Davey Defense LLC

Category: Blog Post

  • Public Data Request: MN Permit to Carry Fee & Discount Information

    As part of Davey Defense’s commitment to public education and transparency, we’ve reached out to all 87 Minnesota county sheriff departments requesting updated Permit to Carry fee information — including whether they offer discounts for veterans or first responders.

    Below is the full message sent to each department:



    Subject: Permit to Carry Fees – Veterans/First Responder Discount Review

    Dear Sheriff [Last Name] or Administrative Staff,

    My name is John Davey, and I represent Davey Defense LLC, a certified Minnesota firearms training organization serving students across the state. As part of our commitment to public education and civic transparency, we have compiled and published current Permit to Carry fee information for all 87 Minnesota counties — including whether discounts are offered to veterans and first responders.

    You may view the compiled listing here:
    👉 View County Fee Data Table

    We extend our sincere appreciation to the many county offices that responded professionally and courteously during this effort — and to those that offer discounted fees as a tangible show of support for veterans and first responders. These policies not only reduce financial barriers, but also send a strong message of gratitude to individuals who have dedicated themselves to the greater good of our communities.

    To help ensure this public resource remains accurate and up to date, we kindly ask departments to confirm or provide the following:

    • The best contact email for your department regarding permit-related inquiries
    • The URL for your official sheriff’s or permit department page
    • A direct link to the section of your site that outlines Permit to Carry information and associated fees

    We respectfully encourage counties that do not currently offer veteran or first responder discounts to consider doing so. As you are aware, under MN Statute § 624.714, Subd. 3 , counties have the authority to set Permit to Carry fees up to a maximum of $100. Many counties have used this flexibility to recognize those who have served in military or emergency roles.

    Thank you for your service and ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of your community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if clarification or updates are needed.

    John Davey
    Owner, Davey Defense LLC
    📧 [email protected]
    📱 507-276-8484
    🌐 https://dev.daveydefense.com

    A digital version of my business card was included with each correspondence for reference

    We will continue to update the database as new responses are received. For questions, corrections, or to submit updated information, please contact us via the email listed above or the site’s contact page.

    Last updated: June 8, 2025

    Related Resources:

  • Minnesota firearms law updates for permit holders

    Minnesota firearms law updates for permit holders

    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.