Permit to purchase a gun or other firearm

To purchase a gun or other firearm, you must get a permit. You can file a permit with:

• The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) Licensing Division
• A dealer when purchasing a gun or other firearm

We require a background check

• A background check is part of the permit process to buy a gun or other firearm.
• You can contact the Licensing Division to ask about the status of your background check.

Rules and restrictions

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) explains the permit process and rules.

See Permit to Purchase/Transfer

To apply for a permit to purchase

You can apply in-person at the City of Minneapolis Service Center or by mail. 

• Download and complete an application form from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
• Make a copy of one of the four accepted official forms of identification:
  • Minnesota Driver's License
  • Minnesota Identification Card
  • United States Military Identification Card
  • Passport

You may submit:

• By mailing the completed application with a copy of one of the acceptable forms of identification to the Licensing Division
• In-person at the City of Minneapolis Service Center. 

 Visit the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension site and download the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application Form. 

Transfer gun ownership

MPD must issue a permit or deny within 30 days of receiving the application. 

The Minnesota state statute 624.7131 explains how they grant transferee permits.

Read more about transferee permits

Permit to carry

The Hennepin County Sherriff's Office issues all "conceal and carry" permits in Hennepin County.

Learn about permits to carry a handgun