What are the requirements to get a Permit to Carry?

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must complete an application form
  • Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Minnesota Statute 624.714
  • Must not be listed in the criminal gang investigation system
  • Must be a resident of the county from which you are requesting a permit, if you reside in Minnesota. Non-residents may apply to any Minnesota county sheriff.
  • Must provide certificate of completed authorized firearms training. Training by a certified instructor must be completed within one year of an original or renewal application.

Does Aphys have certified instructors to issue authorized firearms training?

Yes. All Instructors here at Aphys are certified to issue authorized firearms training as required by law, and are certified by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Who can take the Permit to Carry Class?

Anyone may take the class including those who reside in other states and foreign nationals. However, you must meet certain state requirements to receive your permit. The requirements are that you must be at least 21, a permanent U.S. resident and pass several background checks.

How do I get my Minnesota permit?

Minnesota residents: Upon successfully completing the Permit to Carry course you will be issued a certificate. Bring this certificate, a printed Permit to Carry application, and $100 cash to the Sheriff’s Office in the county you live in. Click here for a list of Sheriff’s Office locations.

Non-Minnesota residents: Upon successfully completing the Permit to Carry course you will be issued a certificate. Bring this certificate, a printed Permit to Carry application, and $100 cash to any Minnesota Sheriff’s Office. Click here for a list of Sheriff’s Office locations.

What should I bring to class?

Your state issued identification and firearm with 40 rounds of ammunition.

I don’t own a gun, can I use one of yours?

Yes. We will ask for an additional $10 to rent the gun plus the cost of ammunition.

Can I take the class if I have never shot a gun before?

Absolutely! The educational portion of the course is very informative, and the hand-on section is extremely easy to follow along. You will leave this course knowing the safety fundamentals and proper handling of a pistol.

How long is a Minnesota Permit to Carry valid for?

5 years. You can renew your permit up to 1 year before it expires, and up to 90 days past the expiration; however, you cannot legally carry a firearm during the 90 day period. Contact us within the 1 year deadline to renew your permit to carry.

My permit to carry expired, or is about to expire, and I already took a permit to carry course. Do I still have to take this course to renew my permit to carry?

Yes. State law requires that you go through the permit to carry course every 5 years, and resubmit a Permit to Carry application. The good news is that the renewal fee at the Sheriff’s Office is usually much cheaper for renewal that an original filing.

Can I fail the course?

The only way to fail the course is to intentionally violate a safety rule, place another persons safety at risk, or to horrendously fail the hands-on shooting portion.

I have some friends, family, or colleagues that want to take the course with me. If I host, will you come to me?

This course has been taught at various locations such as fire departments, military installations, family owned farms, private residences, and public gun ranges. Please contact us so we can get more information.

Where can I find the Minnesota laws on Permit to Carry?

The Minnesota Personal Protection Act can be found at the Minnesota Office of Revisor of Statutes.