Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our services.
Yes. Our Minnesota Permit to Carry training is fully approved by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and meets all state requirements for applying for your permit.
The minimum age to apply for a Minnesota Permit to Carry is 18 years old. However, our company policy requires students to be 21 or older, with exceptions for active military personnel or individuals attending the class with a parent.
The length of a Minnesota Permit to Carry class can vary depending on the training provider. Many courses take 3–5 hours or more, depending on how they are structured. Our class is designed to be the fastest option in Minnesota.
Our online course includes a 1-hour video, followed by a brief in-person live fire qualification (required), typically completed in 15 minutes (no more than 30 minutes).
Our in-person class is 2 hours total, including a 1-hour course presentation and the required live fire qualification.
We focus on efficient, state-required training — so you can complete your training quickly without unnecessary time.
The total cost is $99.95 plus tax for both our online and in-person classes. This all-inclusive price means no extra fees — firearm use, ammunition, and eye/ear protection are all included.
All classes are held in St. Paul at Joe’s Gun Shop inside Joe’s Sporting Goods. Both the classroom instruction and live fire qualification are completed at this location for a convenient, all-in-one experience.
All training and live fire qualifications are completed at this location — we do not use outside ranges or partner instructors.
No experience is required. Our course is designed for all skill levels, including beginners. We provide everything you need and guide you through each step of the process.
You can sign up online in just a few minutes.
For in-person classes, simply choose a date and complete your registration — you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.
For the online course, enroll and complete the 1-hour video. In the final module, you’ll schedule your required live fire qualification by selecting a date and registering. You’ll then receive a confirmation email for your live fire session.
No, we do not accept cash payments. All class registrations and payments must be completed online. If you need assistance, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
The State of Minnesota doesn’t require a written exam; therefore, neither do we. The only requirement is the successful completion of a shooting qualification exercise. You can read the state statutes if you’d like, or you can take our word for it!
We require that students have the ability to demonstrate safe handling and use of a firearm. Your instructor will ensure that you have what you need to do this.
Please remember to bring a valid form of identification and wear closed-toe shoes for safety purposes.
Absolutely! We provide a .22 caliber Glock or Beretta pistol for your use during the live fire qualification, at no extra charge.
To ensure the efficiency and safety of the class, students are required to use the provided firearm and should not bring their own.
After receiving your certificate of completion from a Minnesota BCA-approved instructor, you’ll need to fill out the MN permit to carry application. Then, simply apply in person at the sheriff’s office of the county where you reside. If you’re not a resident of Minnesota, you can apply at any county Sheriff’s office. View more details on how to apply.
The application can be found here.
The Minnesota Permit to Carry is good for 5 years.
To renew your permit, you’ll need to complete the same permit to carry training course as first-time applicants. Renewals can be done up to 90 days before the expiration date. Applying within this timeframe qualifies you for a discounted rate at the Sheriff’s office.