Lesson 7.1: Federal Facilities and Postal Property
Purpose of This Lesson
A Minnesota Permit to Carry does not override federal law.
This lesson explains the basic restrictions that apply to federal facilities and postal property.
Federal Facilities
Under 18 U.S.C. 930, a person generally may not knowingly possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a federal facility unless an exception applies.
A federal facility means a building, or part of a building, owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees are regularly present for official duties.
This can include federal offices, federal agency buildings, Social Security offices, federal courthouses, and other federal workspaces.
Federal Courthouses
Federal court facilities receive separate treatment under 18 U.S.C. 930.
Do not carry a firearm into a federal court facility unless you are clearly authorized by law.
A federal courthouse is not the place to guess.
Notice Does Not Mean Permission
Federal law requires firearm restriction notices to be posted at public entrances.
That does not mean missing, unclear, or overlooked signage should be treated as permission to carry.
If you know or have reason to know the location is a federal facility, treat it as restricted.
Postal Property
Postal property has its own rule.
Under 39 C.F.R. 232.1, firearms and other dangerous or deadly weapons may not be carried or stored on postal property except for official purposes.
That restriction is not limited to the customer counter or lobby. Postal property can include parking lots, driveways, walkways, and other areas under Postal Service control.
Do not assume leaving the firearm in the vehicle solves the problem on postal property.
Davey Defense Standard
At Davey Defense, students are taught to plan before arriving.
If the destination is a federal facility or postal property, secure the firearm lawfully before you get there or leave it at home.
Do not rely on your Minnesota permit. Do not rely on habit. Do not guess at the door.