Resources · How to Apply
How to apply for your Minnesota Permit to Carry
Finished your training? Use this guide to prepare to apply at your county sheriff’s office.
Last updated: November 2026
After completing training, gather your certificate of completion, application form, and photo ID. Submit your application in person to the appropriate Minnesota county sheriff’s office.
What you need to apply
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Your certificate of completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you must first complete the required classroom instruction and live fire qualification. Your instructor will issue the certificate after you successfully complete the live fire portion.
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A completed application
You must complete the Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol application and submit it in person at your county sheriff’s office. Some county sheriff’s offices may provide printed copies of the application on-site.
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Apply in person
With your certificate of completion and completed application, you must apply in person at the sheriff’s office in your county of residence. Non-residents of Minnesota may apply at any county sheriff’s office. Visit your county sheriff’s website for specific application details, as an appointment may be required.
Find your county sheriff’s office
Use your county’s official website to confirm the application location and whether you need an appointment.
- Anoka
- Benton
- Carver
- Chisago
- Dakota
- Goodhue
- Hennepin
- Isanti
- Le Sueur
- Mille Lacs
- Pine
- Ramsey
- Rice
- Scott
- Sherburne
- Stearns
- Steele
- Wabasha
- Washington
- Wright
View more Minnesota counties
- Aitkin
- Becker
- Beltrami
- Big Stone
- Blue Earth
- Brown
- Carlton
- Cass
- Chippewa
- Clay
- Clearwater
- Cook
- Cottonwood
- Crow Wing
- Dodge
- Douglas
- Faribault
- Fillmore
- Freeborn
- Grant
- Houston
- Hubbard
- Itasca
- Jackson
- Kanabec
- Kandiyohi
- Kittson
- Koochiching
- Lac qui Parle
- Lake
- Lake of the Woods
- Lincoln
- Lyon
- Mahnomen
- Marshall
- Martin
- McLeod
- Meeker
- Morrison
- Mower
- Murray
- Nicollet
- Nobles
- Norman
- Olmsted
- Otter Tail
- Pennington
- Pipestone
- Polk
- Pope
- Red Lake
- Redwood
- Renville
- Rock
- Roseau
- Sibley
- St. Louis
- Stevens
- Swift
- Todd
- Traverse
- Wadena
- Waseca
- Watonwan
- Wilkin
- Winona
- Yellow Medicine
Application fees and appointments
Application fees, payment methods, office hours, and appointment requirements can vary by county. Check your sheriff’s official website before visiting so you know what to expect.
Common questions
Do I submit my application online?
No. Minnesota law requires permit applications to be submitted in person to a sheriff’s office.
Can I apply at any county sheriff’s office?
Minnesota residents must apply in person at the sheriff’s office in the county they are residents of that specifically accepts permit to carry applications. Applicants who live outside Minnesota may apply at any Minnesota county sheriff’s office that accepts permit to carry applications.
Should I bring my original training certificate?
Yes. You must bring your original certificate of completion with you to submit along with your completed application.