Gun Permits

Instructions

All Blue Earth County residents who want to apply for a permit to carry a handgun must do so in person through the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office processes Permits to Purchase for the residents of rural Blue Earth County, including the cities of Amboy, Vernon Center, Eagle Lake, Good Thunder, Lake Crystal, Madison Lake and Mapleton. Residents who live in the city limits of Mankato need to apply for permits to purchase in person to the Mankato Police Department located at 710 South Front St in Mankato, MN.

Applications for both permits to purchase and permits to carry are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (excluding holidays) at the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office (401 Carver Rd, Mankato, MN 56001)

Permit to Carry

Applicants must:
  • Apply in person
  • Be at least 21 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Provide:
    • Original photo identification
    • Current address (matching the address submitted identification)
    • Original certificate of firearms training by a Minnesota certified instructor (including fundamentals of pistol use, actual shooting qualification exercise, and the instruction in the fundamental legal aspects of pistol possession, carry and use together with self-defense and restrictions on use of deadly force (MN statute 624.714, sub. 2a)
    • A $100 non refundable fee.
  • Submit a completed state application with the required documents
In addition, applicants must not be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

A person who is otherwise ineligible for a permit due to a criminal conviction but who has obtained a pardon or expungement setting aside the conviction, sealing the conviction, or otherwise restoring applicable rights must submit a copy of the relevant order when applying. 

Reciprocity of Your MN Carry Permit

Permits issued in Minnesota are valid throughout Minnesota. Minnesota law requires that states must have substantially similar standards in order to be granted permit to carry reciprocity. If you plan to visit another state and wish to carry a firearm while traveling, you should contact that state prior to traveling. Most states have web pages dedicated to the subject of handgun carry permits. View a list of states with permits valid and not in Minnesota maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Renewal of Permits / Change of Address / Lost or Destroyed Permits

Permits to carry are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Permit holders can renew permits at the Sheriff’s Office within 90 days of the expiration date of the current permit. Permit holders must present proof that you have retaken the approved firearms training within one year of the date of renewal. Fees may apply.

Within 30 days after changing a permanent address, or within 30 days of having lost or destroyed the permit card, the permit holder must notify the issuing Sheriff’s Office of the change, loss, or destruction. If card is lost or destroyed, permit holder must provide a notarized statement that the card has been lost or destroyed. Fees may apply. Failure to provide notification as required is a petty misdemeanor.

Emergency Permit to Carry

Emergency permits may be issued by the Sheriff if it is determined that the individual is in an emergency situation that may constitute an immediate risk to the safety of the applicant or someone residing in the applicant’s household.

Conceal and Carry

Although this law is frequently referred to as the “conceal and carry law”, Minnesota law does not require you to conceal the handgun when you carry it. Discretion is advised, however. A handgun in plain sight can intimidate and infuriate. Conversely, a concealed handgun can provide protection without the negative connotations often associated with firearms.

Permit to Purchase or Transfer a Firearm

Under Minnesota law, handgun transfers involve any sale, gift, loan, assignment or other delivery to another person. If you possess a valid permit to carry a handgun, that permit constitutes a permit to purchase. You don’t need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.

Applicants Must

  • Appear in person
  • Be 18 years old to possess a handgun or military-style assault weapon (Federal law requires you to be 21 years old to acquire handguns from licensed dealers
  • Pay applicable fees
  • Fully complete a state application
The law enforcement agency to which you applied will conduct a series of background-related checks to assure you meet the eligibility requirements established in state law. Once those checks are complete, a permit will be issued that is valid for one year and may be used to purchase a handgun statewide. View a list of statutes outlining restrictions.

A person who is otherwise ineligible for a permit due to a criminal conviction but who has obtained a pardon or expungement setting aside the conviction, sealing the conviction, or otherwise restoring applicable rights, must submit a copy of the relevant order when applying.

Additional Information

For additional information, visit the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website or contact the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office Records Division at (507) 304-4814