Gun laws vary widely from state to state, and whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it’s important to understand these laws before carrying a firearm in a certain state. In Minnesota, open carrying of a firearm is legal as long as the person has a permit. However, there are exceptions and related regulations.
The following are fundamental questions and answers about Minnesota’s open carry laws. If you have a specific legal concern regarding firearm possession, don’t hesitate to speak with a lawyer who’s familiar with Minnesota gun laws.
Can you openly carry a firearm in Minnesota?
Yes, you can openly carry a firearm in Minnesota as long as:
- you have a valid Permit to Carry
- you are not in a prohibited place (prohibited places include schools, daycare centers, courthouses, private properties banning firearms, prisons, and state-owned properties)
- the firearm is a handgun, not a rifle, shotgun, or automatic weapon.
Do you need a separate permit to openly carry a gun in Minnesota?
If you already have a valid Permit to Carry, you do not need a separate permit to open-carry a gun in MN. The law does not have a specific requirement to conceal guns being carried in public.
Can you open-carry in Minnesota without a permit?
No, you generally cannot open-carry a firearm in Minnesota without a permit. However, Minnesota is a “shall-issue” state, which means if you meet all the requirements in your permit application, the county or sheriff’s department must issue you the permit. This permit will then be valid for both concealed and open carry.
There are a few exceptions to the need for a permit. You don’t need a Permit to Carry if you are keeping the firearm within your home or place of business, or are specifically transporting the firearm from one place to another.
Can you carry a gun in your car in Minnesota?
Yes, you can legally carry a gun in your vehicle in Minnesota, as long as you have a valid Permit to Carry. If the gun is not licensed, you are additionally required to keep it unloaded and concealed in a fastened gun case or in your vehicle’s trunk.
Does a gun need to be cased in Minnesota?
A gun or firearm needs to be cased or contained in Minnesota if it is being transported in a motor vehicle. The container can be:
- A gun case that’s specifically made for this purpose and is buckled, snapped, tied, zipped, or otherwise fastened, OR
- The closed trunk of the motor vehicle.
Minnesota law has no stipulation requiring the gun case to be locked.
An exception to this gun case requirement is if the gun is at a shooting range or being transported for lawful hunting. This exception applies to most of Minnesota except:
- in Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties
- in cities with a population of 2,500 or more
- on school grounds.
Is it a crime to carry a gun without permit in Minnesota?
Yes, it’s a crime to carry a firearm without a Permit to Carry in Minnesota. Under Minnesota Statute 624.714, a first-time violation of this is a gross misdemeanor. If the person has a prior conviction, the charge rises to a felony.
Contact Gun Law Defense Attorney Jeff Dean
If you have been accused of a gun crime, or if your possession of a firearm complicates or enhances a criminal charge, call an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Attorney Jeff Dean has over 26 years of experience in Minnesota criminal defense. He has protected the freedom of numerous clients via dismissed cases, lowered charges, and acquittals.
Talk to Jeff Dean about the gun-related charges you’re facing. Call (612) 805-6916 today.
