you must apply for a permit from your local county sheriff's office in person and meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Complete an application form.
- Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota Statute 624.714.
- Not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system.
- Live in the county from which you are requesting a permit, if you live in Minnesota. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
- Provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training. Training by a certified instructor must be completed within one year of an original or renewal application. (624.714, Subd. 2a).
State law requires sheriffs to follow an approval process, checking state and federal records, as well as their own data, for any disqualifying information. If you are denied a permit, you have the right to appeal the denial. If you have questions on the permitting process, our BCA has a list of frequently asked questions here.
