On May 24, 2005, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed legislation into law reinstating the 2003 Minnesota Personal Protection Act. Therefore, effective immediately, all Hennepin County residents who want to apply for a permit to carry a handgun must do so through the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office accepts applications Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Suite 600 of the Grain Exchange building, located at 400 South 4th Street in downtown Minneapolis.

The process for applying for a new or renewing an existing Permit to Carry a Pistol in the State of Minnesota in Hennepin County is as follows (MN Statute 624.714):

  • The applicant must appear in person and apply in the county in which they reside. Out of state residents can apply at any sheriff’s office.
  • The applicant must have taken an authorized firearms training course within one year prior to the application.
  • The applicant must present a completed application, signed and dated on the date presented. The application is available to be downloaded at:
    http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/Forms/Documents/CarryApplication100106.pdf
  • The applicant must present the original certificate of completed authorized firearms training along with a legible copy. Applicant must also present a current, valid driver’s license, state identification card or the photo page of their passport along with a legible copy. If using a passport, proof of current residency must be provided along with a legible copy. If renewing, the current permit along with a legible copy must be presented.
  • Cash, check or money orders are accepted. No credit, or debit cash cards. The fee for a new permit is $100.00, a renewal is $75.00.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has the following guidelines for the renewal of a Permit to Carry a Pistol in the State of Minnesota (MN Statute 624.714):

  • Any 5 year permit expires at 12:00 A.M. midnight, on the date of expiration shown on the permit.
  • The applicant must appear in person and renew in the county in which they reside. Out of state residents can renew at any sheriff’s office.
  • When renewing a permit, applicants must present evidence that they have received approved training in the safe use of a pistol within one year prior to the date of the renewal application.
  • A permit can be renewed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit. The renewal gun permit fee will be $75.00.
  • After the expiration date, but within 30 days after the expiration, the permit can still be renewed by paying an additional late fee of $10.00. During this time the old permit is not valid and you will not be able to carry until after you receive your renewal permit.
  • 31 days after expiration the old permit can no longer be renewed. An application will have to be submitted for a new gun permit. The gun permit fee will then be $100.00.

Applicants are reminded that the Sheriff’s Office has 30 days to process and mail a permit or to deny the application.

Information on how to obtain a permit to carry a pistol in the state of Minnesota as well as a list of authorized instructors, frequently asked questions and a copy of MN Statute 624.714 can be downloaded at:

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/CJIS/documents/carrypermit/permittocarry.html

Change of Personal Information

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office processes all changes of name or address for all permits issued by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office through the expiration date of the permit.

 To update information in person:  To update information by mail:

The application for information change can be done in person.  Applicant must present their current permit and current, valid identification reflecting the new information and fill out page 1 of the application form. The fee for the updated permit is $10.00.  Applicant will be provided with a temporary permit/receipt.  We are located at:

400 South 4th Street
Suite 600
Grain Exchange
Minneapolis, MN  55415

The application for information change may also be completed by mail.  Applicant must complete, sign and mail in page 1 of the application along with their current permit and a copy of their current, valid identification reflecting the new information.  Mail these items along with a check made payable to HCSO in the amount of $10.00 to:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Permit to Carry
400 South 4th Street
Suite 600
Grain Exchange
Minneapolis, MN  55415

Replacement of Lost/Stolen Permit Cards

In the case of a lost or stolen handgun-carry permit, a duplicate permit may be obtained for a fee of $10.00. The application for a duplicate permit must be presented in person at:

400 South 4th Street
Suite 600
Grain Exchange
Minneapolis, MN  55415

Contact Information

sheriff.gunpermit@co.hennepin.mn.us
Permit Hotline at (612) 348-8008.