Lesson 5.2: What a Minnesota Permit Allows and Does Not Allow
Purpose of This Lesson
A Minnesota Permit to Carry allows a qualified permit holder to carry a pistol in public under Minnesota law.
This lesson explains what the permit does, what it does not do, and why judgment still matters.
What the Permit Allows
Under Minnesota Statute 624.714, subdivision 1a, a permit is required to carry, hold, possess, or otherwise control a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile, boat, on or about the person’s clothes or person, or in a public place, unless an exception applies.
A Minnesota Permit to Carry is effective throughout the state where carry is not otherwise restricted by state law, federal law, court order, private property rules, or other legal restrictions.
Open Carry and Concealed Carry
Minnesota issues a Permit to Carry, not a separate concealed carry permit.
Where lawful, a permit holder may carry a pistol openly or concealed. That does not mean open carry is always wise.
Public reaction, law enforcement response, private property rules, tactical concerns, and judgment all matter.
What the Permit Does Not Do
A permit to carry does not give unlimited authority.
It does not allow a person to ignore restricted locations, override federal law, act as law enforcement, handle firearms recklessly, threaten people, intimidate others, or use force unlawfully.
A permit is legal authority to carry. It is not permission to act foolishly.
Permit and Identification
Under Minnesota Statute 624.714, subdivision 1b, a permit holder must have the permit card and a government issued photo identification in immediate possession when carrying a pistol.
Upon lawful demand by a peace officer, the permit holder must display the permit card and identification.
Upon request of a peace officer, the permit holder must disclose whether or not the permit holder is currently carrying a firearm.
Number of Pistols
Under Minnesota Statute 624.714, subdivision 11, a person shall not be restricted as to the number of pistols the person may carry.
That does not remove the responsibility to carry safely, control the firearm, and comply with the law.
Davey Defense Standard
A permit allows lawful carry. It does not replace judgment, restraint, awareness, training, or knowledge of the law.
Know what the permit allows. Know what it does not allow. Carry accordingly.