By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Maddy Teka, Esq. | Last updated June 30, 2021
The federal government provides a few basic regulations on firearms, particularly with respect to interstate commerce. For instance, federal law prohibits certain individuals -- such as drug addicts or violent criminals from owning guns, while banning fully automatic firearms from personal use. Typically, state gun laws provide additional regulations, such as waiting periods, registration requirements, and restrictions on who may not own a firearm.
Minnesota law requires purchasers of handguns and military assault-style rifles to present either a handgun transferee permit or carry permit or undergo a seven-day waiting period. Applicants for a gun permit in Minnesota (or those subject to a waiting period) must undergo a criminal background check through the Minnesota Crime Information System and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Additional details about Minnesota's gun control laws can be found in the following table.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
Minnesota's gun control laws can be found in Minnesota Statutes:
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following are illegal to possess:
|
Waiting Period |
There is a 7-day waiting period for handguns and military assault-style rifles. |
Who May Not Own |
|
License Required? |
Minnesota requires a permit to carry. This permit also allows you to purchase a gun. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
If you have a permit to carry, you can conceal carry in Minnesota. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Yes, but you need a Minnesota permit to carry or a permit from a state Minnesota recognizes. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
To qualify for a permit to carry, you must:
|
Machine Gun Laws |
Owning, possessing, or operating a machine gun is illegal in Minnesota. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
Illegal possession of a gun on school grounds is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you have been charged with a gun-related crime in Minnesota or want to ensure your firearm complies with Minnesota law, it's a good idea to get in touch with a local criminal defense attorney to get personalized legal advice.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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