Important Minnesota firearms law updates for permit holders
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As part of my responsibility to students, I want to highlight Minnesota firearms law changes that directly affect everyday gun owners and permit holders. This is not political commentary. This is practical guidance so you can avoid serious legal trouble after class.
Laws change. Ignorance is not a defense. Staying informed is part of being a responsible permit holder.
0. Red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Orders), effective January 1, 2024
Minnesota’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law took effect on January 1, 2024 and remains in effect today.
This law allows law enforcement and certain family or household members to petition a court for an order that temporarily prohibits a person from purchasing or possessing firearms during a crisis period. If granted, the court can require surrender of firearms for the duration of the order.
Practical takeaway for students: this is a court order process. If an ERPO applies to you, it is enforceable. This is not advisory language, and it is not optional.
Minnesota DPS overview of ERPOs
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Documents/ERPO-fact-sheet.pdf
1. Straw purchases are now a felony
Buying a firearm for someone who is prohibited from possessing one has always been illegal. What changed is how the state proves it.
Under current Minnesota law, prosecutors no longer have to prove that you knew the person was prohibited. They only need to show that a reasonable person should have known.
This is a major shift.
What this means in plain language
- If the firearm is not for you, do not buy it.
- If someone gives you money and tells you what to buy, do not do it.
- If someone cannot pass a background check and asks for help, walk away.
- “I did not ask” or “I was just helping” is no longer a defense.
This applies even if the person is a friend, partner, or family member.
Minnesota Statute 624.713, Prohibited persons, transfers, and possession
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.713
2. Binary trigger ban status update
Minnesota passed a law banning binary triggers effective January 1, 2025. That law is currently not enforceable due to a court ruling.
The law was struck down not on Second Amendment grounds, but because of how it was passed. The court ruled that placing a firearms ban inside a large omnibus bill violated the Minnesota Constitution’s single subject requirement.
Current status
- Enforcement is blocked by a permanent injunction.
- Possession is not enforceable at this time.
- The Minnesota Attorney General has appealed the ruling.
- The issue is not settled and could return in a corrected form.
Do not assume this issue is permanently resolved.
Minnesota Statute 609.67, Dangerous weapons and trigger activator definitions
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/609.67/pdf
Court ruling coverage for context
https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/08/18/judge-strikes-down-minnesotas-binary-trigger-ban-suggests-invalidating-2024-omnibus-bill/
3. Permit to Carry eligibility for 18 to 20 year olds, effective 2025
As of April 21, 2025, Minnesota can no longer enforce the prior age restriction that prevented 18 to 20 year olds from obtaining a Permit to Carry.
The current BCA approved directive is to process qualified 18 to 20 year old applicants the same as any other applicant. This applies to training, application, and issuance.
Applicants must still meet all other statutory requirements. This change only affects age eligibility.
Local sheriff offices control processing timelines and administrative procedures.
4. Permit to Purchase vs Permit to Carry, what is actually required
A Permit to Carry is not required to purchase a handgun in Minnesota.
What is required for many handgun purchases and transfers is either:
- A Permit to Purchase, or
- A Permit to Carry, since a carry permit also serves as a purchase permit.
This distinction matters, especially for first time gun owners and private party transfers.
Minnesota BCA firearms permit information
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/firearms.aspx
5. Cannabis use and Permit to Carry application language
Minnesota law now explicitly states that a sheriff may not deny a Permit to Carry solely because an applicant is enrolled in the medical cannabis registry or because a person 21 or older lawfully uses adult use cannabis products.
This language was added to clarify one specific reason that cannot be used as the sole basis for denial.
Important clarification for students:
- This does not override federal law.
- This does not permit carrying while impaired.
- This does not remove other statutory disqualifiers.
Minnesota Statute 624.714, Permit to Carry eligibility language
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/624.714
Instructor guidance
Your permit does not protect you from bad decisions. Good intentions do not override statutory language. “If I had known” does not matter when the standard is “should have known.”
If there is hesitation, the answer is no.
If you have questions about how a specific situation applies to you, consult a qualified firearms attorney. Do not rely on social media posts, group pages, or secondhand advice.
Responsible gun ownership includes understanding the law.